Project Reference: 2024-2-IE01-KA152-YOU-000258443
Status: Completed
Duration: August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2026
EU Grant: 37,543 EUR
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Strategic Partnerships for Youth
Countries Involved: Ireland, Italy
Background
The project Ireland 2 Italy was created to support young people from different social and cultural backgrounds, especially those facing disadvantages. The project focused on inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities. It brought together young people from Ireland and Italy to help them build confidence, improve social skills, and learn from each other through international mobility and intercultural exchange.
Objectives
The main goal of the project was to create a safe and supportive environment where all participants felt respected and included. The exchange aimed to break down social, cultural, and geographic barriers while promoting understanding between young people from different communities. Another important objective was to strengthen communication, teamwork, leadership, and emotional resilience through practical activities and shared experiences.
Implementation
The project included two international youth exchanges. The first exchange took place in Achill, Ireland, and focused on outdoor activities, team building, and emotional awareness. Participants joined activities such as hiking, surfing, kayaking, and youth-led workshops about inclusion and diversity.
The second exchange was organised in Cuneo, Italy, and focused more on intercultural learning and European citizenship. Young people participated in cultural visits, discussions, leadership workshops, and group decision-making activities. These experiences helped participants better understand different cultures and social realities.
Participants and Activities
The project involved 20 young people and 4 youth workers from Ireland and Italy. The Irish group included young people from marginalised backgrounds, including rural youth, Traveller youth, LGBTI+ participants, and care-experienced young people. The Italian group added further cultural diversity and international perspectives.
Activities were designed to encourage cooperation, dialogue, and active participation. Young people worked together in mixed international groups, shared personal experiences, and developed practical ideas for community involvement and future projects.
Results and Impact
The project had a strong positive impact on participants. Many young people became more confident and improved their communication and leadership skills. Participants also developed stronger social connections and built lasting international friendships.
One of the most important results was that participants became more active and motivated to create their own youth initiatives. Several young people even developed ideas for future exchanges and community projects. The experience also increased their understanding of Erasmus+ opportunities and encouraged further international participation.
Conclusion
Ireland 2 Italy showed how youth exchanges can support inclusion, personal development, and intercultural understanding. The project helped young people overcome barriers, discover new opportunities, and feel more connected to Europe and their communities. Through teamwork, dialogue, and shared experiences, participants gained valuable skills that can support them in education, employment, and active citizenship in the future.