Overview and Background
The Mission Possible project (Project Reference: 2018-2-BE04-KA105-002350), funded by an Erasmus+ grant of €21,135, was implemented between August 1 and November 30, 2018. This youth mobility initiative, categorized under “Learning Mobility of Individuals,” brought together participants from eight countries: Belgium, Curaçao (Dutch Caribbean), Spain, Portugal, Georgia, Ukraine, France (Réunion), and Montenegro.
Designed in response to a growing need within the international youth project community, the initiative sought to improve the qualitative aspects of Youth Exchanges (YE). Despite the increasing number of NGOs involved in Erasmus+ activities, many struggled with issues of project quality. This program addressed that gap directly by offering a targeted training course for youth workers and leaders.
Project Objectives
The Mission Possible training course was not focused on technicalities such as application writing, but rather on the deeper pedagogical and qualitative aspects of Youth Exchanges. The primary objectives included:
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Strengthening knowledge and skills specifically related to the quality dimensions of youth projects.
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Providing youth workers and leaders with a clearer understanding of their roles as mentors and supporters.
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Introducing tools like Youthpass and methods for promoting intercultural learning.
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Exploring the broader philosophy and goals behind Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges.
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Supporting the creation of new project ideas that reflect the insights gained during the training.
In short, the training sought to empower participants to design and implement more meaningful, impactful, and participant-driven youth projects in the future.
Structure and Methodology
The training was held in Rustavi, Georgia, from September 10 to 15, 2018, and included 24 experienced youth workers and leaders. It combined two core elements: a training course and a partner-building activity.
The first component of the program emphasized reflection and knowledge-sharing. Participants discussed and analyzed critical elements such as active participation, intercultural learning, evaluation strategies, and impact measurement. These discussions were grounded in non-formal education and supported by theoretical references from tools like Compass and T-Kit.
The second part of the program focused on collaborative project development. Participants were encouraged to co-create new Youth Exchange proposals, using the concepts and methodologies explored earlier in the training. This applied learning model ensured that the knowledge gained was immediately translated into practical, forward-thinking action plans.
Expected and Achieved Impact
On Participants
Participants reported significant gains in their understanding of how to enhance the quality of youth projects. They left with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical tools and the confidence to implement more inclusive, reflective, and impactful exchanges in their own contexts. The training aimed to influence their attitudes, strengthen their facilitation abilities, and help them become more intentional in their work.
On Participating Organizations
The project facilitated the formation and strengthening of a transnational network of youth organizations. This network is expected to lead to the development of new youth exchange initiatives and a rethinking of the strategies and practices used by participating NGOs. In turn, this improved the organizations’ credibility with key stakeholders and positioned them as proactive contributors to the Erasmus+ program.
On Young People and Communities
A major goal of Mission Possible was to place young people at the heart of decision-making in both local and international projects. By training those who guide and mentor young people, the project indirectly supported youth-led initiatives and encouraged a more democratic and participatory approach within youth work. This ripple effect strengthens youth agency and civic engagement across communities.
Conclusion
Mission Possible stands out as a high-impact example of how training and capacity-building within youth organizations can lead to meaningful improvements in the quality and effectiveness of Youth Exchanges. By focusing on active participation, intercultural understanding, and collaborative project development, the initiative aligned with core values of Erasmus+ and set the stage for stronger, more inclusive youth work across Europe and beyond.
