Addressing Youth Challenges in Southern Europe
The Ni-Ni and Yo-Yo project was developed to tackle the challenges faced by young people in Southern European social welfare systems. It aimed to create a systematic approach through research, education, and awareness-raising activities, addressing key issues such as low educational attainment, high NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates, and prolonged dependency on family support.
Project Overview
- Project Reference: 2021-1-ES02-KA220-YOU-000029252
- Status: Completed
- Duration: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2024
- EU Grant: €184,971
- Programme: Erasmus+
- Countries Involved: 5
- Website: Ni-Ni and Yo-Yo Project
- Key Topics: Youth policy development, social welfare, inclusion of marginalized youth
A Systematic Approach to Youth Welfare
The project sought to increase awareness of youth rights and provide tools for youth workers to educate the public and policymakers. By engaging with young people directly, Ni-Ni and Yo-Yo promoted advocacy for social rights and highlighted systemic barriers affecting youth in Southern Europe.
Key Objectives
The project was designed to enhance the capacity of youth NGOs and policymakers by focusing on four critical areas: housing, education, employment, and health rights. The specific objectives included:
- Analyzing youth trajectories and the impact of social welfare policies in Southern Europe.
- Developing a policy paper as a guide for governments on youth rights and social inclusion.
- Understanding the root causes of NEET status and offering guidance for youth workers to reach and support these individuals.
- Enhancing youth workers’ skills to address marginalization and promote active youth citizenship.
Implementation and Activities
Ni-Ni and Yo-Yo was structured around a series of transnational meetings and training sessions, ensuring a collaborative and impactful approach:
Transnational Meetings
- Kick-Off Meeting – Alcala la Real, Spain (March 3-6, 2022)
- Mid-Term Meeting – Kozani, Greece (February 8-11, 2023)
- Evaluation Meeting – Alcala la Real, Spain (January 26-29, 2024)
Learning and Training Activities
- Human Rights of Youth Training – April 11-17, 2022
- Training of Trainers for Youth Workers – March 13-19, 2023
Additionally, five Multiplier Events were held between November and December 2023 to disseminate project results. The final event, an International Conference in Madrid, gathered 89 participants from across Europe to discuss youth policies and solutions.
Key Project Results
The project generated significant outputs available in English and local languages to increase awareness and create lasting impact:
- The Voices of Young People and Youth Trajectories in Southern Europe
- Five country-specific reports, a full comparative report, and 100 infographics.
- Human Rights for Youth: Methods for Youth Workers
- A guide for youth workers to promote youth rights and address exclusion.
- Stories from Young People in Southern Europe
- 20 interviews with young people, available in local languages with English subtitles.
Long-Term Impact and Engagement
Beyond the research and reports, Ni-Ni and Yo-Yo empowered 30 young people as project ambassadors, reaching wider audiences and engaging policymakers. Additionally, 20 youth workers were trained, enhancing their ability to support marginalized young people effectively.
By addressing youth welfare challenges holistically, Ni-Ni and Yo-Yo created a roadmap for future policy improvements, ensuring better opportunities for young people across Southern Europe.
For more information, visit Ni-Ni and Yo-Yo Project.
