WE CAN

"<< Background >>We applied for the ""WE CAN"" project to address the pressing need for social inclusion among young people with fewer opportunities, particularly those with migrant and refugee backgrounds. These groups often face significant challenges, including social exclusion, cultural isolation, and limited access to educational and developmental opportunities. The project aimed to tackle these issues by using creative arts as a powerful medium to foster social inclusion, build self-confidence, and promote intercultural understanding. By equipping youth workers with innovative tools and methodologies, the project sought to provide sustainable solutions for engaging marginalized youth and helping them integrate more effectively into their communities.<< Objectives >>The primary objectives of the ""WE CAN"" project were to promote social inclusion among young people with fewer opportunities, especially migrants and refugees, through the use of creative arts and creative mediums. We aimed to overcome inner prejudices and stereotypes by fostering intercultural understanding and empathy among participants. Additionally, the project sought to equip youth workers with new competences and skills, such as self-confidence, creativity, and open-mindedness, by providing them with practical tools and methodologies. Finally, we aimed to develop sustainable youth work solutions, including the creation of a booklet with training plans and teaching videos, to support ongoing efforts in promoting social inclusion.<< Implementation >>Kick-off Meeting in Lithuania focused on planning, assigning responsibilities, and setting the dates for local and international activities.Youth workers from each partner country participated in a transnational training session in Turkey where they shared and learned best practices on using creative arts for social inclusion. They also tested these practices locally with the involvement of migrants and refugees.Each partner country organized local training sessions to disseminate the skills and knowledge gained. These sessions targeted at least eight youth workers per country and included participation from local migrants and refugees.We created a booklet containing six training plans on how to use creative arts for social inclusion, along with three teaching videos. These resources were made available online to support youth workers and organizations.The project concluded with a final meeting in Belgium to present the developed resources, evaluate the project’s outcomes, and plan for dissemination activities.Throughout the project, we actively engaged in dissemination through social media, the project website, and collaboration with associated organizations to ensure the project’s impact reached a wide audience.<< Results >>We developed a comprehensive booklet containing six training plans on how to use creative arts and creative mediums for promoting social inclusion among young people, particularly those from migrant and refugee backgrounds.Three teaching videos were produced by the partner organizations, each demonstrating best practices in using creative arts for social inclusion. These videos serve as valuable resources for youth workers and organizations.We conducted one transnational training session in Turkey and three local training sessions in each partner country, resulting in the successful training of 12 youth workers transnationally and at least eight youth workers locally in each country.The project engaged young people with fewer opportunities, especially migrants and refugees, in creative arts initiatives that boosted their self-confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging. Youth workers gained skills and tools to promote social inclusion, which they can apply in their work with disadvantaged groups. The project also raised awareness of social inclusion through creative arts, reaching a broader audience via its website, social media, and local community efforts."