Un savoir-faire durable

"<< Background >>We applied to address the dual social and environmental crisis affecting vulnerable youth in Europe. Post-pandemic, these young people (migrants, early school leavers, socially excluded) faced reduced opportunities while confronting climate challenges. Our goals were to: a) Provide practical skills (sustainable crafts, macramé) and theoretical knowledge (circular economy) to enhance employability; b) Foster social inclusion through Franco-Spanish exchanges for marginalized youth; c) Strengthen transnational cooperation between ADEMI (France) and Eo,Eo (Spain), leveraging their complementary expertise in youth support and eco-friendly artisan techniques. The project aligned with Erasmus+ priorities of inclusion, sustainability, and active citizenship. << Objectives >>Our project sought to:1) Empower 20 vulnerable youth (ages 18-30) through training in sustainable crafts (macramé, upcycling) and circular economy principles to enhance their employability.2) Promote social inclusion by creating intercultural exchange opportunities between marginalized French and Spanish youth (migrants, school dropouts).3) Raise environmental awareness through hands-on workshops and the creation of an open-access ""Sustainable Crafts for the World"" manual.4) Strengthen partner organizations' (ADEMI and Eo,Eo) capacity in Erasmus+ project management and social innovation.The initiative directly addressed EU priorities of youth inclusion, environmental action, and transnational cooperation through non-formal education methods.<< Implementation >>Our project featured two complementary mobility activities:a) A 9-day practical training in Spain where participants learned macramé techniques and sustainable craft production using recycled materials. The program included hands-on workshops, visits to social enterprises, and culminated in a public artisan market exhibition.b) A 9-day theoretical training in France focused on circular economy principles applied to crafts. Activities included eco-design workshops, case studies, and meetings with local artisans implementing sustainable practices.Both activities employed non-formal education methods, emphasizing intercultural learning and personal development. We provided individualized support to ensure full participation of vulnerable youth, including migrants and early school leavers. The program also facilitated professional networking between participants and artisan entrepreneurs.<< Results >>Our project has generated tangible and intangible results: a) Production of a practical handbook ""Sustainable Crafts for the World"" compiling craft techniques and best practice in the circular economy. b) Comprehensive training for 20 vulnerable young people (10 French, 10 Spanish) who have acquired technical (macramé, recycling) and entrepreneurial skills. c) Capacity-building: participants developed their self-esteem, autonomy and environmental awareness. d) Sustainable network created between partner organisations (ADEMI and Eo,Eo) for future European projects. e) Increased visibility of sustainability issues through local events (craft market) and digital dissemination of results.The project achieved its dual focus on both skill development (100% completion rate) and social inclusion (all vulnerable participants fully engaged), while promoting EU environmental priorities through practical action."