The project in a few words
#SOUL brings together youth workers and active community members to co-create innovative non‑formal education methods based on handcrafting, DIY, upcycling and arts. The project offers a creative hub where participants share skills, learn from each other and develop practical tools to use with young people facing social exclusion.
Main Objectives
- Identify challenges in promoting social inclusion and participation of young people with fewer opportunities.
- Develop a toolkit of NFE methodologies based on handcrafting, upcycling and artistic expression.
- Equip youth workers with skills such as creativity, problem‑solving, teamwork, effective communication and green skills.
- Raise awareness about environmental sustainability, circular economy and low‑impact youth work practices.
- Strengthen community‑building and reclaim youth spaces as safe, creative environments.
- Promote intercultural learning and the values of the Erasmus+ Programme.
- Build a long‑term network of partner organisations ready to co‑create new projects.
Who can apply?
Youth workers, trainers, facilitators and volunteers who:
- Work directly with young people (e.g. in NGOs, youth centres, informal groups);
- Are involved in social inclusion, community‑building or creative projects;
- Want to integrate upcycling, handcrafting and arts into their educational practice.
- Are able to communicate in English at a level that allows active participation.
- Are ready to take part in the full programme, including follow‑up and local dissemination.
Hosting Organisation
Dreaming OPEnly e.V. is a youth organisation based in Leipzig, Germany. It is focused on offering developmental experiences based on non-formal learning approaches and mobility opportunities to young people in Germany and abroad.
We are convinced of the necessity of developing new learning methodologies which address the needs of the youngest generations using new and innovative languages present in the contemporary youth culture.
Our mission is to facilitate transformative change through non-formal education, critical thinking and artistic expression. We dedicate ourselves to crafting innovative projects to promote awareness and disseminate values aligned with the socio-environmental transition we hope for. We are advocates of the role of individuals in bringing about social change which can lead to fairer and more sustainable societies.
Partner Organisations
