| Project Code | 2014-1-PT02-KA205-000462 |
| Type of Action | Strategic Partnership |
| Countries Involved | PT,SK,IT |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Budget | 81.121,17 EUR |
| Objectives | Reflect on cooperation for human development, emphasizing cultural dimensions and Education for Difference.Raise awareness of the EU’s current development policy. Promote knowledge of CSO programs and non-formal education to combat gender discrimination and support access to education and employment for those with special needs.Identify and share best practices in development cooperation. Encourage debate, information exchange, and learning on development cooperation |
| Target Group | Young People with special needs Social Managers Educators |
| Summary of the Project |
| The Advantage project is designed to empower young people with special needs, including those with disabilities, special educational needs, and social disabilities, by developing innovative and flexible strategies to help them enter the labor market, access training opportunities, and grow as active citizens in Europe. A key element of the project is the Advantage Web Platform, which will be the first European site dedicated exclusively to offering training, employment, and vocational opportunities for young people with special needs. This platform will feature three interconnected networks: the Special Sponsors Network, which involves companies providing essential support like transportation and technical equipment for workforce integration; the Special Agents Network, a social network of project managers who serve as guardians for the youth and will introduce the Ge.So. Certification for those working with this group; and the Advantage Youth Inc (YAI), which will incubate youth initiatives that focus on projects and civic participation under the theme “We are all in Europe.” The project, initially launched in Portugal, Slovakia, and Italy, involves over 120 young people with special needs and aims to expand to 250 youth, supported by 50 social managers and more than 40 companies and organizations across these three countries. In addition, a “Good Practices Guide” will be created with the help of experts and made available both online and in print to reach over 1,000 educators. |
| Results of the Project |
| The Advantage project supported over 120 young people with special needs, helping 121 enter the labor market or access training. It involved over 230 youth in Portugal, Italy, and Slovakia, trained more than 50 social managers, and partnered with 22 organizations. The project created the Advantage Web Platform and published “The Way…”, both online and in print. The project webpage can be accessed from here : http://www.pasec.pt/index.php/projetos/pasec-advantage |
| Significance of the Project |
| The Advantage project exemplifies good practice by effectively integrating young people with special needs into the labor market and educational systems through innovative, flexible strategies. By engaging over 120 individuals and creating supportive networks like the Advantage Web Platform and the Special Sponsors Network, the project ensures tailored opportunities for training, employment, and skill development. Its comprehensive approach, including the training of over 50 social managers and the involvement of 22 partner organizations, demonstrates a commitment to both practical support and long-term impact, making it a model for inclusive practices in social and professional integration. |
