| Project Code | 2015-3-ES02-KA205-007265 |
| Type of Action | Strategic Partnership |
| Countries Involved | UK,RO,EL,IT,CY |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Budget | 142.387,00 EUR |
| Objectives | Develop and make available a modern, integrated and holistic e-learning and networking platform, tailor-made to the skills, capacities and development needs of young drop-outs and ESLs across Europe. Introduce, pilot and implement new, innovative and effective youth-led methodologies for enhancing the basic and transversal skills of the specific disadvantaged group of young drop-outs and ESLs. Target drop-outs/ESLs who are outside the formal structures of society often because of a combination of personal, educational, economic and social circumstances leading to a higher risk of being socio-economically excluded. Enhance the quality and relevance of the learning offered through non-formal education and training by directly linking labour market demands to the needs and wishes of the project’s target groups. |
| Target Group | Drop-outs, early school leavers Youth with fewer opportunities, disadvantaged youth, NEET Local/regional employers and businesses VET trainersPolicy planners and decision-makers Community and civil society organisations, NGOs Non-formal training providers, educational institutions, trade unions |
| Summary of the Project |
| The “Drop-in” project addressed the pressing issue of early school leaving (ESL) by providing innovative and inclusive educational solutions. The project, which involved strategic partnerships from organizations in the UK, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Romania, targeted high youth unemployment areas with a focus on improving the skills and employability of young drop-outs and those at risk of ESL. Recognizing that ESL is often linked to students’ disengagement from formal education, distrust in the education system’s ability to secure future employment, and negative educational experiences, “Drop-in” sought to mitigate these challenges. By creating a modern, integrated e-learning and networking platform, the project provided an alternative to traditional academic pathways. This platform, which incorporated engaging game elements and mechanics, was designed to make learning more interactive and motivating for young people who had previously shown little interest in re-engaging with formal education. The project was driven by the need to address the high youth unemployment rates in participating countries—Greece (47.9%), Cyprus (32.5%), Italy (39.8%), and Romania (21.5%)—which were notably higher than the EU average of 20% and the UK’s 11.5%. “Drop-in” responded to this need by offering non-formal education and training as a viable alternative to general academic education. This approach was particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations, providing them with the skills and qualifications necessary to enhance their employability and facilitate their transition into the labor market. “Drop-in” also placed a strong emphasis on social inclusion by targeting youth who are often marginalized due to various socio-economic, educational, or personal factors. The project developed a tailored program that validated and built upon the skills of these young people, thereby offering them more inclusive opportunities in education, training, and employment. The project’s commitment to innovation was further demonstrated by its youth-led nature and the application of new methodologies for enhancing basic and transversal skills. The involvement of a Youth Advisory Board ensured that the project’s strategies and quality control were guided by the experiences and insights of the target group itself. Additionally, the project provided certifications such as Youthpass and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to validate the skills acquired through the program. Overall, the “Drop-in” project has made significant strides in addressing the educational and employment challenges faced by young people who have disengaged from formal education. By integrating modern technology, focusing on social inclusion, and employing youth-led methodologies, the project has created a more engaging and effective educational pathway for its participants, contributing to their successful socio-economic reintegration. |
| Results of the Project |
| DROP-IN was a 2-year project aimed at supporting Early School Leavers (ESLs) to gain the skills required to develop entrepreneurial businesses. DROP-IN aimed to develop a cross-border capacity-building model that is tailored to the needs of ESLs through re-skilling the target group, and promote their socio-economic inclusion and employability. The project results can be accessed from here : https://www.dropinproject.eu |
| Significance of the Project |
| The project targets the young people with fewer opportunities and works with the most underlying issue in the participating countries. ESLs is one of the root causes with the increasing numbers of NEETs in the south Mediterranean countries. Due to this reason, the project has been selected due to its focus on the early school leavers and increasing their employability through the youth work activities. |
