Erasmus+ Youth is a dynamic part of the larger Erasmus+ programme, dedicated to providing young people with opportunities to develop new skills, engage in cultural exchange, and enhance their employability. Funded by the European Union, this initiative focuses on non-formal education, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering a sense of European identity among young people.
History and Background
The Erasmus programme was launched in 1987, originally aimed at promoting student mobility in higher education. Over the years, it has expanded to include a wide range of activities, including those tailored specifically for youth.
Over time, the programme has expanded in its breadth and depth and is now known as “Erasmus+”. Its extended form is a broad umbrella framework which combines former EU’s different schemes for transnational cooperation and mobility in education, training, youth and sport in Europe. Increasingly, it is also looking beyond Europe.
Since the start of the programme in 1987, over 15 million people have taken part in Erasmus, thanks to enthusiastic take-up of opportunities by staff, students, young people and learners of all ages.
In 2014, the Erasmus+ programme merged several previous EU programmes, creating a more comprehensive and inclusive framework that includes opportunities for young people, youth workers, and organizations. Erasmus+ Youth has since become a cornerstone of the programme, dedicated to supporting youth exchanges, training and networking for youth workers, and other forms of youth engagement.
Objectives and Goals
Erasmus+ Youth aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Personal Development: Empower young people by providing opportunities to develop new skills, increase self-confidence, and discover new interests.
- Professional Growth: Enhance employability by offering practical experience and training in various fields.
- Cultural Exchange: Promote intercultural understanding by bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds to learn from each other.
- Active Citizenship: Encourage social inclusion, civic engagement, and the development of a sense of European identity.
Check out this link to read some Erasmus plus testimonies and stories.