TC "AI Academy: The Young Entrepreneurs Hub" in Viana do Castelo, Portugal

In early October, the ancient stone bridge of Ponte de Lima—nestled in a quiet, historical town in northwest Portugal—witnessed an unusual arrival. This time, rather than the typical flow of tourists, a diverse group of 27 participants from across Europe crossed its path. Ranging in age from 18 to over 50, they were students, teachers, and youth workers hailing from Bulgaria, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Italy, Latvia, and Romania. United by a shared purpose, they had come to join an Erasmus+ Training Course titled “AI Academy: The Young Entrepreneurs Hub.”

The course, held from October 10th to 18th, aimed to empower participants with AI tools and entrepreneurial skills that could help them create meaningful projects, whether in business or community-building. The group spent the week engaging in dynamic, non-formal educational activities like brainstorming sessions, role plays, and team-building exercises. With this practical approach, the program offered a hands-on look at how AI could transform the landscape of startups and social enterprises, turning lofty dreams into actionable plans.

While artificial intelligence is often depicted in futuristic and sometimes daunting terms, the program aimed to demystify it, showing participants how to harness AI in practical ways. From market research to task automation, AI presents many possibilities for new ventures and social impact projects. Participants explored how, with the right AI tools, they could better understand customer needs, streamline operations, and enhance decision-making to build sustainable businesses that foster social inclusion.

Throughout their week in Ponte de Lima, the participants worked in international teams to design innovative project ideas, experimenting with AI as a core resource for problem-solving and operational efficiency. Each activity was carefully crafted to enhance cross-cultural collaboration and build a community spirit that will last beyond the project. Through these collaborative efforts, participants developed new skills, from project management to digital literacy, and left the course with the confidence to bring these insights into their communities.

As the course drew to a close, many participants expressed a sense of inspiration, ready to apply their newfound knowledge back home. Though they may have started as strangers with varying backgrounds, they left Ponte de Lima as a close-knit team, united by a commitment to the potential of AI in entrepreneurship and social innovation. Whether they go on to launch their startups or share their learning with others, each participant is now equipped with the tools to embrace this transformative technology and inspire others to do the same.

The “AI Academy: The Young Entrepreneurs Hub” experience proved to be more than just a training course; it was a bridge—much like the one in Ponte de Lima—connecting Europe’s future leaders with the evolving world of artificial intelligence. The journey of learning and collaboration may have only just begun, but the impact will undoubtedly resonate long into the future.

YE "Let's dance!" in Viana do Castelo, Portugal

From 11th to 19th July, our Bulgarian group of six enthusiastic youngsters successfully participated in the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project "Let's Dance," held in the picturesque town of Viana do Castelo, Portugal. This vibrant event brought together 42 young leaders and youth workers from seven European countries: Portugal, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, and Bulgaria.

The project aimed to foster intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, social inclusion, and active participation in society by exploring traditional dances from various cultures. The Bulgarian team eagerly embraced this opportunity to share their rich cultural heritage, showcasing the iconic Bulgarian traditional dance (horo) and engaging in meaningful exchanges about their customs and traditions.

Throughout the exchange, participants engaged in diverse activities based on non-formal education methods, which emphasize learning by doing in a voluntary and non-hierarchical environment. The Bulgarian group, along with their peers, participated in brainstorming sessions, plenary discussions, simulations, role plays, team-building exercises, energizers, and ice breakers. These activities not only enhanced their understanding of different cultures but also strengthened their teamwork and leadership skills.

As the exchange came to an end, the Bulgarian participants returned home with a wealth of new knowledge, skills, and friendships. They reflected on the importance of cultural expression and the role of traditional dances in bridging gaps between different communities. Inspired by their experience in Portugal, they are now eager to apply what they have learned to foster intercultural dialogue and inclusion within their local communities.

The "Let's Dance" Youth Exchange in Viana do Castelo was not just a week of dancing; it was a celebration of cultural diversity, a journey of self-discovery, and a step towards a more inclusive and connected Europe.

KA3 TUNE | ADVOCACY TRAINING

TUNE network is conducting advocacy training in Brussels to empower and engage young Europeans for the European elections. The training for the next European Parliament elections aims to activate young people in EU electoral democracy. The three-day advocacy training gathers young people from all the member countries and they will learn the art of advocacy and debate, encouraging them to actively participate in the political process.

A total of 18 young people participate. The network will try to engage, European decision-makers to take part in this training enhancing the impact and dissemination of the activity. Prior to the advocacy event, a pre-campaign will be launched to encourage young people to share their questions, concerns, and recommendations for fostering an inclusive European democracy through a linked platform. These inputs will then be collected, conceptualized, and discussed during the training sessions with European decision-makers.

The training started with information about the program, ice breaking, discussion about policy and the Council of the European Union, youth policies in participating countries and common policies between countries.

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