Last month BIRA has attended the training Activity on “Needs of NEETs” within the framework of the project “WE NEET YOU”. The project aims to create a transnational network across three countries to reduce NEET and ESL rates, enhancing social inclusion through SDG 8.6. It seeks to improve teachers’ skills by 25% for NEET/ELET support, boosting educational engagement and professional competencies. Additionally, the project aims at enhancing EU partnerships, raising awareness of challenges, and fostering effective interventions for NEETs and ELETs.

The above mentioned activity took place in the form of mobility, hosted in Bruges by EEKHOUT Academy, the Belgian partner of the project. The team of participants from BIRA consisted of Benedetta, project manager in the field of vocational training and Daniel and Iñigo, computer engineers interested in applying digital innovation to the training/educational field. This variety of expertise and skills has added value in exploring the educational needs of NEETs and ELETs and innovative methods that can be applied to support their reintegration in education or employment path.

During the mobility the participants had the opportunity to visit the University of Applied Sciences VIVES and the unique Game Lab hosting the largest game collection with more than 24,000 board and board games used in training and education and for teacher’s training and upskilling.

In addition, during the mobility activity, the participants contributed to the elaboration of the ‘Needs of the Neets and ELET’ e-booklet, articulated in 8 chapters and analysing the Challenges Faced by NEETs and ELETs, the Competencies and Skills Needed, the best practices applied as well as some success stories in the 3 countries involved (Belgium, Spain and Turkey).

The mobility was concluded with the visit to the Economisch Huis Oostende and the Vrij Technisch Institute where the participants had the opportunity to hear direct experiences of NEET and ELETs inclusions and best practices put in place in Belgium through European and governmental funding opportunities.

This enriching experience allowed BIRA’s team to gain valuable insights into innovative approaches for supporting NEETs and ELETs, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration across borders. The knowledge and connections gained will contribute to BIRA’s ongoing efforts in advancing educational inclusion and empowering professionals working with young people at risk.