Dissemination (Initiative Sociale)

On January 31st, 2025, Asociația Inițiative Sociale organized a follow-up meeting at the AHA Center, bringing together a dynamic mix of volunteers, youth workers, facilitators, trainers, NGO presidents and participants from the “YouthPreneurs” youth exchange mobility (43 people). The aim? To share, reflect and build on the powerful outcomes of our Erasmus+ experience.

The meeting was carried out in a non-formal setting, in true Erasmus+ spirit, fostering open conversations, active listening and collaborative thinking. Participants had the chance to explore the tangible results developed during the mobility, including:

- A brochure highlighting entrepreneurial journeys, key takeaways from the exchange, and youth-driven initiatives

- A series of videos created during the project – filled with creativity, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments

- Interviews with the participants, offering personal insights into their experience, growth, and motivation

The videos are available on our YouTube channel and continue to inspire those who couldn’t join us live.

Throughout the meeting, discussions flowed naturally, focusing on the relevance of the project topics, the impact of non-formal learning and the importance of youth entrepreneurship today. The participants’ feedback was both insightful and encouraging, many were genuinely impressed with the results and interested in further engagement.

This local follow-up wasn't just about celebrating success; it was also a space to spark new ideas, build future partnerships and empower more young people to take the lead in their communities.

The event closed with a shared sense of motivation and commitment to keep the YouthPreneurs spirit alive. We’re grateful for everyone who joined, shared their thoughts and added their energy to the room.

Partners follow-up activities

 Czech Republic (Mladoevropani z.s.)

You can find the article HERE.

Italy (Scambieuropei)

You can find the one article HERE. 

Poland (DGT Polska)

From November 14-24, 2024, DGT Polska took part in the Erasmus+ youth exchange “NextGen: YouthPreneurs”, held in Romania. The project focused on entrepreneurship and helped young people develop essential skills for starting their own businesses.

During the youth exchange, participants learned how to create a business plan step by step. They also worked in teams to design and present a commercial advertisement for their business ideas, which allowed them to practice creativity and teamwork.

One of the highlights of the exchange was the Oscar Night, where participants celebrated their achievements, watched the commercials they created, and received awards for their work.

This experience was not only educational but also inspiring, helping young people gain confidence and practical knowledge for their future careers.

Spain (Deses-3)

Bulgaria (Future Humans)

Türkiye (European Youth Bank)

Portugal (HawkStars NGO)

Dissemination (Romania)

"Time and time again, from project to project, you take the chance to go to the most random places and to meet the most random people... Yet you end up building the strongest and closest friendships with these people. This feeling will never get old to me, and it is what will forever keep Erasmus+ closest to my heart as long as I keep participanting and working in this field.

Thank you @initiative.sociale for hosting such a fun, informative, and exciting project 😌" - Will

Dissemination (Italy)

"How did I end up in Romania for 10 days… in the winter? 🙅🏾‍♀️❄️

I joined “NextGen: YouthPreneurs”, a project funded by Erasmus+, organized by @initiative.sociale 🇷🇴 and supported by @scambieuropei 🇮🇹.

Over 10 days in Vatra Dornei, we explored what it means to think like an entrepreneur—visiting local businesses, learning to pitch ideas, and connecting with young people from across Europe.

My favorite part? Visiting local entrepreneurs, hearing about their missions, their challenges, and seeing how they turn ideas into reality. It was a great reminder that behind every business is a story of passion and perseverance. 🛠️✨

From snowstorms to business plans, tasting local delicacies to brainstorming, this exchange was a mix of challenges, growth, cultural exchange and unforgettable moments. 🌍

🚀 If you’re under 30 and haven’t joined an Erasmus+ project yet, you’re missing out. These programs are free, enriching, and life-changing.

Would you try it?" - Fatima

"I took a Meet video call with people that didn’t know about Erasmus+. Since this was my first Youth Exchange, I decided to just describe what I did in 10 days in the project, explaining my experience from the first moments, trying to explain how to choose the best one, how to apply and what are the types of activities.

I also explained what an infopack is and I described “Initiative Sociale” and its role in the project as an NGO.

At first people were more interested in the evening parties, but after hearing that “Lions by night, Lions by morning” they became interested about the activities, not too much for the type, but for the method, because non-formal learning is uncommon.

In conclusion I think that this type of project isn't so well-known among young people, but when they know they become very interested in participating. Of course this was also my reaction when I learned about Erasmus+ and now that I had my first experience I also feel the urge to make people aware of these fantastic opportunities. Also, looking at these memories after a month made me feel a bit nostalgic and sad, because it was a wonderful experience, and people in video call said that they can feel it from the way I told them about the project." - Giorgio

"I made a reel with some of the videos that were taken during the project and that showed what we did.

What I wanted to promote with this content is the fact that my experience was very positive, for the topics addressed and for the people met, In addition, as you can well read from the description I wanted to sensitize my followers on what is the Erasmus project and recommend them.

What I achieved with all this was that for all those who were skeptical and had questions about what I would do during the project they could have an answer, and everyone else could know the project.

In conclusion, even almost a month after the end of the project I still feel charged with the energy that I could receive from all the participants. In addition I am much more attentive to all the concepts that I have learned about business and I am trying to put them into practice in the place where I work. I think that the project I have experienced is one of the most beautiful things that have happened to me this year and I definitely want to do another project like this in the future because I realized that being with other people and also help them reach their goals is beautiful. I hope to see everyone again in the future, thanks to you as host association because you were great." - Pietro

"My dissemination activity on social networks consists of a reel featuring a selection of moments, photos, and videos related to the project, along with a description of the activities carried out and their impact on me. Additionally, although not implemented yet, I plan to create a highlight album of stories sharing all the daily posts from the "Initiative Sociale" page. The first post was highly appreciated by participants, my followers, who asked me for more information, and the algorithm, which rewarded it with 4.5K views.

I believe this post was a great hook to promote the project among the people I know, an opportunity to tell them what an Erasmus+ project is and to bring them closer to this topic. Most of the work, of course, is not visible, but I’ve been helping my younger siblings and friends submit applications to ensure they don’t discover these opportunities too late, as I did.

The reel performed well with 4.5K views, 77 likes, 41 comments, 12 shares, and good watchtime.

Additionally, I noticed several of my memes circulating on participants’ pages. We could add my logo and the NGO’s logo to brand them and encourage wider sharing." - Andrea

Dissemination (Portugal)

"During our conversation, I shared the entrepreneurship techniques we learned, such as creating a business idea and critical thinking, the ability to communicate with an audience, as well as ways to turn an idea into a project that can generate profits and be sustainable. Additionally, I mentioned that I became familiar with the challenges an entrepreneur faces on a daily basis, since building an idea to developing the final product.

I also highlighted that we participated in several group activities to put into practice the various techniques that were shared to create and develop a business project and make a promotional video.

I mentioned that,  the study visits we did were amazing, because gave us the opportunity to meet different entrepreneurs and learn about their businesses.

Additionally, I talked about the intercultural nights, where the participants had the opportunity to present the realities, cultures, and gastronomy of their countries—Portugal, Italy, Romania, Spain, Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Turkey. I said that these evenings were incredibly fun and interactive.

 I told that beyond the entrepreneurship topics, the project offered an enriching cultural, linguistic, digital, and soft skills exchange, based on non-formal learning.

This Erasmus experience was extremely important for me, both personally and in the field of entrepreneurship." - Andreia

"I decided to disseminate the project to three friends who I think are important because they are interested in projects, and I introduced them to the organization Asociația Inițiative Sociale. I explained the structure of the programme and highlighted how the facilitators managed to organize and develop the activities over the course of the days. I mentioned the attention they showed to us, their concern for our well-being and the way they cultivated in us a sense of responsibility and rigor, both in the activities and in our overall participation in the project.

To give them a more complete picture of the experience, I described the space where we were staying, mentioning the facilities on offer, such as the restaurant, the social areas and the spaces dedicated to activities. I also told them about the activity room, where we did most of the activities, and the quiet room, which although it was quieter, also had a space for socializing with a table tennis table.

I introduced them to some of the specific activities we carried out throughout the project, including our group presentations, which were key to sharing ideas and experiences about entrepreneurship and skills development.

One of the other most enriching moments I mentioned were the cultural evenings, in which each participating country had the opportunity to present its culture, cuisine and traditions. Iexplained how these evenings were a highlight of the project, as they allowed us to get to know our colleagues better, try different flavors and deepen our knowledge of different cultures.

I also shared with my friends my experience of getting to know Romanian culture. I showed them photos of the day we spent getting to know local businesses, which gave us a better understanding of the reality of entrepreneurship in Romania and the importance of innovation and resilience in the business world. 

To enhance this sharing, I brought them some typical Romanian souvenirs and chocolates, so they could get a taste of the culture." - Beatriz F

"During the conversation with my friends I showed them the drive with the photos and activities we did. I shared the entrepreneurship techniques I leraned as well as the activities we did to create our own businesses and present them to other participants. I talked about the visits we made to local businesses, which were quite interesting and dynamic. I also showed the advertisements that we all did and that it was an incredible job and that I really enjoyed doing it.

It provided us with practical tools, key competencies, and a strong support network to tackle the challenges of this market. Through workshops, mentoring sessions, and international collaboration, we had the opportunity to enhance not only our technical abilities but also crucial soft skills like problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork." - Claudia

"To disseminate this project, I made a post on my Instagram, the social network that I use the most, and also were I have most of my youth friends who might be more interested in finding out about Erasmus + projects.

The post includes eight images of activities we did in the project and also of the landscape, trying to show to the people around me that more than the theme of the project is about getting to know different cultures and also most of all getting to know ourselves better in the process.

In addition to the dissemination on social media, I also spoke about this project to several friends in my work, as this topic is so current and urgent it was easy to capture the attention of several of my friends, this way I was able to share the skills I learned with them." - Diogo

"I had the opportunity to explain what we did in Romania and how was the experience. I said something like: Between 14 and 24 of November, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ project in Romania, focused on entrepreneurship and non-formal education. This 10-day journey was not only a chance to expand my knowledge but also to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and explore innovative learning methodologies.

The project was structured around workshops, team activities, and interactive sessions, all designed to teach us about entrepreneurship through non-formal education techniques. Each day brought new insights, starting with ice-breaking activities to foster team spirit and moving on to brainstorming sessions, group challenges, and discussions about real-world business scenarios. These activities were designed to enhance our creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork abilities, all while having fun and learning in an engaging way.

One of the highlights of the program was the opportunity to design and present our own entrepreneurial ideas. Working in international teams, we tackled challenges such as creating sustainable business models, pitching ideas effectively, and managing resources. It was inspiring to see how each participant contributed their unique perspective, and it truly demonstrated the power of collaboration and diversity.

In addition to the educational aspects, we also explored Romanian culture through cultural evenings, local cuisine, and guided tours of the surrounding area. These experiences added a rich layer of cultural exchange to the project, making it even more memorable.

Upon returning, I was eager to share what I had learned with my community. I organized an offline dissemination session with friends in my house (Madeira Island), where I explained the activities and methodologies used during the project. We discussed the importance of entrepreneurship, the benefits of non-formal education, and how these tools can be applied in our daily lives. I also took this opportunity to encourage them to participate in future Erasmus+ projects with me, highlighting how such experiences contribute to personal and professional growth.

This Erasmus+ project was a life-changing experience. It not only expanded my horizons but also allowed me to inspire others to seek similar opportunities. I am deeply grateful for this adventure and look forward to participating in future Erasmus+ projects! 🙂" - Luisa

Dissemination (Poland)

"Social media posts about our Erasmus project highlighted key milestones and achievements throughout our entrepreneurial journey. We shared insights on brainstorming sessions, team collaboration, and the development of our business idea, describing the phases from concept to implementation. Posts showed the stages of research and planning, including market analysis and creating a business model. We also highlighted workshops on financial planning, marketing strategies, and product design. The social media posts also highlighted the strong sense of community and the new friendships formed throughout the Erasmus project. As we collaborated across borders and cultures, personal connections flourished alongside professional ones. Participants shared moments of cultural exchange, team-building activities, and celebrations of achievements, all of which helped strengthen bonds. These new friendships not only enriched our project experience but also expanded our global network, fostering ongoing collaboration beyond the project’s conclusion. The posts reflected how the shared journey of entrepreneurship brought us closer together, bridging cultural gaps and creating lasting relationships that will continue to inspire future endeavors

The Erasmus project focused on creating a business provided invaluable insights into both the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. One key takeaway was the importance of a collaborative approach, as working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and countries led to innovative solutions and broadened perspectives. Additionally, the project underscored the need for a clear business plan, adaptability, and effective communication. It highlighted the role of creativity in problem-solving, as well as the significance of market research to understand customer needs. Through real-world applications, participants gained practical experience in handling business logistics, marketing strategies, and financial planning, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a growth mindset. Furthermore, cultural differences and varying approaches to risk and decision-making were valuable lessons, as they promoted greater understanding of global business dynamics. Overall, the Erasmus project provided a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience that encouraged entrepreneurship and global networking, equipping participants with essential skills to pursue their own business ventures in the future." - DGT Polska

 

"These were 10 magical days spent on this amazing Erasmus+ project. The project itself provided an opportunity to gain knowledge in developing entrepreneurial skills and running your own business.

I was able to learn many new and interesting things here, and I also met incredible people who shared a part of their culture with me and opened my eyes to new perspectives in life. Also I had a lot of fun with many people here!

I am grateful to everyone I had the chance to join on this beautiful adventure, as well as to the leaders for skillfully guiding us all through the project.

Thank you @initiative.sociale for this opportunity 🙏🏻.

Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to explore new parts of the world and meet wonderful souls.

I will miss you all!

The Universe Loves You 👁️" - Jakub

"During these 10 days, I’ve learned so much about business stuff, but not only just that, I’ve also learned a lot about myself. All of the people I’ve met and every perspective they shared with me helped me understand my goals even more than I did before this project. It was an amazing experience to get to know these people and I can’t wait to see them all again. 

Thank you @initiative.sociale for this opportunity, it was a pleasure to work with you! 

Love and miss yall!!!" - Alicja

"Erasmus+ project Romania, Varta Dornei

This was my third project and so far this one was the best one I met a lot of wonderful people, thank u every one for being there

I hope we can meet someday or maybe in another life" - Jan

"Always embrace the opportunities that come your way.

This mindset led me to a truly enchanting place in the Romanian mountains, where I had the privilege of spending 10 unforgettable days with an incredible group of 55 individuals from 8 different countries. Together, we not only deepened our understanding of entrepreneurship but also forged meaningful connections that I will cherish forever. The experience was filled with sleepless nights and vibrant days, a whirlwind of learning and camaraderie that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

A heartfelt thanks to @initiative.sociale and @dgt.polska for creating such a remarkable experience for all of us." - Radek

"Feeling empty after this adventure, I saw many reflections in people eyes, many inspirations. i believe by meeting new people we meet ourselves more, and now i can say I’m closer to myself. this project made me realize there are so many conversations to make, so many new life perceptions to know, so many cultures to explore..and all this is still ahead of me. to every scared soul who is afraid of starting sth new :just do it anxiously and scared thanks to @initiative.sociale and @dgt.polska to be a part of the Erasmus+project “YouthPreneurs”. i’m so grateful for that opportunity and believe to have lots of more in the future. hope to see you guys in this lifetime again!" - Kinga

"Beyond seven mountains and seven forests, in the heart of beautiful Romania, 55 people from 7 countries have come together to immerse themselves in the culture of this remarkable country and experience its unpredictable weather. They’re having an amazing time, even though vampires remain nothing more than a legend. The moments spent in Vatra Dornei will surely stay with them for long time!!

Thanks to @initiative.sociale and @dgt.polska I had opportunity to be a part of the Erasmus+ project „YouthPreneurs.” During this time, we focused on gaining knowledge about entrepreneurship. We worked on our business ideas, learning how to promote and sell them. A lot of hard work, great times spent together, and amazing people! ❄️❣️" - Amelie

Dissemination (Türkiye)

Throughout our Erasmus+ youth exchange project focused on entrepreneurship, we had various opportunities to share our experiences and insights with our communities. Each of us contributed to the dissemination process using different methods and platforms. The primary goal was to raise awareness about entrepreneurship and its significance in today's world, especially for young people.

Denise Hilal Şener - Made an Instagram post with an article about her experience in the youth exchange.

"I made an Instagram post with many photos from the project and with an article explaining my experiences in the youth exchange."

Melek Uğurcan + Yaren Coşkunlar - Had a zoom meeting with friends and mentioned about both of their experiences and knowledge they had during the project. 

"We opened a zoom meeting and invited our friends who live around us and far away. We conveyed our entrepreneurial experiences gained by the project with photos and visuals.We introduced the souvenirs we received from the enterprises we visited during the project and from those enterprises. We presented the activities carried out during the project, our games and the experiences gained in the form of a slide show."

Yusuf Ali Somuncu - prepared a presentation using visual content to his friends at the university and talked about his experiences in the project.

" I have made my dissemination face to face with my friends and on my class. I have talked about the opportunities that erasmus+ provides to youth and the NGO’s supporting them. I mentioned the benefits skills and competencies that I adopted. All in all I have spread the good news to my environment and hoped to gain them a new view."

Gökhan Yılmaz -  prepared a Facebook post, told people around him about Erasmus opportunities, and supported Yusuf's presentation by providing information about the project to his friends at the university.

"I shared a Facebook post about the Erasmus+ youth exchange project in Vatra Dornei, Romania, focused on entrepreneurship. The post highlighted key activities like team-building, creating business ideas during “Youthpreneurs in Action,” and the study visit to explore local entrepreneurship. The post summarized these and showcased the project’s impact with photos and engaging details."

Merve Nur Sezer -  disseminated the information she gained from the project on LinkedIn.

"Dissemination was done through social media. Activities related to the event were explained. Entrepreneurship was the main element. Nonformal method and digitality were used. The project was shared with other people and they also contributed to the planning of such an event. The idea of entrepreneurship for our future lives was created and my self-confidence increased by motivating me." 

Emre Akyıldız - prepared a content to share on Facebook and shared it with the people around him.

"I shared a dissemination post on Facebook, including photos from the different activities we participated in during the project and my feedback about the experience."