ESC long-term project in youth organisation in Reggio-Emilia

YouNet is an association founded in 2010 by a group of young people with backgrounds in local and international volunteering. Its main objectives are to:
promote local and international volunteering, contribute to a solidary, inclusive, and tolerant society, support the social inclusion of disadvantaged individuals,
encourage intercultural exchange and access to a European and intercultural dimension, promote the right to education and youth participation.
YouNet promotes, supports, and organizes—both locally and internationally—short-, medium- and long-term volunteering and non-formal education projects; intercultural exchanges and youth activities (e.g., tandem language exchanges, European awareness sessions for students, school-based awareness campaigns against alcohol and drug abuse, recreational activities with and for the elderly...); socio-educational, cultural, environmental, sports and recreational activities (e.g., themed workshops, cultural and film festivals, intercultural sports events...), especially in peripheral, rural, and disadvantaged areas where young people have fewer opportunities.
YouNet works in collaboration with vocational and secondary schools (in particular Aldini-Valeriani, IC16, Arcangeli, Copernico, and Laura Bassi) to conduct educational and informative activities on European issues, anti-racism, active citizenship, and sustainable lifestyles.
Over the years, this work has expanded to peripheral areas and nearby municipalities within the Bologna metropolitan area. This expansion has encouraged the association to continuously develop more suitable methods and approaches for different target groups, thus increasing its impact across the metropolitan region.
Through formal agreements with Europe Direct of the Municipality of Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna Region, as well as the Youth Information Office (Informagiovani) of the Municipality of San Lazzaro, YouNet offers support to young people wishing to have an experience abroad through the YouMob Help Desk, open weekly.
The main target group is young people under 30, with a particular focus on youth with fewer opportunities (e.g., young people from suburban and rural areas, those in vulnerable or at-risk situations, migrants, and NEETs). These groups can benefit the most from participating in the organization’s local and international activities.
The focus on peripheral and rural areas has made it possible to build networks and partnerships and to develop tailored and diversified methodologies based on the needs of these communities.