Developing Life Skills Through Non-Formal Learning: An Erasmus+ Youth Exchange

Project OverviewFrom May 11th to May 18th, 2026, the vibrant city of Cologne hosted a transformative Erasmus+ Youth Exchange titled “Developing Life Skills through non formal learning”. Coordinated by Migrafrica, this initiative was designed to address the pressing challenges of youth unemployment and the educational gaps exposed by the recent pandemic. Recognizing that formal education alone is not always sufficient for today’s labor market, this project focused on equipping young people with essential transversal competences—such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving—in a supportive international environment.

Participants & Partner CountriesThe project successfully united a diverse group of 36 participants representing six countries: Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Türkiye, and North Macedonia. Each national team consisted of six members (five young people aged 18-30 and one experienced group leader), carefully selected to ensure gender balance and a mix of both experienced youth workers and newcomers eager to engage with social inclusion and youth leadership.

Main ActivitiesMoving away from traditional classroom environments, the week-long program utilized innovative, non-formal learning methodologies. Through active participation, the youth engaged in a rich schedule of activities, including:

• Experiential Learning: Interactive workshops, role-playing scenarios, simulations, and dynamic debates.

• Expert Engagement: Panel discussions with experts and presentations of successful national practices in youth support.

• Practical Fieldwork: An immersive visit in the field of entrepreneurship to explore realistic career pathways.

• Creative Campaigns: Digital skills development through the creation of promotional videos (Instagram Reels) and public awareness campaigns.

• Cultural Exchange: Dedicated intercultural nights, team-building energizers, and reflection sessions to break down stereotypes and build lasting cross-cultural understanding.

Key Results & Lasting Impact The impact of this exchange extends far beyond the week spent in Germany. The main results include:

• Competence Recognition: Participants successfully documented their personal and professional growth using the official Youthpass certificate, enhancing their future employability.

• Digital Dissemination: The youth collaboratively designed and launched digital promotional materials, sharing their intercultural experiences and newly acquired skills across social media platforms.

• Local Community Impact: To ensure the project’s sustainability, each national team returned home to organize a mandatory follow-up event. Engaging at least 30 local participants per country, these events serve to share the project’s outcomes, promote European educational opportunities, and inspire a wider network of active, confident young citizens.