Inclusive Growth

Main aim: promote the social inclusion, personal development, and emotional well-being of young people with disabilities or SEN through the combination of innovative art therapy and green skills.

Objectives:

1. Increase participation of youth with disabilities in social activities by at least 30% over the project duration.

2. Improve the emotional resilience of at least 70% of participants, measured through pre- and post-intervention surveys.

3. Train 15+ youth workers per country in green skills, art therapy, and psychological support.

4. Facilitate at least 5 cross-cultural knowledge exchanges through project events.

5. Develop and distribute the "Inclusive Growth Toolkit" with at least 500 downloads and 100 direct implementations in educational settings.

6. Reach at least 5,000 people through dissemination efforts (newsletters, events, social media).

Activities:

Kick-off Meeting (Online) | September 2025

The project started with an online kick-off meeting held on September 16, 2025, where partners introduced their organisations, discussed project goals, and agreed on the structure of work packages and timelines. During the meeting, responsibilities were assigned, key activities were planned, and the dissemination strategy was outlined to ensure smooth project implementation. The meeting also helped establish clear communication between partners and align expectations for effective collaboration throughout the project.

International Trainings in Greece, Portugal and Italy | 2025–2026

A series of international trainings were organised in partner countries: Greece (October 29–31, 2025), Portugal (January 29–31, 2026), and Italy (April 25–27, 2026). The activities focused on green skills, art therapy, and psychological support for young people with disabilities and special educational needs.

Participants engaged in interactive workshops, practical sessions, and study visits, developing skills in sustainability, creative expression, and inclusive education. The trainings also supported the development and testing of the “Inclusive Growth Toolkit” and strengthened international cooperation among partners.

Local Activities in Partner Countries | 2025–2026

Following each international training, local activities were implemented in partner countries to transfer knowledge into practice. These activities engaged young people with disabilities and local communities through workshops on sustainability, recycling, art therapy, and inclusive learning methods. Participants developed practical skills, increased environmental awareness, and strengthened social inclusion through hands-on experiences.

Development of Inclusive Growth Toolkit | 2026

Partners will develop the “Inclusive Growth Toolkit,” combining methods and experiences from international trainings and local activities. The toolkit will include modules on green skills, art therapy, and psychological support, as well as practical exercises and methodologies aimed at supporting inclusive youth work and education.

Inclusive Winter Camp in Romania | 2026

Inclusive winter camp will be held in Romania with 5 youth and 2 youth workers from each partner country, featuring team-building games, collaborative art sessions, green workshops, cultural exchange activities, and concluding with an exhibition and reflection session. "Inclusive Growth Toolkit" will be applied during this Winter Camp.

Dissemination and Outreach Activities | 2025–2027

A Dissemination and Sustainability Plan will be developed at the project's start, followed by quarterly newsletters by ACPA, local events in each country to share results and the Toolkit, a social media campaign with updates and success stories, and presentations of outcomes at international conferences and to policymakers.

Results:

1. 75+ youth workers will be trained in green skills, art therapy, and psychological support for inclusion.

2. 150+ youth with disabilities will be engaged in creative, therapeutic, and educational local activities.

3. 500+ downloads of the Inclusive Growth Toolkit, ensuring broad accessibility for educators and NGOs.

4. 10,000+ social media engagements, spreading awareness of inclusion, mental health, and sustainability.

5. 5+ international conferences and events where project outcomes and tools will be presented to stakeholders.

6. 5 local dissemination events will be held across partner countries, reaching 500+ professionals and community members.

7. 35+ young participants will take part in the Inclusive Winter Camp, promoting cross-cultural exchange and confidence.

8. Artworks and success stories from youth will be exhibited and shared through public events and online platforms.

This project is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program, supporting education, training, youth, and sports initiatives across Europe.