In August 2023, youth workers from across Europe came together in Barcelos, Portugal, for an Erasmus+ training course called “From NEET to Compete – A Holistic Approach to Youth Employability.” The training focused on one of the most urgent social problems today—supporting young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). The goal of the project was to give youth workers new tools, fresh knowledge, and innovative strategies to better understand and support NEET youth. The program was based on a mix of experiential learning, sport-based education, discussions, and exchange of ideas between countries. Through this holistic approach, the participants learned how to help young people develop their confidence, motivation, and employability skills in a supportive and inclusive way.
For the participants from Lithuania, especially those representing the NGO Tavo Europa, the project came at a very important time. In May 2023, the country was facing a number of social challenges, particularly among young people. In many smaller towns and rural areas, young people were feeling left behind. The digital gap between urban and rural areas was growing, and many youths had limited access to information or learning opportunities. After the pandemic, the number of NEET youth had increased, and mental health problems were becoming more visible. Some young people had dropped out of school. Others were not able to find jobs because of a lack of skills or motivation. In some cases, their families were facing financial problems, which made things even harder. Many youth workers in Lithuania felt they were trying to help with old methods that no longer worked. There was a strong need for change and new approaches.
The training in Barcelos gave the Lithuanian team exactly that—a new perspective and fresh energy. What stood out immediately was the focus on holistic education. Instead of only talking about jobs or CV writing, the training explored the deeper reasons why young people become NEET. It helped the youth workers understand the emotional, psychological, and social barriers that many young people face. The sessions showed how confidence, self-esteem, and personal motivation are just as important as job skills. One of the most surprising lessons was how sport and physical activity can be used as tools to support youth development. In Portugal, the team visited a local center that used sport to teach teamwork, self-discipline, and problem-solving. This was new for the Lithuanian participants, who had never used sports in this way before. The positive energy and engagement created by those activities were inspiring.
Another powerful part of the training was the international exchange. Youth workers from different countries shared their experiences, challenges, and solutions. The participants from Lithuania saw that many of the problems they were facing were also happening in other places. But they also saw how different countries were using new methods to respond. This gave them hope and motivation. The open discussions helped build a sense of community, and many useful tools and best practices were shared. The training was not just theoretical—it was practical and action-based. Every day, the group worked together, solved problems, and reflected on what could be done differently at home.
After returning to Lithuania, the participants from Tavo Europa decided to create a local pilot program for NEET youth in the city of Šiauliai. Inspired by the training, they designed a five-week project focused on youth empowerment and personal development. The program included three main parts: sports and outdoor activities to build team spirit and confidence; creative workshops to help young people express themselves and develop soft skills; and mentoring sessions to explore career paths and educational opportunities. The goal was not just to give information, but to create a space where young people could feel safe, supported, and motivated to take action in their own lives.
The program started with only ten participants, but the results were clear and meaningful. Some of the young people had never taken part in any group activity before. They were shy, unsure, and quiet. But over time, they started to open up. Through games, challenges, and reflection, they began to trust each other and the mentors. They started to speak more, ask questions, and share their ideas. One young woman said she felt "seen and heard for the first time in years." Another participant said that for the first time, he was thinking seriously about going back to school. The group formed strong friendships, and even after the program ended, they continued to meet and support each other. The impact was also noticed by families and local partners. Schools and youth centers in Šiauliai showed interest in the methods used. Some teachers asked for training to learn how to use similar approaches.
The success of the pilot program gave Tavo Europa the confidence to apply for more funding and grow the idea into a longer-term youth empowerment project. Local municipalities became interested, and discussions started about including holistic youth work into local development plans. This was an important step towards policy impact. The organization also created a short guide based on the program, sharing their tools and ideas with other youth workers across the country. Slowly, a small pilot project started creating wider change in the youth sector.
This experience in Portugal and the work that followed in Lithuania showed clearly how much power young people have when they are given the right support. NEET youth are not lazy or lost—they are often just disconnected. With trust, creativity, and a holistic approach, youth workers can help build the bridge back. The training in Barcelos reminded everyone involved that change doesn’t always come from big systems. Sometimes, it begins with simple actions, shared energy, and the courage to try something new.
Looking ahead, the team from Tavo Europa believes that young people are the heart of the future. They have energy, ideas, and potential—what they often lack is someone who believes in them. The Erasmus+ project was a reminder that belief, combined with good methods and teamwork, can make a real difference. In the long term, the goal is to continue building a youth sector that sees the full person, not just the problems. By investing in youth empowerment now, communities across Europe can become stronger, more inclusive, and more hopeful. The journey from NEET to compete is possible—and it starts with people who care enough to walk beside them.