In August 2023, a group of youth workers from across Europe gathered in Barcelos, Portugal, to take part in the Erasmus+ project titled “From NEET to Compete – A Holistic Approach to Youth Employability.” This international training course focused on supporting young people who are not in education, employment, or training—often referred to as NEET youth. The project provided an opportunity for youth professionals to learn, share, and explore new methods to help NEET youth regain motivation, build skills, and reintegrate into society and the labor market. With its combination of practical workshops, international exchanges, and real-life experiences, the training proved to be a powerful platform for creating long-term positive change.
For the youth workers from Portugal and the NGO Associacao Intercultural Amigos Da Mobilidade, the project came at a crucial time. In May 2023, local communities across Portugal continued to face serious social problems, especially among young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. In small towns and urban neighborhoods alike, many youth were struggling with a lack of opportunities, high unemployment rates, and limited access to quality education or vocational training. A significant number of these young people had dropped out of school early or experienced long periods of unemployment. They often felt isolated, discouraged, and unsure about their future. At the same time, many public institutions were finding it difficult to reach and support these youth in a meaningful way.
The training course in Barcelos opened new doors for learning and action. For the Portuguese participants, one of the most eye-opening aspects was the use of sport and physical activities as a method for personal development and employability. This approach was already known to some, but seeing how other countries were applying it in structured, inclusive, and impactful ways was inspiring. Team games, movement exercises, and outdoor activities were not just tools for fun—they were helping NEET youth build confidence, learn teamwork, and feel a sense of belonging. The idea of using the body to strengthen the mind and spirit made a strong impression on everyone involved.
Another important lesson came from the discussions around holistic youth work. During the training, participants explored how psychological, educational, and social elements can work together to support young people. This included learning about emotional intelligence, mentoring, peer support, and practical skill-building. The Portuguese team saw how combining different methods—rather than focusing only on job readiness or academic success—could lead to better long-term outcomes. They also had the chance to exchange best practices with youth workers from countries like Bulgaria, Italy, Germany, and Romania, learning how they approach challenges such as low motivation, mental health struggles, and social exclusion.
Inspired by what they saw and experienced, the Portuguese youth workers returned home with new energy and ideas. They decided to create a local program in Barcelos focused on Inclusion & Diversity, using sport and creativity as main tools. This program, later named “Jovens em Movimento” (Youth in Movement), aimed to bring NEET youth back into community life through weekly group activities that combined sports, self-reflection, and storytelling. Each session included time for physical movement, followed by conversations and creative exercises where participants could share their experiences, set personal goals, and explore their own identities.
The new program also placed a strong emphasis on building trust between youth and adults. To do this, local mentors, including social workers, teachers, and even former NEET youth, were invited to join the sessions and offer guidance. The Portuguese team believed that building strong relationships was the first step toward real empowerment. They also worked closely with the local municipality to secure space, promote the project, and include the voices of young people in decision-making processes.
The impact of “Jovens em Movimento” was clear within the first few months. Many of the young participants reported feeling more motivated and connected. Several returned to school or enrolled in training programs, while others began volunteering in their communities or applying for jobs. Local schools and youth centers also began to take more interest in inclusive, sport-based methods and invited the NGO to share their approach. Community leaders saw the program as a valuable tool for fighting youth isolation and helping young people discover their strengths.
At a broader level, the success of the program encouraged discussions about policy change in youth services. The team at Associacao Intercultural Amigos Da Mobilidade was invited to present their results at a regional youth conference, where they shared their holistic approach and the importance of using sport, dialogue, and creativity to support NEET youth. This helped raise awareness among educators, politicians, and other stakeholders, highlighting the importance of flexible, youth-centered methods.
Looking ahead, the experience of participating in the Erasmus+ project helped the Portuguese youth workers see the bigger picture. They learned that real change takes time and dedication, but also that it is possible when people work together, listen deeply, and allow young people to lead. They now believe more strongly than ever that youth empowerment is not just a goal—it is a process that requires inclusion, respect, and action.
The training in Barcelos reminded everyone involved that young people are not just the future—they are also the present. When given the chance, even the most vulnerable youth can grow, lead, and inspire change in their communities. The project showed that with the right mix of knowledge, tools, and support, every young person can find a path forward, no matter how difficult their past has been.
Through “From NEET to Compete”, youth workers from Portugal and across Europe discovered not only new methods but also a renewed belief in the power of community, connection, and courage. As more youth are reached and more lives are transformed, the vision of a stronger, more inclusive society grows closer to reality—one youth at a time.