Hackathon Days in Brussels: Destination Europe!

In the first week of July, young leaders from Spain, Portugal, and Italy gathered in Brussels to participate in the "Hackathon Days" organized by the YouLeaders project.

The YouLeaders project – Youth Community Leaders in rural areas of South Western Europe, selected and co-financed by the Erasmus+ program and the National Youth Agency (Italy), aims to promote and strengthen the role of young people living in rural areas as leaders in change and sustainable development. This goal is pursued through educational tools and experiences that stimulate their entrepreneurial spirit and enhance their capacities.

The project targets young girls and boys aged 14 to 19 from rural and geographically disadvantaged areas of Sicily (Italy), Galicia (Spain), and the Leiria Region (Portugal), providing them with opportunities for educational and professional growth. Since its inception in 2023, over 90 young leaders have been involved in empowerment programs, including a delegation of 25 youths from each of the three countries who participated in the Hackathon Days in Brussels.

Hackathon: Challenges and Innovative Solutions

The Hackathon days provided an opportunity to share ideas, collaborate on innovative projects, and present concrete solutions to contemporary issues. Following the exchange of experiences from their respective countries, participants were divided into 5 groups to develop innovative solutions to significant challenges for our future, such as climate change, technology innovation, cultural heritage preservation, and civic responsibility education.

Each group presented their solution to a jury composed of industry experts. The most innovative solution with the highest potential positive impact was awarded. The winning project proposed the use of advanced technologies, including remote monitoring systems, IoT devices for home security, and digital platforms for managing the health and well-being of the elderly, aimed at improving their quality of life and promoting independence in old age.

A Journey of Personal Growth

In addition to intense Hackathon sessions, participants had the opportunity to explore the streets of Brussels and visit European parliamentary institutions. This immersion in the heart of Europe in a cosmopolitan city enriched participants with a broader perspective on cultural diversity and the importance of international cooperation.

Visits to European parliamentary institutions allowed young people to see firsthand how decisions made at the European level influence the daily lives of citizens, strengthening their sense of belonging to the European Union and motivating them to actively contribute to its future.

"We had an opportunity that we will never forget. Thanks to this experience, we understood what Europe means and found a reason to improve our English," shared some participants, demonstrating how this trip increased their civic awareness and commitment to the idea of a united Europe.

Through the travel experience, young people developed fundamental cross-cutting skills such as time management, sharing spaces, and communication. For many participants, this trip to Brussels represented their first experience outside their home country. Discovering new places and interacting with peers from other nationalities contributed to strengthening their autonomy, self-confidence, and adaptability.

**

"I like it here because there are different people. Plus, it seems like no one cares too much about judging others; you can dress however you want and eat whatever you want," said one participant, enthusiastic about Brussels' multicultural environment. The vibrant atmosphere of Brussels, with its numerous cultural and social opportunities, inspired many participants to consider the possibility of living and working in a European city in the future, once again demonstrating how such opening experiences can leave a lasting impression on young participants, making them feel free to choose their own future without fear of judgment.

About the project

YouLeaders is a project selected and co-financed by the Erasmus+ program and the National Youth Agency (Italy) under Key Action 2 – Cooperation partnerships in Youth. The project is coordinated by the Community Foundation of Agrigento and Trapani in partnership with Link Campus University (Italy), LUG Open Factory (Spain), Fundación Galicia Europa (Spain), Cáritas Portuguesa (Portugal), and Rosto Solidário (Portugal).

If you wish to follow the activities of the YouLeaders project, read theproject summary, visit the project website, and follow us on our social media.

To participate or for further information, contact Alisa Marghella at a.marghella@fcagrigentotrapani.it