By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
The Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth programme, a central component of the Africa-Europe Youth Academy, provides a wide range of exciting opportunities for youth organisations and young people alike. With its focus on driving sustainable development, fostering well-being, and encouraging democratic engagement, this programme plays a critical role in shaping the future of youth-led initiatives.
As we look in 2025 phase of the programme, it is essential to explore the significant impact it has on both Africa and Europe, empowering young people to become catalysts for change in their communities and the world at large.
Young people today are at the forefront of addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. From climate change to poverty reduction, young people are actively engaging in sustainable development practices. Recognising this, the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth 2025 programme places youth organisations and non-formal learning at the heart of its initiatives.
By focusing on sustainable development, the programme aims to create lasting change, ensuring that young people acquire the skills and knowledge needed to address challenges such as inequality, environmental degradation, and social exclusion. Through capacity-building initiatives, the programme enables youth organisations to enhance their effectiveness in driving social, cultural, and environmental change within their communities.
Through the programme, youth organisations are encouraged to develop and implement innovative projects that promote sustainable development in both Africa and Europe. These projects not only contribute to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) but also create a platform for young people to collaborate across borders, exchange ideas, and build lasting partnerships that drive social transformation.
According to https://www.eeas.europa.ea the heart of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth programme is a commitment to strengthening youth organisations. These organisations are often the backbone of youth engagement and activism, providing the necessary support for young people to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities. By focusing on capacity-building, the programme seeks to empower these organisations to become even more effective agents of change.
The support provided through the programme allows youth organisations to expand their reach, improve the quality of their services, and increase their ability to foster youth-led initiatives. These organisations often work in challenging environments, and capacity-building grants offer them the resources and tools to overcome these challenges, whether through leadership development, enhanced training programs, or improved organizational management.
Through partnerships with other organisations across Europe and Africa, youth organisations gain access to best practices, resources, and expertise that help them scale their impact. In addition, by participating in the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth programme, youth organisations are able to create more inclusive and diverse environments, ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.
One of the key priorities of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth 2025 programme is fostering democratic engagement among young people. In an age where political disengagement and indifference are growing concerns, it is more important than ever to empower young people to take an active role in shaping their societies and influencing decisions that will affect their futures.
The programme encourages young people to become actively involved in democratic processes, from participating in elections to engaging in debates about important societal issues. By promoting the importance of active citizenship, the programme helps young people to understand their rights and responsibilities in society, ensuring that they are equipped to contribute to the democratic decision-making processes that impact their communities and nations.
Moreover, the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth programme offers training and workshops that provide young people with the tools and knowledge to effectively advocate for policy changes, participate in civic dialogue, and take leadership roles in their communities. Through these activities, young people develop a deeper understanding of governance, public policy, and human rights, positioning them as key contributors to the creation of more inclusive and democratic societies.
In addition to democratic engagement, another central focus of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth programme is enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation. In today’s fast-paced world, young people are increasingly seeking ways to create their own opportunities and contribute to the economic development of their communities. Entrepreneurship offers young people the freedom to pursue their passions while driving economic growth and job creation.
The Erasmus+ programme provides young people with the resources, training, and mentorship necessary to develop their entrepreneurial skills. Through workshops, networking opportunities, and cross-border collaborations, young people are introduced to entrepreneurial concepts and guided on how to turn their ideas into viable projects or businesses. Whether through creating social enterprises or innovative solutions to local challenges, the programme helps young people cultivate the mindset and skills required to succeed as entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, by promoting innovation and creativity, the programme encourages young people to think outside the box, addressing social and economic issues with fresh perspectives. Through the Erasmus+ programme, young people are equipped with the tools they need to create impactful solutions, contributing to both local and global economies.
A fundamental aspect of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth programme is its commitment to inclusion. The programme recognizes that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds or with fewer opportunities often face additional barriers to accessing education, training, and other essential resources. As such, one of the programme’s core principles is ensuring that these young people have equal access to the opportunities offered by Erasmus+.
Through initiatives focused on inclusion, the programme seeks to ensure that no young person is left behind, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, or disability. The Erasmus+ programme encourages the active participation of marginalized youth, fostering environments where they can express their ideas, develop their skills, and contribute to their communities.
Inclusion is also prioritised through a focus on social justice. By promoting equal opportunities for all young people, the Erasmus+ programme works to break down the barriers that often perpetuate inequality and discrimination. Through cross-cultural exchanges, community-based projects, and educational initiatives, the programme helps to foster a sense of belonging among young people, empowering them to become active, engaged members of society.