Youth Empowerment through co-creative Activity development
The aim of the project is to build bridges and enhance youth participation by co-creating various leisure activities. We seek to strengthen young people's sense of belonging and commitment to their communities by involving them in the planning and implementation of leisure activities. We aim to enhance collaboration and networks among young people and professionals and organizations working with young people.
- Implementation date6/1/2023 - 5/31/2025
- FunderErasmus+ 2021-2027 Cooperation Partnerships (KA2)
- Research programmeSustainable and versatile social and health care
- Project typeInternational RD
- ThemesPedagogy and cocreation
- Project managerRiikka Kanervo
Project Objectives
The project's goal is to support young people's sense of belonging and connection to their communities through leisure activities and involvement in planning these activities. Additionally, the project aims to support young people, as well as the professionals and organizations working with them, to promote youth participation and well-being. The project also strengthens cooperation and networks among young people and the professionals and organizations working with them.
Target Group
The target group of the project is young people aged 13-30, especially those who are in challenging life situations. The aim is to reach and support these young people according to their needs. Another important target group is professionals working with young people. This group includes city officials, third sector organizations, and other entities working with young people.
Project Implementers
The project is implemented by UC Leuven-Limburg from Belgium (coordinator), CESIE from Italy, and Laurea University of Applied Sciences from Finland.
Project Publications
- Sateenkaarinuorten kokema osallisuus koulussa, vapaa-ajalla ja harrastusten parissa. Social services students Katja, Amanda, Marianna & Anette, and YEA-project Kanervo, R. & Kurki, J. 2024.
- Ammattilaisten näkemyksiä nuorten osallisuudesta ja osallistamisesta. Forsander, C., Hirvonen, A., Mikkonen, E., Puustinen, M., Vickström, P., Kanervo, R. & Kurki, J. 2024.
- Maahanmuuttajataustaiset nuoret ja inkluusio Suomessa. Määttänen, J., Suomalainen, K., Virta, N., Kanervo, R. & Kurki, J. 2024.
- Article Collection: Bridges of Belonging: Exploring Youth Empowerment, Inclusion, and Identity in a Changing World. Edited by R. Kanervo, 2025.
- Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity in Palermo: A YEA Project Experience. Kanervo, R., Kurki, J., De Santis, G., Ergish, Z. & Frederix, P. 2025
- Making Young People's Voices Heard Through Photo Stories. Kurki, J., De Santis, G., Ergish, Z., Frederix, P. & Kanervo, R. 2025
- The YEA Project’s Journey in Youth Engagement. Kanervo, R., Kurki, J., De Santis, G., Ergish, Z. & Frederix, P. 2025
Photovoice: Stories and Perspectives from Young People
As part of the YEA project, young people participated in a Photovoice activity, where they captured photographs and shared the stories behind them. This method provided valuable insights into their sense of belonging, leisure activities, and other aspects of their lives.
Contact person
- Riikka Kanervo
- Senior Lecturer
- riikka.kanervo@laurea.fi
- Tel 358503578551
- Johanna Kurki
- Project Officer
- Johanna.Kurki@laurea.fi
- Tel 0469222356