Our Mission
YOUTH-ful-GUIDES is dedicated to empowering young people by providing them with the skills and opportunities to lead in preserving local heritage and promoting sustainable tourism. Through our innovative training programs and the YOUTH-ful-GUIDES App, we enable young guides to create and share engaging, eco-conscious tour experiences.
Who We Are
This project is a collaborative effort among three dynamic partners from across Europe. Each brings specialized expertise and a shared commitment to fostering youth engagement and cultural preservation:
FM-EPICHEIREIN
(Greece)
Located in Xanthi, Greece, FM-EPICHEIREIN is a business consulting company that excels in blending urban and sustainable development with entrepreneurship and innovation. Established in 2004, the company has made a name for itself through its strategic approach to enhancing labor employment, supporting youth initiatives, and boosting key sectors such as tourism, health, and IT. With a robust track record in EU project management and development, FM-EPICHEIREIN offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes management consulting, entrepreneurship support, and technical solutions in accounting and tax matters. Their extensive experience and certified expertise in managing both development and European programs have established them as a trusted partner in numerous impactful regional and international projects.
Their commitment to sustainable growth and the empowerment of communities and businesses through knowledge transfer and innovative practices drives their project involvement and cements their role as a pivotal player in numerous transformative initiatives across Europe.
Role in ‘YOUTH-ful-GUIDES’
As the lead partner in the YOUTH-ful-GUIDES project, FM-EPICHEIREIN is responsible for steering the project towards achieving its goals of empowering young individuals through guided tour training and digital innovation. Their specific tasks and responsibilities include:
1.) Brand Development & Website Creation
Spearheading the creation of a unique brand identity and developing an informative website to serve as the central hub for the project’s digital presence.
2.) Youth Teams Attraction & Selection Launching a campaign to attract motivated young individuals and organizing events to engage and select 15 young guides from Greece.
3.) Educational Material Creation
Developing a comprehensive guide to assist partners in creating educational programs and formulating an educational program to train the selected Greek guides.
4.) Training of New Guides
Conducting training sessions to equip the new guides with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective tour guidance.
5.) Youth-ful-Guides App Development
Overseeing the development and subsequent evaluation of the YOUTH-ful-GUIDES App to optimize its functionality and user experience.
6.) Guided Tours Organization
Organizing a tour in Greece to demonstrate the practical application of the training and participating in tours organized by project partners in Spain and Lithuania.
7.) Dissemination & Evaluation
Playing an active role in dissemination activities, including organizing local tours and creating and publishing newsletters. Contributing to the preparation of the comprehensive results report and administering the evaluation survey to measure the project’s impact and success.
Through these roles, FM-EPICHEIREIN not only fulfills its mission of fostering development and entrepreneurship but also ensures that the project benefits all stakeholders involved by effectively managing and implementing the YOUTH-ful-GUIDES initiative.
Website: https://fme.gr/
INERCIA DIGITAL SL
(Spain)
Inercia Digital SL, established in 2010, is a dynamic and innovative organization based in Aljaraque, Huelva, within the scientific and technological park. As a Vocational Training for Employment (VET) center accredited by the regional government, Inercia Digital specializes in enhancing digital and entrepreneurial skills across Europe. The organization focuses on the development of digital competencies through a variety of educational initiatives and projects, including significant contributions to the European Commission’s Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition.
Inercia Digital is renowned for its dedication to promoting digital culture and innovation, offering high-quality training solutions through its virtual campus. This commitment is further evidenced by its recognition as a Young Innovative Company by AENOR and its role as a collaborative entity in training for employment designated by the Andalusian Employment Service.
Role in ‘YOUTH-ful-GUIDES’
In the YOUTH-ful-GUIDES project, Inercia Digital plays a crucial role in several key areas to support the mission of transforming young individuals into skilled tourist guides who can effectively use digital tools to enhance cultural and environmental awareness:
1.) Attracting Youth Teams & Selection
Inercia Digital will initiate and lead a campaign to attract young, motivated individuals. They will organize events to engage potential participants and select 15 young guides from Italy.
2.) Creation of Educational Material for Guides They will develop a specialized educational program tailored to train the selected Italian guides, equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge.
3.) Training of New Guides: Inercia Digital is responsible for the training of 15 new guides from Italy, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver engaging and informative tours.
4.) App Evaluation
As part of their digital expertise, Inercia Digital will evaluate the YOUTH-ful-GUIDES App developed by FM-EPICHEIREIN. They will provide critical feedback and recommendations for improvements to enhance the app’s functionality and user experience.
5.) Guided Tours
They will organize a tour in Italy to showcase the practical application of their training and will also participate with representatives in the tours organized in Greece and Lithuania.
6.) Dissemination & Evaluation
Inercia Digital will actively participate in dissemination and evaluation activities, helping to assess the project’s impact and effectiveness and ensuring the dissemination of results across relevant platforms.
Website: https://inerciadigital.com/
ASOCIACIJA TAVO EUROPA (Lithuania)
Asociacija Tavo Europa, based in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a vibrant non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering young individuals through immersive and practical experiences in European matters and civic responsibilities. With a diverse team of social workers, researchers, and psychologists, Tavo Europa focuses on creating transformative experiences for youth. Annually, the organization engages over 1,000 learners aged 14 to 30 through advanced training programs that elevate the expertise of at least 200 youth workers each year.
Their mission is to empower every young individual, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds such as rural areas, minorities, and those living with disabilities. Tavo Europa is committed to fostering entrepreneurship, personal and professional development, and out-of-the-box thinking among the youth. Through their workshops, community projects, and mentorship programs, they strive to bridge the knowledge gap and ignite passion for social entrepreneurship.
Role in ‘YOUTH-ful-GUIDES’
In the YOUTH-ful-GUIDES project, Asociacija Tavo Europa plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategies to attract, train, and empower young individuals in Lithuania. Their specific tasks and responsibilities include:
1.) Attracting Youth Teams & Selection
Tavo Europa will spearhead campaigns to attract motivated young individuals in Lithuania, organizing events to engage potential participants and selecting 15 young guides.
2.) Creation of Educational Material for Guides
They will develop tailored educational programs aimed at training these 15 selected Lithuanian guides, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as guides.
3.) Training of New Guides
Tavo Europa will implement these educational programs to train the 15 new guides, preparing them to conduct insightful and engaging tours.
4.) Dissemination & Evaluation
They will actively participate in the dissemination and evaluation of the project’s activities, helping to assess and report on the effectiveness and reach of the training programs.
Website: https://www.tavoeuropa.eu/
Project Activities
Forming Youth Guide Groups
In the initial phase of the project, we focus on assembling groups of young, motivated individuals from Greece, Spain, and Lithuania. These groups will consist of selected candidates who demonstrate a passion for cultural heritage and sustainable tourism. The formation of these groups is pivotal, as they will be the front-runners in piloting innovative tourism strategies in their respective regions.
Developing Youth Guides Training Material
To equip our youth guide groups with the necessary skills and knowledge, we develop comprehensive training materials tailored to the unique cultural and historical context of each region. These materials are designed to enhance their guiding abilities while incorporating sustainable tourism practices.
Training for Young Guides
With our bespoke training materials, we conduct extensive training sessions for the young guides. These sessions are structured to not only provide them with factual knowledge but also to hone their practical skills in engaging tourists, storytelling, and promoting eco-friendly tour practices.
Creation of
“YOUTH-ful-GUIDES App”
A cornerstone of our project is the YOUTH-ful-GUIDES App. This digital tool allows our guides to create and share interactive and engaging tour experiences. The app also serves as a platform for guides to manage bookings and receive feedback, fostering a dynamic and responsive guiding environment.
Dissemination Activities
To amplify the impact of our project, we engage in active dissemination of our methodologies, successes, and lessons learned. This includes publishing newsletters, hosting webinars, and participating in conferences to share our innovative approach to tourist guiding with a broader audience.
Evaluation
Throughout the project, we implement rigorous evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of our training programs, the utility of the YOUTH-ful-GUIDES App, and the overall satisfaction of participants and tourists. This ongoing evaluation helps us refine our strategies and ensure continuous improvement.
Each of these activities is designed to enhance the capabilities of young guides and revolutionize tourist experiences in their localities, making a lasting impact on the tourism industry through innovation and sustainability.
Tour Organization in Greece
We organize a showcase tour in Greece, demonstrating the effective integration of our training and digital tools. This tour highlights Greece’s rich historical and cultural landscapes, seen through the lens of sustainability and innovation in tourism.
Tour Organization in Spain
Similarly, in Spain, we organize a tour that reflects the local culture and heritage while emphasizing modern tourist engagement strategies. This tour serves as a practical platform for our Spanish guides to apply their training in real-world settings.
Tour Organization in Lithuania
In Lithuania, the focus is on showcasing the Baltic region’s unique heritage through sustainable tourism practices. Here, the young guides deploy their newly acquired skills to enhance the tourism experience, blending traditional narratives with modern amenities.
Partnerships
At YOUTH-ful-GUIDES, we believe in the power of collaboration to expand our impact and drive innovation. Learn more about our project partners who bring diverse experiences and expertise to our initiative. We invite like-minded organizations and individuals who share our vision of merging cultural heritage with modern entrepreneurial education to explore opportunities for collaboration. If you’re interested in joining our network, connecting with our teams, or contributing to our project, let’s connect!
Resources
Training Manuals
Download comprehensive guides that cover all aspects of the training provided to our young guides. These manuals include step-by-step instructions on engaging tourists effectively, integrating technology in tours, and emphasizing sustainability in travel.
YOUTH-ful-GUIDES App User Guide
Get the most out of the YOUTH-ful-GUIDES App with our detailed user guides. These documents provide insights into the app’s functionality, tips on creating engaging content, and instructions on using the app to manage tour bookings and feedback.
Workshop Educational Materials
Access the educational materials developed for and used during our training workshops. These materials are designed to enhance understanding of local cultures, heritage, and sustainable tourism practices, providing practical tools and knowledge that can be applied directly in guided tours.
News & Insights
Stay updated with the latest project developments, upcoming events, and feature stories from our participants. Our blog serves as a dynamic space where we share updates on project milestones, highlight success stories from our young guides, and discuss emerging trends in sustainable tourism and digital engagement. Follow our blog to see how YOUTH-ful-GUIDES is making a difference across Europe!
YOUTH-ful-GUIDES Project Deliverables Greek Edition 📚
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Erasmus Days 2024 Recap: Celebrating the ‘YOUTH-ful-GUIDES’ Project!
Erasmus Days 2024 Recap: Celebrating the ‘YOUTH-ful-GUIDES’ Project! We are thrilled to announce that the first event of[…]
Get in Touch
Have questions or ideas about YOUTH-ful-GUIDES? We’re here to help and would love to hear from you. Contact us through our online form available on our website or reach out directly via our provided contact details. We are eager to engage with potential partners, participants, and anyone interested in the fields of cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and youth empowerment. Let’s make a positive impact together!
