YP DE opportunities

Youth Exchange: Roots of Change – Rural Empowerment for Youth Employability

Youth Exchange: Roots of Change – Rural Empowerment for Youth Employability

Roots of Change is an international youth exchange designed to empower young people from rural areas by strengthening their employability, digital competences, entrepreneurial mindset and active participation.

Through non-formal education, intercultural learning and creative collaboration, participants will explore the challenges and opportunities of rural life while developing practical ideas that can create positive change in their communities.

Overview:

 

 

 

Location: Avis, Portugal

 

When: 8th–16th October 2026

 

Application deadline: 27th July 2026

 

Eligibility is limited to applicants from: Germany

 

Eligible age: 18–30 years old

 

Number of participants: 6 participants and 1 group leader from Germany

 

Accommodation and food covered

 

Travel reimbursement: Up to €395 for participants travelling from Germany.

“Before applying, we suggest that you read the Infopack and ensure you are familiar with the information it contains.” (PDF Below)

What's about...

About the Project

The project aims to empower young people from rural areas by developing their employability, digital skills, entrepreneurial mindset and active participation.

Through workshops, digital storytelling, social entrepreneurship, local community interaction and intercultural exchange, participants will examine challenges faced by rural communities and work together to develop creative and practical solutions.

The youth exchange will encourage participants to become active changemakers and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities.

 

🎯 What will you experience?

  • Interactive non-formal education workshops
  • Digital storytelling and creative activities
  • Social entrepreneurship and innovation
  • Teamwork and leadership activities
  • Intercultural learning and cooperation
  • Interaction with the local community
  • Discussions about rural challenges and opportunities
  • Development of social-impact project ideas
  • Intercultural evenings and international networking

 

✅ Who can apply?

We are looking for young people who:

 

  • Are between 18 and 30 years old
  • Currently reside in Germany
  • Come from a rural area or have a connection to a rural community
  • Are interested in employability, entrepreneurship and rural development
  • Are curious about digital tools, creativity and social innovation
  • Are open-minded and willing to participate actively in intercultural learning
  • Want to create a positive impact in their communities
  • Can communicate in English; perfect English is not required

 

Priority will be given to young people with fewer opportunities, including unemployed young people, NEETs, migrants, young people from isolated areas and participants facing social or economic barriers.

Objectives...

  • Improve young people’s employability and digital competences
  • Develop an entrepreneurial mindset among young people from rural communities
  • Increase participants’ self-confidence and problem-solving skills
  • Strengthen teamwork, leadership and intercultural cooperation
  • Explore entrepreneurship and innovation in rural areas
  • Encourage active participation and social responsibility
  • Support young people in creating social-impact initiatives
  • Promote sustainable rural development
  • Increase awareness of Erasmus+ and European youth participation

 

Important Information...

What will you gain?

Participants will gain:

  • Improved digital and communication skills
  • Practical knowledge of rural entrepreneurship and innovation
  • Experience in teamwork, leadership and intercultural cooperation
  • Greater self-confidence and problem-solving abilities
  • New perspectives on opportunities within rural communities
  • Tools for developing social-impact projects
  • Experience with non-formal education methods
  • International friendships and networking opportunities
  • A better understanding of Erasmus+ and European youth participation

 

Accommodation and Food

Participants will stay in shared houses at Camping Park Avis. The houses include shared bedrooms, an ensuite bathroom, a shared kitchen, beds or sofa beds, bed linen, towels and basic toiletries.

Accommodation and food are fully covered by Erasmus+. Participants will receive breakfast, lunch, dinner and a coffee break each day.

 

Travel Reimbursement

Travel costs for participants travelling from Germany can be reimbursed up to €395, subject to Erasmus+ rules and the presentation of all required invoices, tickets and boarding passes.

 

Do not purchase any travel tickets before receiving confirmation and approval from the organisers. Tickets must be booked in economy class, and participants should select the most economical travel options available. Private transportation such as taxis and Uber is not reimbursed.

Infopack...

The Infopack provides all the essential details you need to know about the youth exchange, including the project goals, location, travel arrangements, accommodation, and important contact information. Make sure to read it carefully to be fully prepared for the event

To APPLY....

The application deadline is 27th January 2026!

Below is the Google Form link to the application form. We wish you the best of luck and hope to see you soon in our educational activities!