From the 9th to the 15th of September 2024, the picturesque coastal town of San Vincenzo (LI) came alive with the energy of young changemakers. They gathered for the Connect4Impact Bootcamp, organised by Europiamo ETS, a key partner of the Erasmus+ Connect4Impact project.
This bootcamp marked the final in-person stage of an online training course focused on Erasmus+ Youth project writing. It was not just another training week – it was a vibrant moment in the journey of Connect4Impact, a project designed to connect individuals and organisations for social impact across Europe.
Bootcamp Goals
The Connect4Impact Bootcamp aimed to:
- Deepen participants’ understanding of Erasmus+ Youth project design and writing.
- Strengthen connections within the Europiamo community through shared learning and collaboration.
- Build practical skills that participants can use to design real, impactful youth projects.
A Week of Collaboration and Creativity
Over six dynamic days, participants took part in workshops, simulations, and group work sessions. The atmosphere was buzzing with curiosity and determination. Each activity reflected the core mission of Connect4Impact – to strengthen youth participation, collaboration, and innovation across borders.
Teams explored every stage of project development, from identifying community needs to budgeting and evaluation. They also integrated key Erasmus+ values such as inclusion, sustainability, and digital transformation.
One of the week’s highlights was the Erasmus+ project simulation, where participants worked under real deadlines to prepare proposals. This hands-on challenge gave them practical experience in managing pressure and teamwork, vital skills for anyone entering the world of youth work and European projects.
The bootcamp also offered moments of reflection, feedback, and peer learning. Participants shared experiences, challenges, and personal growth stories – leaving with more than just new knowledge. They left with a stronger sense of belonging to a European community of active citizens ready to create positive change.
The Road Ahead
As the Connect4Impact Bootcamp came to a close, participants returned home with renewed confidence and new tools to craft successful Erasmus+ Youth projects. The event strengthened relationships across the Europiamo network, linking directly to the Connect4Impact mission of building stronger, more connected communities in Malta, Italy, and beyond.
The collaboration, ideas, and enthusiasm born in San Vincenzo will continue to shape future Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps initiatives. Through Connect4Impact, young people and organisations are building a Europe that values participation, creativity, and solidarity.
