LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action

Between 18 and 28 September, the mountain town of Vatra Dornei, Romania, will host the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action, bringing together 33 young people and 7 group leaders from seven European countries. For nine days of learning and collaboration, participants will focus on a topic that is increasingly relevant across Europe: rural entrepreneurship.

The project is organized by Initiative Sociale, a Romanian NGO active in youth work and non-formal education since 2012. Known for its commitment to empowering young people and supporting initiative and social responsibility, the organization provides the setting for an exchange that combines learning, cooperation and practical action in a natural, rural environment.

A focus on rural entrepreneurship

Rural areas are often rich in resources, culture and potential, yet young people living there frequently face limited opportunities. LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action responds to this reality by supporting young participants in developing entrepreneurial thinking tailored to rural communities.

Throughout the exchange, participants will explore:

• the meaning and impact of rural entrepreneurship,

• challenges faced by young people in rural areas,

• opportunities for developing sustainable local initiatives.

Using non-formal education methods, interactive workshops and teamwork, the project encourages participants to think critically and creatively while working on concrete business ideas inspired by real-life rural contexts.

Learning through cooperation and diversity

An essential dimension of the project is intercultural learning. Participants from Romania, Poland, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Czech Republic and Serbia will work in international teams, exchange experiences from their home countries and learn from different social, cultural and economic realities.

By collaborating in mixed groups, young people develop not only entrepreneurial skills, but also communication, teamwork and intercultural competences. Inclusivity is a key value of the project, with a strong focus on involving young people with fewer opportunities, particularly those from rural backgrounds or facing economic and social challenges.

From ideas to action

The exchange aims to go beyond theory. By the end of the mobility, participants will have worked together on concrete business concepts and action plans, strengthening their confidence and motivation to apply what they have learned in their local communities after returning home.

LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action is designed as a starting point for long-term impact: encouraging young people to take initiative, remain active in their communities and contribute to rural development through innovative ideas and cooperation at European level.

Participating countries and partner organizations

The youth exchange brought together young people and youth workers from the following countries and organizations:

• Romania – Initiative Sociale (host organization)

• Poland – DGT Polska

• Italy – Associazione Scambieuropei

• Spain – Asociación el Nexo

• Hungary – Creative Youth Academy

• Czech Republic – Czech Youth Association

• Serbia – Scout Group Đuka Dinić

This blog will follow the journey of the project step by step, presenting daily activities, learning moments, group experiences and results developed during the exchange.