Erasmus+ is an EU education and training programme for students and learners. It specifically focuses on the fields of education, training, youth and sport and has been in existence for quite a few years. Currently, the programme is creating mobilities covering the period from 2021 (in the past now) right through to 2027.
Why Education, Training, Youth and Sport?
Education, training, youth and sport are key areas that support citizens in their personal and professional development. High quality, inclusive education and training (as well as informal and non-formal learning) ultimately equip young people and participants of all ages with the qualifications and skills needed for meaningful participation in democratic society, intercultural understanding and successful transition into the labour market.
Why Spending Time in a Foreign Country is So Beneficial
European citizens need to be better equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed in a dynamically changing society that is increasingly mobile, multicultural and digital. Spending time in another country to study, to learn and work should become the standard, and the opportunity to learn two other languages in addition to one's mother tongue should be offered to everyone. The Erasmus+ Programme is a key component supporting the objectives of the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027, the European Union Youth Strategy and the European Union Work Plan for Sport (2021-24).
Equal Opportunities for All
To increase the qualitative impact of its actions and ensure equal opportunities, the Programme will continue to reach out as much as possible to people of different ages and from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds. At the heart of the Programme, the aim is to come closer to those with access to fewer opportunities, including people with disabilities and migrants, as well as European Union citizens living in remote areas or facing socio-economic difficulties.
How the Erasmus+ Programme Can Make a Meaningful Contribution to Society
The Erasmus+ Programme encourages its participants (particularly young people), to engage and learn to participate in society, raising awareness about the European Union’s common values. The Programme can make a meaningful contribution to society too by stimulating innovation and bridging Europe's knowledge, skills and competencies gap. EU businesses need to become more competitive through talent and innovation. This investment in knowledge, skills and competencies will benefit individuals, institutions, organisations and society as a whole by contributing to sustainable growth and ensuring equity, prosperity and social inclusion in Europe and beyond.
Challenges of Participation in Democratic Life
Another challenge relates to the European-wide trends of limited participation in democratic life and low levels of knowledge and awareness about European matters and their impact on the lives of all European citizens. Many people are reluctant, or face difficulties, in actively engaging and participating in their communities or in the European Union's political and social life.
Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Projects
In line with the European Union’s priorities in making its economy sustainable, projects should be designed in an eco-friendly manner and should incorporate green practices in all facets. Organisations and participants involved should have an environmentally-friendly approach when designing their projects, which will encourage them to discuss and learn about environmental issues, make them think about what can be done at their level and help them come up with alternative, Greener ways of implementing their activities.
To find out more about Erasmus+, get in touch with the TravelEdventures team here.
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