Become a Protagonist of the Erasmus Generation

The "Become a Protagonist of the ERASMUS Generation! (Be-PEG!)” Project developed around the objective of promoting Erasmus opportunities for young people through different activities and to increase visibility of the Erasmus opportunities among young people on local, national and international level. The main idea that drove the entire project was that the project’s activities could foster intercultural understanding nd strengthen the feeling among young people of belonging to Europe.
The project foresaw 3 different activities.
1. Erasmus in School: The first activity was to train local volunteers and then organise workshops for highschool students (EiS) in order to increase their knowledge about the European mobility program, promote the different offered possibilities, share their experiences and engage them in the European view and approach. The project kicked off with a Call for Participants across the ESN Italy network, inviting Local Sections to join. Following a thorough review, the ESN Italy National Board selected six Local Sections: Milano Statale, Verona, Torino, Cagliari, Siena, and Venezia.
[Online Sessions] In February, an online meeting gathered coordinators, the Project Team, ESN Italy's Activities and Training Manager, the Secretariat Director, and the ESN Italy ERASMUS+ Trainee, with 11 participants. The session covered crucial project aspects, including the overview, timeline, shared folders, attendance lists, reporting requirements, and financial administration terms. Subsequent online training sessions engaged 24 and 30 participants, respectively, covering diverse Erasmus+ Program aspects, digital transformation, sustainability, and effective organization of Erasmus in Schools (EiS) activities, incorporating interactive techniques and addressing potential challenges.
[In-Person Sessions] Various Sections conducted in-person training sessions: ESN Venezia's training on March 26, 2023, had 1 external trainer, 3 local coordinators, and 12 participants, covering project objectives, Erasmus+ goals, values, with a discussion and feedback session. 
ESN ASE Verona's March 26, 2023, training included 2 external trainers, 2 local coordinators, and 13 participants, focusing on Erasmus+ elements, values, a themed quiz, and group activities. ESN Milano Statale's March 29, 2023, training featured 1 external trainer, 2 local coordinators, and 14 participants, addressing project introduction, Erasmus values, team-building, and internal communication. ESN Cagliari's April 1, 2023, training, with 1 external speaker/trainer, 3 local coordinators, and 18 participants, utilized digital and analog tools for a dynamic session on the Erasmus program and Europe's values. ESN Torino's April 15, 2023, training involved 1 external trainer, 3 local coordinators, and 21 participants, with participants sharing insights on Erasmus+ opportunities. ESN Siena GES' April 16, 2023, training featured 1 external trainer, 3 local coordinators, and 9 participants, introducing Be-PEG Project's objectives, emphasizing preparation for Erasmus+ opportunities abroad.
[Erasmus in School (EiS) Implementation] Following the training, each participating Section executed EiS activities tailored to their local context. For example, ESN Venezia's activity on May 5, 2023, engaged 22 participants with interactive elements like games, quizzes, and personal experiences shared by 4 volunteers and 3 international students. Other Sections organized activities that included presentations, discussions, and Q&A sessions.
2. National Event: The second activity foresaw the organisation of National Event in the form of a conference to present the project and discuss ways of widening participation, fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding, and promoting European mobility programs and active citizenship. ESN Italia organized a significant national event titled "How ESN Advocates Multicultural Mediation and Mental Health Through Sport." The conference gathered members of ESN Italia and distinguished speakers from various spheres, including representatives from the European Commission, the National Youth Council, sports councillors, and a Paralympic swimming champion. The event aimed to disseminate objectives and educational aims related to multicultural mediation and mental health through sport targeting internatonal students.
3. Erasmus Generation Video: The third activity was to create an Erasmus Generation Video with testimonials of students based on the question: ”What is ERASMUS to me?” and with the purpose of promoting mobility. The third phase involved creating a compelling video to inspire young people to embrace European citizenship and pursue mobility experiences. The Communication Committee collaborated with a skilled videomaker, preparing thoughtful interview questions. The resulting video, titled "Join us in the wonderful Game of making Europe," was shot on April 14, 2023. The interviews featured Erasmus students in Italy sharing their perspectives on Europe, European citizenship, the significance of Erasmus, and encouraging messages for those considering mobility experiences. Published on YouTube on May 23, 2023, the video was subsequently shared on social media platforms in its "Reel" version on May 25, 2023. This multifaceted approach aimed to reach a broader audience and amplify the project's impact.