Smart Step celebrated the transnational partner meeting in Valencia from the 21st May to the 23rd of May

We’re thrilled to share highlights from our recent Smart Step partnership meeting in the stunning city of Valencia, Spain! From May 21st to 23rd, 2024, partners from around the globe gathered for our second face-to-face meeting to collaborate, learn, and plan for an exciting future.

Key Highlights

Day 1: Project Review and Planning

Morning Sessions:

• Welcome and Introductions: We kicked off with a warm welcome from Mundus and UPV, followed by a review of our achievements and timeline by Mundus.
• Work Based Learning Program (WP5): CEA-PME presented the Work Based Learning Program, leading discussions on stakeholder criteria and challenges. We explored how to integrate these programs into existing networks and engaged in working sessions on stakeholder engagement.

Afternoon Sessions:

• Platform Workshop (WP4): Apodissi led a workshop on using our educational platform, including a training session on content uploading and exploring platform functionalities.
• Next Steps: We concluded with discussions on the next administrative steps and summarized the day’s sessions.

In the evening, we enjoyed a cultural activity with a tour of Valencia’s city center, followed by a delightful dinner at María Mandiles.

Day 2: Training and Communication

Morning Sessions:

• Communication Review: Mundus, along with all partners, reviewed our communication tasks, followed by a working session to plan future actions.
• Work Based Learning Sessions (WP5): We had multiple mini-courses covering different modules and assessments, along with a review of materials and the e-learning platform.

Afternoon Sessions:

• Work Based Learning Continued (WP5): Continued with sessions focused on more advanced modules and further assessments.

The day ended with some free time and dinner at the beach, providing a perfect setting for informal discussions and networking.

Day 3: Entrepreneurship and Incubators

Morning Sessions:

• Startup Incubators Training: We started with training on setting up startup incubators, including insights on accelerator programs and mentoring entrepreneurial teams.
• Visit to IDEAS-UPV: We visited the IDEAS-UPV facilities to learn about their mentoring program for entrepreneurs.

Afternoon Sessions:

• Incubator Workshop: Conducted a workshop on creating incubators in our centers.
• Wrap-Up: We closed the meeting with a session for final questions and comments.

Engaging Working Sessions

We conducted several hands-on working sessions to address key project areas:

1. Setting Up and Monitoring Incubators in VET Schools
   • Implementation: Discussed how to implement incubators in our schools.
   • Needs: Identified resources and support required.
   • Challenges: Considered potential obstacles and how to overcome them.
2. Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs
   • Key Programs: Highlighted important programs for entrepreneurs.
   • Best Practices: Shared inspiring examples and best practices.
3. Training for Teachers and Students
   • Implementation: Explored how to roll out training programs in schools.
   • Needs: Determined the resources needed.
   • Challenges: Addressed potential challenges.
4. Stakeholder Collaboration
   • Involvement: Identified key stakeholders to involve.
   • Valorization: Discussed how stakeholders can help achieve project goals.

Visit to IDEAS-UPV Facilities

A highlight of our meeting was visiting the IDEAS-UPV facilities. We learned about their comprehensive mentoring program for entrepreneurs. The insights gained will help shape our own mentoring initiatives.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up this successful meeting, we’re excited and ready to tackle the next phase of our project. The connections we’ve strengthened and the knowledge we’ve gained will drive us forward.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to this enriching gathering. Your dedication and teamwork are the driving forces behind the success of the Smart Step partnership.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey to create impactful educational and entrepreneurial opportunities!

This publication is co-funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Smart Step partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

The post Transnational Meeting & Training in Valencia first appeared on Smart Step.

The post Transnational Meeting & Training in Valencia appeared first on Smart Step.

Smart Step celebrated the kick-off meeting of the project in Ghana from the 24th to the 26th of April

The partners of Smart Step, a project co-funded by the European Commission to prepare students in Ghana and Cameroon for entrepreneurship and bridge the gap between the education system and the labor market, celebrated their first in-person meeting from the 24th to the 26th of April in Accra (Ghana). It was hosted by Don Bosco Youth Network and gathered participants from 8 organizations from 5 different African and European countries.

Coordinated by Mundus, Smart Step focuses on capacity and sustainable development in Africa. The goal is equipping teachers and learners with the necessary skills to successfully implement their own business ideas. The project intends to establish a comprehensive and collaborative system of exchange of good practices, learning processes and activities to facilitate mutual knowledge. It also introduces specific training on entrepreneurship to VET teachers and learners, encouraging them to think about sustainable innovation, production and inclusiveness, adapted to their environment.

The aim of this first encounter was to present the project’s methodology and to start working on the first tasks. During the first day, the partners had a welcome session, they visited the facilities of the Don Bosco Technical Institute and then participated in first working sessions. The following days, they continued to work together to have a better understanding of the current state of the entrepreneurship in Ghana as career opportunities for young people and identifying the mismatch between the educational approach and the labor market needs.

Hereinafter, the work of the project is going to be divided in 3 phases. The first task consists of analyzing and understanding the state-of-the-art of entrepreneurship in Ghana and Cameroon. Then, a Knowledge Exchange Platform will be designed and made public. Finally, tools, training modules, and resources will be provided to the VET centers and the local community. Besides, incubators will be created in VET schools to form, guide, and advise the learners.

This publication is co-funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Smart Step partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

The post First in-person meeting: The Smart Step partnership meets in Ghana to officially kick off the project first appeared on Smart Step.

The post First in-person meeting: The Smart Step partnership meets in Ghana to officially kick off the project appeared first on Smart Step.