Hacktive youth: Our kick-off IN BRUSSELS 💪

On 27 April 2025, EUth Wonders and its partners from across Europe and the South-Mediterranean region gathered in Brussels, Belgium for the official kick-off event of the HACKTIVE YOUTH project: an inspiring initiative under the Erasmus+ program designed to empower young people to become active, engaged citizens.

The meeting marked the beginning of an ambitious collaboration focused on equipping youth workers and organizations with innovative tools to foster participation, inclusion, and social impact. At the heart of the project lies the Social Hackathon approach, which is an interactive and dynamic method that brings young people together to co-create solutions to real-life challenges affecting their communities.

Setting the Stage

The event began with a welcome coffee and partner introductions, creating a friendly and collaborative atmosphere from the outset. This was followed by opening remarks and a warm welcome from Volonteurope.

The introduction session kicked off with speakers Antonio from DREAMY Association and Piotr from Volonteurope, who provided an overview of their organizations and their roles within the project. This helped partners gain a shared understanding of each other and their broader visions.

Coordination, Planning, and Key Discussions

Following the introduction was a presentation by Mohamed from MENA Hackathons, who gave insights into eco-hackathons in the MENA region. This session offered valuable inspiration and practical examples of how hackathon methodologies can be adapted to address environmental and social challenges in diverse contexts.

An important part of the meeting focused on project coordination and management. It was announced that a Project Officer meeting would take place online, providing an opportunity for the Project Officer to meet partner organizations and engage directly with Work Package leads. Partners then introduced their organizations, sharing their expertise and expected contributions to the project. This exchange strengthened the collaborative spirit and clarified roles within the consortium.

Antonio from DREAMY Association later presented the research phase of the project, outlining the process involving interviews and surveys. He explained that the findings would be soon consolidated into a final research output. Lastly, he reassured partners that the training program would be finalized soon and that all activities were progressing according to the project timeline and GANTT chart.

The discussion also touched on potential challenges, such as visa issues affecting partners from certain regions, including Palestine. These considerations emphasized the importance of flexibility and proactive planning to ensure inclusive participation throughout the project.

The day concluded on a positive note, with words of thanks and greetings exchanged among partner organizations, reinforcing the strong sense of shared commitment to HACKTIVE YOUTH.

Looking ahead

HACKTIVE YOUTH will unfold through a series of engaging activities designed to inspire and empower. These include local workshops, community-based hackathons, and international exchanges, all leading up to a final International Social Hackathon in Egypt.

By connecting local action with international collaboration, the project creates opportunities for young people to not only identify social challenges in their own communities but also to work together across borders to develop sustainable, impactful solutions.

The energy and enthusiasm during the kick-off event set a powerful tone for the months ahead. With a diverse partnership and a clear, shared vision, HACKTIVE YOUTH is poised to make a meaningful contribution to youth engagement and social innovation. As the project moves forward, it will continue to open inclusive, participatory spaces where young people around the world can grow, collaborate, and take an active role in shaping a better future.

HACKTIVE YOUTH PROJECT