Non-profits' experiences and challenges in managing European projects. The example of Erasmus+ KA2 projects.

Anais KELLY

Master's thesis

What are key elements in fostering participation in Erasmus+ Key Action 2 projects?

Abstract:

Youth participation is a crucial element for the future of the European Union democracies. European funded projects within the scope of the Erasmus+ Key Action Two (E+ KA2) program "Cooperation among organizations and institutions" aim to provide the youth with key competences for civic participation, underscoring the role of lifelong learning in promoting active citizenship. This thesis aims to identify key elements in fostering the target group's participation in E+ KA2 projects. A qualitative research was realized to gain a deeper insight into the topic. Three interviews were conducted between May and June 2024 with three project managers working in a German non-profit organization involved to E+ KA2 projects. Data contributed to gather the subject's experiences and perception of youth engagement, investigating challenges and unveiling various strategies. Research underscored the crucial role of networking and local community in fostering participation in the project events. Indeed, exchanges with the target group contributes to understanding their habits, which enables the consortium to tailor the project's outputs and dissemination according to the target group's interests. As social media has shaped youth engagement these last decades, project managers need to master digital rolls in order to reach the target group. Project managers consulted as part of this study called for greater flexibility in the E+ KA2 guidelines, alongside a reconsideration of the concept of impact within project consortium. Additionally, the implications of cultural factors on participation are highlighted, emphasizing the need for more in-depth study in this area.

Abstract:

Youth participation is a crucial element for the future of the European Union democracies. European funded projects within the scope of the Erasmus+ Key Action Two (E+ KA2) program "Cooperation among organizations and institutions" aim to provide the youth with key competences for civic participation, underscoring the role of lifelong learning in promoting active citizenship. This thesis aims to identify key elements in fostering the target group's participation in E+ KA2 projects. A qualitative research was realized to gain a deeper insight into the topic. Three interviews were conducted between May and June 2024 with three project managers working in a German non-profit organization involved to E+ KA2 projects. Data contributed to gather the subject's experiences and perception of youth engagement, investigating challenges and unveiling various strategies. Research underscored the crucial role of networking and local community in fostering participation in the project events. Indeed, exchanges with the target group contributes to understanding their habits, which enables the consortium to tailor the project's outputs and dissemination according to the target group's interests. As social media has shaped youth engagement these last decades, project managers need to master digital rolls in order to reach the target group. Project managers consulted as part of this study called for greater flexibility in the E+ KA2 guidelines, alongside a reconsideration of the concept of impact within project consortium. Additionally, the implications of cultural factors on participation are highlighted, emphasizing the need for more in-depth study in this area.

Keywords

Active citizenship, lifelong learning, civic participation, civil participation, youth, competences, Erasmus+ projects, Key Action Two

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 28. 8. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: prof. Dr. Nadine Rentel

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BOHEMIA IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

Faculty of Economics

Master programme / field:
Regional and European Project Management / Regional and European Project Management