INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION; PARTNERSHIPS; TRAINING
E+ LAB
European project aimed at strengthening partnerships, sharing good practices, and developing skills in the creation of Erasmus+ projects, particularly KA2 projects. Through practical training, artificial intelligence, and collaborative work, it promoted the European Youth Goals and international cooperation.
Period
17th to 21st january 2026
Area
international cooperation; partnerships; training
Status
Completed
About the project
The international activity “E+ LAB” (Partnership Building Activity & Youth Goals Project Creation Training) was an Erasmus+ initiative aimed at youth workers, project managers, and organizational representatives from across Europe. It combined two complementary dimensions: networking and partnership development, followed by practical training in KA2 project creation within the European Youth Goals framework.
Over several days, participants joined dynamic sessions to build new collaborations, share ideas, and identify common priorities for future cooperation projects. The PBA - Partnership Building Activity - focused on connecting motivated organizations, fostering trust, and forming potential consortia for strong and sustainable Erasmus+ KA2 initiatives.
The E+ LAB – Youth Goals Project Creation Training provided hands-on guidance throughout the design, structuring, and finalization of KA2 project proposals. Participants took part in workshops, peer feedback activities, and personalized mentoring, leaving with well-developed and ready-to-submit project applications.
This initiative was part of Check-IN’s Erasmus+ Youth Accreditation, reflecting the organization’s long-term commitment to capacity building, partnership strengthening, and promoting the European Youth Goals through high-quality mobility and non-formal education activities.
Consortium
Coordinator
Associação Check-IN
Portugal
International partners
Associazione Agrado
ITALY
GAMMA Institute
ROMANIA
Asociacija Akyvistai
LITHUANIA
Anthropolis Egysület
HUNGARY
IMBG - European Institute for Modern Board Games
SPAIN
ELEBO
SPAIN
ENHI - European Network for Holistic Integration
SWEDEN
Hellenic Youth Participation
GREECE
HITIT UNIVERSITY
TÜRKIYE
IZUM YOUTHCLUB
ESTONIA
MILLI IRADE ULUSLARARASI KIZ ANADOLU IMAM HATIP LISESI
TÜRKIYE
TRACCE NASCOSTE
ITALY
Objectives
- 1Strengthen cooperation and trust among youth organisations across Europe
- 2Develop participants’ competences in KA2 project design and management
- 3Promote the use of the European Youth Goals as a framework for youth work and strategic projects
- 4Foster high-quality, sustainable partnerships for future Erasmus+ initiatives
- 5Promote innovation and quality in the youth sector through collaboration and peer learning
Diary - Day 1
The first day marked the official beginning of our shared journey, bringing together partners from different countries with the common goal of strengthening cooperation and deepening their understanding of the Erasmus+ framework. The atmosphere was open and welcoming, as participants engaged in a series of “get to know each other” activities designed to break the ice and foster trust within the group. After the initial energizers, participants were introduced to the broader Erasmus+ ecosystem. Through interactive discussions, they explored the structure, opportunities, and priorities of the program, building a common foundation of knowledge. A dynamic “World Café” session followed, structured around four guiding questions: Who can participate in Erasmus+? What methods can be used? Which countries can take part? What activities can be implemented? Working in rotating groups, participants exchanged experiences, clarified doubts, and reflected on the diversity of possibilities offered by the program. This format encouraged peer learning and active contribution from everyone. The day continued with brief presentations of each partner organization, allowing participants to better understand the actors involved, their missions, and their areas of expertise. This moment was essential for identifying complementarities and potential synergies for future cooperation. To conclude, the group analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of different Erasmus+ applications. Through a guided reflection, participants discussed common challenges in project writing and shared practical tips to improve quality, impact, and coherence in future proposals. The session provided valuable insights and set a strong foundation for the following days of work.
Diary - Day 2
The second day focused on reflection and knowledge sharing, providing participants with the opportunity to explore challenges and successful strategies in Erasmus+ project implementation. Each partner shared practical insights and best practices, highlighting solutions that had proven effective in overcoming obstacles during previous projects. This exchange fostered a collaborative atmosphere, enabling participants to learn from each other’s experiences and gather valuable tips for their current and future initiatives. Building on this foundation, the group turned their attention to idea generation within the Erasmus+ framework. Each partner began developing concepts for potential projects, considering their organizational priorities and the needs of their target groups. These ideas were then presented to all participants, sparking discussions and feedback that helped refine and select the most promising proposals. In the afternoon, participants formed working groups around the chosen ideas and started developing concrete KA2 project proposals. Through collaborative brainstorming, planning sessions, and peer feedback, each team laid the groundwork for structured, high-quality project concepts. The day ended with a sense of excitement and motivation, as participants felt empowered to transform their ideas into tangible initiatives that could make a real impact at local and European levels.
Diary - Day 3
On the third day, participants explored the use of Artificial Intelligence tools to enhance project management, focusing on how these technologies can improve efficiency in resource allocation, planning, and overall project execution. The session provided practical insights into leveraging AI for monitoring, coordination, and strategic decision-making within Erasmus+ initiatives. Following this introduction, project managers continued working in small groups to further develop the KA2 project proposals initiated the previous day. Through focused collaboration, teams refined their ideas, structured project plans, and integrated feedback to strengthen the quality and feasibility of each proposal. In the afternoon, dedicated networking sessions allowed partners to connect more deeply with each other, fostering new relationships and opening opportunities for future collaborations. Participants discussed potential joint activities and explored synergies between their organizations, laying the groundwork for ongoing cooperation beyond the scope of the training.
Diary - Day 4
Building on the progress from the previous day, participants continued developing their KA2 project proposals in small groups. Each team focused on defining objectives, activities, and expected results while refining their timelines and resource planning. Interactive sessions encouraged peer feedback, allowing participants to identify potential improvements and address gaps in their project designs. Creative brainstorming activities helped teams explore innovative approaches, integrating new ideas inspired by previous discussions. Additionally, participants engaged in simulation exercises to test project scenarios and anticipate challenges. The afternoon was dedicated to collaborative work on monitoring and evaluation strategies, ensuring each proposal included clear indicators for success. Networking moments were interspersed, allowing informal discussions and exchange of tips between partners. Trainers provided targeted guidance to enhance project feasibility and impact. By the end of the day, all groups had strengthened their proposals and were ready to prepare for final presentation and review.
Diary - Day 5
The final day focused on reflection, evaluation, and project analysis. Participants assessed the overall process, discussing strengths and areas for improvement in both the training activities and the work of the trainers. Group discussions highlighted what had been most effective, challenges encountered, and lessons learned for future Erasmus+ projects. Participants completed evaluation forms online and engaged in interactive offline activities to provide feedback on content, organization, and methodology. The day also included presentations where each group summarized their refined KA2 proposals, receiving constructive comments from trainers and peers. This final review reinforced the collaborative learning process and ensured that all participants left with actionable insights for their own organizations. To conclude, Youthpass certificates were awarded, recognizing participants’ engagement, achievements, and newly acquired competences in project management, international cooperation, and youth work. The session ended with a positive and celebratory atmosphere, marking the successful completion of the training week.