The SYNAPSE Virtual Exchange Project has officially launched, marking the beginning of a bold three-year international initiative designed to connect and empower young people across Europe and Africa.
Co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme, SYNAPSE will engage 2,500 young people, facilitators, and participants from Italy, Spain, Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, Ethiopia, and Malawi. The project places a strong emphasis on inclusion, ensuring participation from women, youth in rural areas, and young people living with disabilities.
A New Approach to Global Challenges
SYNAPSE goes beyond conversation; it is a platform for action. The project equips young people and educators with practical tools and a transformative mindset to address complex global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and digital transformation.
At the core of the initiative is systems thinking, a holistic approach that helps participants understand how different elements are interconnected. By applying this approach, young people can identify root causes, recognise patterns, and design sustainable, long-term solutions.
Connecting Across Borders Through Virtual Exchange
The project leverages virtual exchanges interactive, online learning experiences that connect participants from different countries and backgrounds. Through guided discussions, collaborative activities, and shared projects, young people engage in intercultural dialogue and learn from diverse perspectives within a safe and inclusive digital environment.
These exchanges are designed to build essential skills in leadership, collaboration, and innovation, preparing participants to actively contribute to their communities and beyond.
Project Kick-Off Marks the Beginning
The SYNAPSE initiative officially commenced with a two-day virtual kick-off meeting held on 25–26 March 2026, bringing together all project partners to align on vision, strategy, and implementation.
This milestone marked the start of a collaborative journey focused on empowering youth across continents and building meaningful cross-border connections. The SYNAPSE project is led by Universita’ Telematica degli Study, coordinating a Consortium of 12 Partners.
What’s Next for SYNAPSE?
Our Partner SYDIC will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge levels of all partners in relation to Systems Thinking (ST) and its practical application. This process will ensure a clear understanding of existing capacities and identify areas for development across the consortium. The assessment will be conducted through a structured questionnaire and individual partners’ interviews. The analysis will help the design of the SYNAPSE curriculum and the training materials, including presentations, articles, videos, and other relevant resources. All finalised materials will be uploaded to the existing Smart Step eLearning Platform in early 2027, and made available for the training of the SYNAPSE facilitators.
Building a Movement of Changemakers
With an expected reach of over 2,500 young people, SYNAPSE is set to spark a movement of globally connected, systems-minded changemakers.
By fostering collaboration across borders and equipping youth with the tools and mindset needed to lead, SYNAPSE is contributing to a future where young people are not only participants in global conversations but active drivers of sustainable change.
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