PIP

Aims of the Project

The “Prospects in Peripheries” (PiP) project aimed to counteract the uneven development that marginalized peripheral regions across Europe. The project focused on enhancing opportunities in these regions, which often faced challenges such as youth migration, declining learning and training opportunities, and a loss of socioeconomic capital. By deploying innovative educational methods, PiP sought to involve NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in the job market and promote sustainable entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to the economic and social development of peripheral areas. CRN was a partner in this project.

Approach and Methods Used

The PiP project employed a multi-level approach, combining large-scale strategies, medium-scale trainings, and small-scale exercises. Strategies were designed for long-term change, involving stakeholders in collective impact initiatives. Trainings were shorter, focused on specific aims, and targeted group impact, while exercises provided individual impact and were often part of larger events. The project utilized various methods, including online surveys, telephone interviews, and discussion groups, to diagnose challenges and tailor interventions to the unique characteristics of each region.

Community Involvement

Communities were actively involved in the PiP project through participatory methods that encouraged local engagement. The project targeted young people, local NGOs, public institutions, and businesses, creating networks that supported sustainable entrepreneurship and regional development. By involving community members in trainings and workshops, the project fostered a sense of place attachment and empowered individuals to contribute to their region’s growth. This involvement was crucial in addressing challenges such as youth outmigration and lack of participation.

Concrete Results

The PiP project achieved several concrete results, including increased community-directed entrepreneurship, enhanced place attachment, and reduced brain drain. Trainings like “Personal Goal Mapping and Implementation Plan” equipped participants with skills to visualize and implement their goals in the context of regional issues. The project also facilitated the creation of social networks and cultural projects, increasing the attractiveness of peripheral regions and promoting local participation.

Action Plans and Content

The action plans developed under the PiP project included strategies for sustainable entrepreneurship, intercultural community building, and social innovation. These plans were designed to address specific challenges such as lack of participation, unemployment, and youth outmigration. For example, the “Intercultural Community Building” strategy aimed to form communities across border lines and ethnic groups, fostering social cohesion and economic collaboration through participatory seminars and public events.

Co-Created Recommendations

The co-created recommendations from the PiP project emphasized the importance of empowering peripheral communities to recognize and utilize their potential. The project highlighted the need for realistic action plans that consider the unique limitations and opportunities of peripheral regions. Recommendations included fostering local entrepreneurship, enhancing cultural welfare through community-driven projects, and promoting inclusion by bridging ethnic and social divides. These efforts contributed to vibrant peripheral communities, as demonstrated by initiatives like the monthly Night Café in Lieksa, which attracted young people and fostered a sense of community without requiring significant investment.