TITLE: DevelpMENS: Youngsters personal and social development through self-determination theory, critical thinking and media literacy
DATES: 01/02/24 – 31/01/27
IMPORTANT LINKS: Website – Facebook – Instagram
PARTNERS:
1. L’ORMA SSD ARL, Italy – Coordinator
2. VIZIONI I RI 2016, Albania – Partner
3. BOSNIAN REPRESENTATIVE ASSOCIATION FOR VALUABLE OPPORTUNITIES (BRAVO), Bosnia and Herzegovina – Partner
4. BULGARIAN SPORTS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, Bulgaria – Partner
5. KOLEGJI HEIMERER SHPK, Kosovo – Partner
6. UDRUGA VERE MONTIS, Croatia – Partner
DESCRIPTION
“DevelopMENS” is an Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange project that promotes the personal and social development of young people by integrating self-determination theory, critical thinking, media literacy, and soft skills into formal, non-formal, and informal education. It responds to the growing challenges young people face in a complex world shaped by rapid technological change, social media, globalization, and increasing social and economic uncertainties.
The project targets two main groups: young people aged 13–18, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, and youth workers, psychologists, and educators aged 18–30. By equipping both groups with tools to foster intrinsic motivation, critical thinking, and media literacy, DevelopMENS empowers young people to navigate today’s social and digital landscapes with confidence and resilience.
DevelopMENS starts with research and focus groups to better understand young people’s needs, then develops an innovative curriculum and interactive training materials. A central feature of the project is the DevelopMENS MOOC, a multilingual Massive Open Online Course that offers engaging modules on self-awareness, soft skills, critical thinking, and media literacy, accessible to anyone interested.
The project also organises virtual exchange activities to promote intercultural dialogue and enhance digital and soft skills. These include three virtual training courses for youth workers and three for young people, each designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of self-determination theory and its practical applications in everyday life. A dedicated social media campaign raises further awareness and extends the project’s impact, while a final Congress and Press Conference disseminate results to a wider audience.
Through its multi-disciplinary, collaborative, and digital approach, DevelopMENS provides young people with the tools they need to develop autonomy, competence, and a sense of belonging — the three pillars of self-determination theory — while cultivating critical thinking and responsible media use.
DevelopMENS is implemented by a consortium of organisations from Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo, reflecting a rich intercultural collaboration. Together, these partners are building a more inclusive and empowering learning environment for young people, helping them to become informed, motivated, and active members of society.
