From the 6th to the 9th of February, representatives from all partner organizations of the STAR Project gathered in Tirana, Albania, for the second Steering Team Meeting, hosted by PVN Albania. This meeting played a crucial role in assessing the progress made so far and strategizing the next steps to further develop the project’s impact.
The four-day meeting provided a space for deep reflection, discussion, and planning. Participants from different countries came together to analyze key aspects of the project, ensuring that activities are aligned with the project’s overall vision. The main objectives of the meeting included:
- Evaluating the progress of research activities, educational materials, and training sessions carried out so far.
- Assessing the work done across various project work packages, ensuring that milestones are being met efficiently.
- Establishing clear guidelines and next steps for the upcoming youth exchanges, the development of alternative tours, and the final phase of research.
One of the primary focuses of the meeting was on enhancing educational walking tours and improving digital storytelling methodologies as essential tools for youth engagement in alternative tourism. The team explored ways to strengthen coordination among partners, fine-tune project implementation, and ensure that the impact of STAR is maximized for young participants.
A big thank you to all participants for their dedication and valuable contributions! Stay tuned for upcoming updates on the next milestones of the STAR Project.
About the STAR Project
STAR: Strengthening Youth Collaboration Through Educational Walking Tours is a 30-month initiative bringing together six youth organizations from Europe, the Balkans, and the MENA region. The project aims to enhance collaboration and build capacity in the youth sector by using educational walking tours as a key development tool. These tours enable young people to deepen their understanding of various topics while fostering personal and professional growth.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, youth organizations must adopt innovative digital methods to boost participation and promote inclusion. STAR equips young people with valuable tools for personal and professional development, enhances communication skills, and strengthens their sense of agency.
Many young people lack opportunities to engage meaningfully with different cultures and environments. Research shows that walking tours can significantly improve intercultural competence, physical and mental well-being, and leadership skills. The STAR Project aims to bridge these gaps, promote inclusion, and ensure equal opportunities for all youth.
This project aligns with the European Year of Youth 2022 by fostering digital transitions and empowering youth as active citizens. It also supports the European Year of Skills 2023-2024 by enhancing digital competencies, preparing young people for leadership roles, and enabling them to drive change in their communities.
STAR is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme and supported by Agenzia Nazionale per i Giovani.