Kick-Off: Launching Project "CODE" in Dortmund!

11/3/20251 min read

The future of youth work is digital, and we’ve officially taken the first step toward mastering it.

We are thrilled to announce that our international consortium recently gathered in Dortmund, Germany, for the official kick-off meeting of our newest Erasmus+ initiative: Project CODE. Hosted by our lead coordinator, CHANCENGLEICH in Europa e.V., this meeting brought together partners from Serbia, Turkey, and Bulgaria to lay the foundation for a more digitally resilient NGO sector.

Why "CODE"?

In an era where technology evolves daily, many NGOs face the challenge of keeping pace. Project CODE is designed to bridge this gap by strengthening Digital Organizational Culture (DOC).

Our mission is to move beyond just "using tools" and instead help organizations truly embrace digital transformation. By the end of this journey, we aim to provide youth organizations with the mindset and infrastructure needed to thrive, not just survive, in the digital age.

What We’re Building Together

Throughout the meeting, our partners—Debatni klub Grada Niša, HIBRIT GENCLIK KULUBU, and Beyond Experience—shared their insights and local expertise. Together, we defined our roadmap for the coming months, which includes:

  • Innovative Roadmaps: Strategic guides for NGOs to assess and improve their digital readiness.

  • Empowerment Tools: Practical resources to enhance digital skills for youth workers and leaders.

  • Resilience Building: Creating sustainable digital practices that allow organizations to adapt to any future challenges.

A Shared Vision

The energy in Dortmund was inspiring. Beyond the technical planning and budget discussions, the meeting was a celebration of shared goals and cross-border friendship. Each partner brought a unique perspective, ensuring that the tools we develop will be applicable and impactful across all of Europe.

A massive thank you to our hosts and all partners for their enthusiasm and dedication!

Stay tuned as we begin developing our first set of digital resources. This is just the beginning of our journey to "CODE" a better future for youth work!