Pan-Atlantic University has partnered with 11 institutions across Europe and Africa to train about 2,500 young people through an international initiative aimed at addressing global development challenges.
The project, known as the SYNAPSE Virtual Exchange Project, is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme and is expected to run for three years. It will connect participants from countries including Italy, Spain, Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, Ethiopia, and Malawi.
In a statement issued by the university’s project lead, Kemi Ogunyemi, the initiative is designed to equip participants— particularly women, rural youths, and persons with disabilities with skills in leadership, innovation, and community development.
According to the statement, the project will leverage virtual exchanges and digital learning platforms to enable cross-border collaboration, allowing participants to develop solutions to challenges such as climate change, inequality, and digital transformation.
The initiative is being coordinated by Università Telematica degli Studi IUL in collaboration with academic institutions, youth organisations, and development bodies across participating countries.
It noted that partner universities would work closely with small and medium-scale enterprises as well as youth groups to strengthen grassroots engagement and expand the project’s impact.
“The SYNAPSE project goes beyond conversation. It equips young people and educators with the mindset and tools to think differently, applying systems thinking to address complex global issues,” the statement said.
The university explained that the virtual exchange model would create structured online spaces for intercultural dialogue, enabling participants from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and collaborate effectively.
It added that the programme would promote systems thinking, a holistic approach that helps participants understand complex challenges by examining interconnections and identifying sustainable solutions.
As part of the next phase, organisers plan to launch a series of virtual exchanges and capacity-building programmes across participating countries, alongside the recruitment of youth facilitators..
The statement noted that the recruitment process would offer young leaders opportunities to play active roles in shaping cross-cultural dialogue and innovation.
“With an expected reach of over 2,500 young people, SYNAPSE is set to build a network of globally connected, systems-minded changemakers,” it added.
Credit: ThePunch
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