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SMILE Project Holds In-Person Kick-Off Meeting and Co-Creation Workshop in Ankara

Ankara, Türkiye, 7–10 April 2026

The consortium of the SMILE project – Supporting Mobility and Internationalization for Learning and Engagement in Somali HEIs (Project Ref. No. 101237721) successfully held its first in-person Kick-Off Meeting and Co-Creation Workshop in Ankara, Türkiye, from 7 to 10 April 2026, hosted by Middle East Technical University (METU).

Co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme, action Capacity Building in the Field of Higher Education (CBHE), SMILE is a 36-month project aimed at strengthening the internationalization capacities of Somali higher education institutions through mobility, institutional cooperation, inclusion, and digital approaches to international learning.

The Ankara meeting marked an important milestone in the project lifecycle. Following the Virtual Kick-Off Meeting held in January 2026, the in-person event enabled Somali and European partners to meet face to face for the first time, review progress achieved during the first months of implementation, and move from project launch to the first operational phase of activities.

The first day of the meeting was dedicated to consortium coordination and project management. Partners reviewed the status of project implementation after the first three months, including coordination activities, signed partnership agreements, first financial transfers, communication arrangements, and preparation of upcoming deliverables. Discussions also addressed key implementation priorities for the first year, dissemination planning, quality assurance, and reporting procedures.

The following three days were dedicated to the Work Package 2 Co-Creation Workshop, a central activity of the project’s capacity-building component. The workshop brought together Somali and European partners in a highly interactive format designed to refine the training priorities and methodologies that will guide WP2 implementation.

The workshop focused on the five core training areas of the project:

  • Staff mobility
  • Virtual mobility
  • Private sector engagement
  • Inclusion strategies
  • Academic collaboration

During the co-creation sessions, Somali partner institutions actively shared their institutional realities, priorities, and challenges, while European partners contributed examples of practices, facilitation, and technical expertise. Through plenary exchanges, thematic discussions, and World Café group work, the workshop helped confirm and update the needs analysis carried out during the project preparation phase and provided a shared basis for the further design of training activities.

The active involvement of the Somali organizations was particularly important throughout the event. Their contributions ensured that the discussions remained grounded in institutional realities and that the future training activities under WP2 will respond to actual needs and opportunities within Somali higher education. At the same time, the European partners played a key facilitation role by supporting reflection, sharing practical experience, and helping structure the outcomes of the workshop into a coherent framework for implementation.

The SMILE consortium brings together eight partners from Somalia and Europe:

  • Horseed International University (Somalia) – Coordinator
  • Baidoa International University (Somalia)
  • Plasma University (Somalia)
  • Somali Education and Youth Development Action – SOEYDA (Somalia)
  • Middle East Technical University – METU (Türkiye)
  • University of Piraeus / University of Piraeus Research Center (Greece)
  • European Society for Socio Economic Integration – ESSEI (Belgium)
  • European Association of Erasmus Coordinators – EAEC (Cyprus)

The meeting in Ankara reinforced the collaborative spirit of the consortium and created strong momentum for the next phase of the project. The outcomes of the workshop will feed directly into the Co-Creation Workshop Report and support the preparation of subsequent WP2 training activities, practical training visits, and the broader internationalization work to be developed under the SMILE project.

Through its work plan, SMILE seeks to support Somali higher education institutions in building stronger international partnerships, developing more inclusive and innovative internationalization strategies, and expanding opportunities for academic mobility and global engagement.

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Development of AYB OER Platform and Piloting

A 4.2 Piloting to 120 targets

A YEAR BETTER consortium is pleased to announce the launch of the Work Package 4 activity: Piloting the AYB Training with 120 target group representatives. Piloting activity involves real-world testing with target audiences to assess usability, effectiveness, and impact. It aims to gather feedback, refine training materials, and monitor user satisfaction and preferences through anonymous usage statistics to monitor performance, usability, as well as user satisfaction and training preferences.

Project partners will deliver AYB trainings, channeling through as many participants as possible, according to their internal schedule to ensure the maximum exposure. AYB training material includes a set of 10 training modules, available on the AYB OER Platform, each aligned with the 21 competencies outlined in the DigComp framework. A minimum of 120 seniors will be trained.

Feedback from the particicipants will be collected from interested parties involved in training (participants, trainers, staff members, etc.,) at the end of each training course.

Thanks to the results obtained by the piloting activity, project partners will further fine-tune AYB Training accordingly, in its final version. Guidelines for future training will be based on the piloting activity insights.

For more information about AYB project:

www.ayearbetter.eu

www.instagram.com/ayearbetter

www.facebook.com/ayearbetter

ayearbetter@gmail.com

Join us on this journey towards a digitally inclusive future for all!

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SMILE Project Launched with Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

The consortium of the SMILE project – Supporting Mobility and Internationalization for Learning and Engagement in Somali HEIs – officially launched project implementation today with a Virtual Kick-Off Meeting convening Somali and European partner organisations.

SMILE is a 36-month initiative designed to enhance the internationalisation capacity of Somali higher education institutions (HEIs) by fostering academic mobility, institutional cooperation and digital education. The project addresses structural barriers that have limited Somali universities’ participation in global academic networks by strengthening institutional capabilities, tools and infrastructure for sustained international engagement.

The project is coordinated by Horseed International University (SO) and brings together eight partners across Somalia and Europe:

  • Baidoa International University (SO)
  • Plasma University (SO)
  • Somali Education and Youth Development Action (SO)
  • Middle East Technical University (TR)
  • University of Piraeus Research Center (EL)
  • The European Society for Socio Economic Integration (BE)
  • Evropaikos Syndesmos Syntoniston Erasmus (CY)

Held online on 20 January 2026, the Kick-Off Meeting aligned partners on governance, responsibilities, implementation sequencing and early deliverables. A structured overview of the SMILE rationale, objectives, priorities, target groups, expected results and impact has been developed.

Presentations and partner discussion on the project’s core implementation pillars:

  • WP2: Capacity Building through Training and Infrastructure Development, led by METU
  • WP3: Practical Application and Strategy Development, led by the University of Piraeus
  • WP4: Dissemination and Promotion of Internationalization, led by ESSEI

In addition, a dedicated session on the project management took place, ensuring shared understanding of reporting, controls and performance monitoring.

The meeting also confirmed the consortium’s next in-person milestone: the April Meeting and first mobility in Ankara, hosted by METU, including initial discussion of logistics and participation arrangements.

Across its work plan, SMILE foresees capacity-building workshops and hands-on training, the development of institutional tools and strategic frameworks and the rollout of virtual mobility initiatives. By the end of the project, participating Somali HEIs are expected to have strengthened internationalisation strategies, expanded formal cooperation agreements and advanced participation in mobility opportunities.

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Finalisation of Work Package 3: “Development of the AYB training content”

“A Year Better” (AYB) project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union, proudly announces the successful implementation of Work Package 3 (WP3): Development of AYB Training Content, coordinated by E-Seniors (France) with the active contribution of all project partners from Spain, France, Poland, Italy, North Macedonia, and Belgium.

Building upon the research and mapping achieved in WP2, WP3 focused on creating engaging, learner-centered training materials designed to enhance seniors’ Digital Survival Skills in line with the European DigComp framework.

Within this work package, the consortium has:

  • Developed 10 interactive and accessible training modules, each lasting up to 45 minutes, addressing practical digital skills related to online banking, cybersecurity, social participation, independent living, and active ageing.
  • Created a full set of supporting materials, including:
    • Training content in word and PowerPoint versions 
    • Thematic glossary and self-assessment quizzes
    • Video summaries, and certificates of completion
  • We are currently preparing multilingual translations of all training content into six languages, ensuring accessibility for seniors across Europe and strengthening the inclusivity of the project’s outputs.

A Step Towards Digital Empowerment

The AYB training program aims to empower older adults to develop essential digital competences, enabling them to navigate everyday online environments safely and confidently. Each course is designed to be short, practical, and easy to follow—promoting autonomy and lifelong learning.

By integrating the DigComp framework with a senior-focused approach, WP3 marks a significant step in improving the quality, flexibility, and accessibility of adult education in Europe.

With the completion of WP3, AYB now moves forward to Work Package 4, which will focus on deploying and piloting the training modules through the project’s multilingual Open Educational Resources (OER) platform.

Join us on our journey toward a digitally inclusive and empowered society!

To access the training modules currently available in English: https://ayearbetter.eu/training.php?lang=EN

For more information about the AYB project:
🌐 www.ayearbetter.eu 
📸 www.instagram.com/ayearbetter 
📘 www.facebook.com/ayearbetter 
📧 ayearbetter@gmail.com 
#AYearBetter #ErasmusPlus #DigitalInclusion #ActiveAgeing 

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Finalisation of Work Package 2: “Mapping Digital Survival Skills”

“A Year Better” project, co-funded by Erasmus+, is pleased to announce the successful completion of Work Package 2 (WP2), dedicated to the mapping of Digital Survival Skills in line with the European DigComp framework. The finalization of WP2 is the result of a common effort of partners from Spain, France, Poland, Italy, North Macedonia, and Belgium, who closely cooperated to reach the common goal.

Within WP2, the consortium has:

  • Identified and analysed essential digital skills for seniors, with a focus on how these skills can help combat digital isolation
  • Assessed existing tools and digital resources available to older adults, highlighting both strengths and gaps
  • Compared European, national, and local standards to outline a clear and coherent framework of “Digital Survival Skills”

The mapping results will serve as the foundation for the project’s next stages, particularly:

  • the design of multilingual training modules in Work Package 3
  • the development of the Open Educational Resources (OER) platform hosting training materials
  • a strategic approach to fostering the digital inclusion of older adults

The AYB team is now building on these findings to create practical and accessible training content, which will be piloted in the coming months. With WP2 finalised, the project moves one step closer to its overarching goal: strengthening digital competences, promoting autonomy, and supporting seniors’ active participation in today’s digital society.

For more details about WP2 outcomes, visit the Mapping section on the official website.

For more information about AYB project:

www.ayearbetter.eu

www.instagram.com/ayearbetter

www.facebook.com/ayearbetter

ayearbetter@gmail.com

Join us on this journey towards a digitally inclusive future for all!

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A YEAR BETTER Project Holds Transnational Meeting in Málaga

On 17 September 2025, the partners of the European project A YEAR BETTER (AYB), co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, gathered in Málaga (Spain) for a Transnational Project Meeting. Hosted by Arrabal-AID and IT Solutions For All, the meeting brought together representatives from the six partner organisations across Spain, Poland, Italy, North Macedonia, and Belgium to review progress, share updates, and plan the next stages of the project.

The agenda opened with a welcome and introduction by the hosting partners, followed by a session on Project Management (Work Package 1) to ensure coordination and smooth implementation. Partners then discussed the official closure of WP2, led by IAL FVG (IT), focusing on mapping Digital Survival Skillsagainst the DigComp framework and identifying digital solutions to help seniors combat loneliness and foster inclusiveness.

The highlight of the meeting was WP3, presented by E-Seniors (FR), which centers on the development of a multilingual training curriculum tailored to seniors’ needs. Building on the findings of WP2, the training will include 10 modules, available in six languages, covering essential areas such as financial literacy, social participation, independent living, and active ageing. The partners discussed the structure, methodology, and content of these modules, ensuring they address real challenges faced by ICT low-skilled seniors and late digital adopters. WP3 represents a cornerstone of the project, as it directly empowers seniors to use online tools for daily needs and to maintain their independence in a digital society.

IT Solutions For All then presented the progress of WP4, which involves the development and piloting of the AYB Open Educational Resources (OER) platform, the main hub where seniors will access the training materials and resources created during the project. A workshop on green and sustainable practices further enriched the agenda, underlining the consortium’s commitment to sustainability.

The meeting concluded with a joint session dedicated to next steps, action items, and future collaboration opportunities.

The A YEAR BETTER project is committed to empowering seniors by enhancing their digital skills, promoting social inclusion, and supporting active ageing. Through its training program and OER platform, AYB is paving the way for a more inclusive digital society where seniors can remain independent, connected, and confident in their everyday lives.

For more information about AYB project:

www.ayearbetter.eu

www.instagram.com/ayearbetter

www.facebook.com/ayearbetter

ayearbetter@gmail.com

Join us on this journey towards a digitally inclusive future for all!

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A YEAR BETTER – Transnational Project Meeting hosted by IHF asbl in Brussels

With Europe’s population aging rapidly, digital exclusion among seniors remains a growing concern. The Erasmus+ project “A Year Better” (AYB) addresses this challenge by equipping older adults with the skills to navigate the digital world, enhancing their independence, inclusion, and quality of life.

On May 20th, 2025, partners met in Brussels, hosted by the Belgian partner IHF asbl, for the project’s first in person meeting. The session focused on reviewing progress and aligning the next steps across all the Work Packages.

Key discussions included project coordination (WP1), mapping activities (WP2), training development in six languages (WP3), and the design of AYB’s user-friendly Open Educational Resources platform (WP4). A dedicated workshop on green practices further connected AYB’s goals with broader sustainability principles.

A highlight of the meeting was Work Package 2 (WP2), led by IAL FVG, which focuses on mapping essential Digital Survival Skills aligned with the DigComp framework. WP2 identifies the competencies seniors need to manage daily online tasks—such as healthcare access and financial services—safely and independently. It also collects free, user-friendly digital tools available in each partner country (Spain, Italy, Poland, North Macedonia) and across the EU, promoting social inclusion and reducing loneliness.

Each partner has conducted secondary research and produced national reports, soon to be available on the project website. Together, these resources will form a digital repository to support targeted training and sustainable upskilling paths for seniors.

As the project moves forward, A Year Better continues to foster digital inclusion for older adults—ensuring they are confident, connected, and empowered in a digital society.

🔗 www.ayearbetter.eu

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A YEAR BETTER Launches Its OER Platform to Empower Seniors Through Digital Skills

A YEAR BETTER consortium proudly announces the launch of its Open Educational Resources (OER) platform, a key milestone in its mission to promote digital inclusion and support active ageing across Europe.

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, A YEAR BETTER brings together six partners from Spain, Poland, Italy, North Macedonia and Belgium. The project aims to equip elderly citizens with essential digital skills, helping them navigate everyday tasks, combat loneliness and foster social participation through technology.

The newly launched AYB OER Platform will serve as a dynamic, user-friendly online space offering:

  • Training materials in 6 languages – ensuring accessibility for a diverse European audience.
  • Digital survival skills resources – mapped against the EU’s DigComp framework.
  • A repository of digital tools – designed to reduce isolation and promote inclusiveness.

The platform will also undergo pilot testing with participants from the partner countries, gathering feedback to refine its content and functionality. In this way, the AYB project aligns with the EU’s Active Ageing Strategy, contributing to:

  • Inclusion and diversity, by addressing the digital gap among seniors.
  • Digital tranformation through practical ICT training.
  • Upskilling pathways that empower older adults to remain independent and engaged.

The AYB OER Platform represents a vital step towards a more digitally inclusive society, where seniors can feel confident and connected.

For more information about AYB and how to get involved, please visit www.ayearbetter.eu or contact ayearbetter@gmail.com.

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Bridging the Digital Divide: A YEAR BETTER Project Launches to Support Seniors

On December 13, 2024, the six partner organisations of the A YEAR BETTER (AYB) project gathered online for the official launch meeting. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ program, this innovative initiative brings together partners from Spain, Poland, Italy, North Macedonia and Belgium, with a shared mission: fostering a digitally inclusive society for the elderly.

The meeting started with a warm welcome and introduction by IT Solutions For All (ES) as the project’s coordinator. This was followed by a round of presentations where each partner had the opportunity to introduce their institution.

The core agenda of the A YEAR BETTER kickoff meeting focused on key project milestones and collaboration strategies. IT Solutions For All introduced the project’s goals and timelines, followed by IAL FVG’s presentation on mapping digital survival skills for seniors, aligning with the DigComp framework, and curating digital solutions to combat loneliness and foster inclusiveness. E-Seniors outlined the development of AYB training in six languages to ensure accessibility across Europe. IT Solutions For All also presented the creation of an open educational resource (OER) platform to host and pilot these materials. The meeting wrapped up with a review of upcoming tasks and collaboration plans, setting the stage for the project’s next steps.

A YEAR BETTER aligns with the EU’s Active Ageing strategy by promoting digital empowerment among the elderly. Through tailored training and accessible online tools, AYB aims to enhance digital skills and raise awareness of online resources, making seniors more self-sufficient and supporting social inclusion and welfare across the EU, and equip elderly individuals with the knowledge to use digital tools for everyday tasks, fostering their independence and participation in the digital economy.

With a strong consortium and a clear roadmap, A YEAR BETTER is set to create meaningful pathways for digital upskilling, contributing to a more inclusive and connected Europe.

For more information about AYB project:

www.ayearbetter.eu

www.instagram.com/ayearbetter

www.facebook.com/ayearbetter

ayearbetter@gmail.com

Join us on this journey towards a digitally inclusive future for all!

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Completion of the BLOSSOM project

03 October 2022

On 30 September 2022, the BLOSSOM project finished. During the project, the two partners of the project (ESSEI and Katabba) organized a full capacity building course on the Erasmus programme (10 online meetings and didactic material), carried out two visits (one in July in Monforte San Giorgio and one in September in Brussels), elaborated a guide for small associations wishing to operate at European level and developed the internationalisation strategy of the Katabba association.

All the project results of the BLOSSOM project (project reference number 2021-1-IT02-KA210-ADU-000034045) are available in the Erasmus results platform at this link https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/2021-1-IT02-KA210-ADU-000034045