The innovative GREENSIGNS project (“Promoting High Quality, Digital Transformation (VR Gamification) and Green Transition in Inclusive Youth Workers Practices for Youth with Hearing Impairment (or Deafness) for Better Employability Prospects” has officially kicked off, aiming to revolutionize the employability landscape for Deaf and Hard of Hearing young people through a unique combination of green transition and digital transformation. Funded under the Erasmus+ KA2 programme, the project commenced on 1 June 2024 and will run for 28 months until 30 September 2026.
Empowering Young People through Green Skills and VR Technology
GREENSIGNS addresses the urgent need for inclusive employability in green-oriented professions by equipping youth with the necessary competencies to thrive in a rapidly evolving labour market. Specifically designed for Young People with Deafness or Hearing Impairments aged 16-30 and the Youth Workers who support them, the project introduces a Capacity Building Programme on Green Competencies, promoting professional growth and inclusion.
Key objectives of GREENSIGNS include:
- Fostering Inclusion and Diversity: Developing the EU Green Sign Language Competence Framework, a first-of-its-kind tool created in collaboration with the Deaf community.
- Environmental Awareness through VR: Utilizing VR Simulations to enhance green employability skills and environmental consciousness.
- Advancing Employability: Addressing the exclusion of young people from green jobs through innovative hands-on capacity-building training.
- Supporting Digital Transformation: Leveraging VR technologies to build resilience and adaptability in youth work.
Early Achievements and Future Plans
The project has already launched its official website at greensigns.eu, alongside active social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube to ensure widespread engagement and dissemination.
The online kick-off meeting on 19 September 2024 marked the beginning of collaborative efforts among partners. Discussions centered on project goals, an in depth analysis of all work packages, expected results and key milestones. The next meeting will be held in-person in Iasi, Romania, on 30-31 January 2025.
Significant work is already underway, including the development of an Interactive Pin Map showcasing best practices across five countries and the creation of 50 Green Terms in sign language, further enhancing inclusivity and accessibility.
Consortium Partners
The project is implemented by a consortium of six partners from five European countries: Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Spain, and Romania. The consortium includes non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and research centers, all with extensive experience in youth work and digital innovation.
P1: National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” (Greece)
P2: Associazioni Unite dei Sordi della Regione Umbria (Italy)
P3: Emphasys Centre (Cyprus)
P4: Fundacion GFM Renovables (Spain)
P5: Special High School and Lyceum S.E. for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of Thessaloniki (Greece)
P6: Asociatia Nationala a Profesorilor pentru Elevi cu Deficiente de Auz Virgil Florea (Romania)
For more information, please visit the official project website at: https://greensigns.eu/
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About GREENSIGNS
GREENSIGNS is dedicated to empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing young people by bridging the gap between green transition and digital innovation, equipping them with essential skills for a sustainable future.