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Writer's pictureARTE.M

HERE WE LAUNCH OUR PROJECT #EMPOWERCANVAS: Cultivating Resilience in At-Risk Youth through Art and Mindfulness

Updated: Jun 15


We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new project, #EmpowerCanvas: Cultivating Resilience in At-Risk Youth through Art and Mindfulness. Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (Project N. 2023-3-PT02-KA210-YOU-000176401), this initiative aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for at-risk youth facing various challenges.

EmpowerCanvas focuses on creating a nurturing framework through a combination of innovative tools and activities:

  • Online Platform: An interactive space for learning and support.

  • Resilience Board Game: A fun and educational way to build essential life skills.

  • Participatory Visits and Workshops: Hands-on experiences designed to boost self-confidence and enhance employability



Who's on board? Introducing partners


𝐓𝐈𝐑 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐣.𝐝.𝐨.𝐨 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 (𝐓𝐈𝐑) 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 from Croatia 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬.

TIR promotes a fairer, more knowledgeable society through its 3Es principles:𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 The founders have extensive education and training expertise in the UK, Europe, and Asia. TIR seeks to achieve competitiveness and leadership in our partners' and customers' sectors, particularly among young, via reality checks, analysis, research, training, and resource management.



Founded in 2021, The group also promotes mental health and well-being in Erlangen, Germany and the surrounding area after the epidemic.

Highlights efforts to benefit all socioeconomic groups, notably impoverished youth with migratory experiences, refugees, and LGBTQ+ individuals, while fostering youth mobility and entrepreneurship.

Post-pandemic mental health concerns among young people have increased in university town Erlangen. Highlights was inspired by the social business "Integra," where a team member was developing a platform and tools for first- and second-generation migrants in Germany. Highlights members with over 8 years of Erasmus experience chose the NGO path.



The group aspires to enrich Madeira's social culture via thought-provoking art experiences that encourage intellectual inquiry, curiosity, and independent thinking, especially among youngsters. These include workshops, talks by local and international artists, open conversations, and social initiatives in Funchal and elsewhere throughout Madeira.

In 2018, ARTE.M became a non-profit organization after a group of enthusiasts founded it in 2015 to work on creative and educational initiatives. The organization works with Madeira's cultural institutions and government agencies, with the Art Gallery Caravel as its primary location in Funchal. ARTE.M aims to inspire cultural change and education in Madeira, Portugal, the EU27, and beyond.



What is #Resilience?

Resilience is all about handling tough times and bouncing back stronger. It's more than just getting through challenges; it's about growing from them. Research shows that resilience depends on a mix of personal traits, our environment, and what we've learned from our experiences (Pemberton, 2015).


6 Signs You're Resilient in Life

(Boniwell & Tunariu, 2019; Neenan, 2018):


  1. Reframing: Seeing challenges from a new, positive perspective.

  2. Participating in Physical Activities: Keeping active to boost your mood and energy




3. Using the Power of Positive Emotions: Focusing on the good things to stay strong.

4. Engaging in Trusted Social Networks: Staying connected with friends and family.

5. Using Your Signature Strengths: Knowing and using what you're best at.

6. Optimism About the Future: Believing that good things are ahead.






What’s Next for #EmpowerCanvas?

Each partner in the #EmpowerCanvas project is adapting the program to meet the unique needs of their target group. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up:


Tailored Programs

Our partners are customizing the #EmpowerCanvas framework to address specific challenges faced by at-risk youth in their communities. This means that each version of the program will be uniquely suited to help participants overcome their personal hurdles and build resilience.


Creating a Board Game

We're developing an engaging board game designed to teach essential life skills. This game will help players learn how to navigate difficult situations, make positive decisions, and develop a resilient mindset—all while having fun!


Online Resources

We’re building a comprehensive online platform filled with resources to support our participants. This includes educational materials, interactive tools, and a supportive community space where youth can connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other.


Practical Activities

Hands-on workshops and participatory visits will provide real-world experience. These activities will help youth apply what they've learned in practical settings, boosting their confidence and enhancing their employability.


Testing Tools and Methods

We’re continuously testing and refining our tools and methods to ensure they’re effective. By gathering feedback from participants, we can make improvements and tailor the program to better meet their needs.



How You Can Get Involved

  • Stay Tuned: Follow our journey on social media for updates and insights.

  • Join the Community: Engage with us online and participate in discussions.

  • Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network to help us reach more youth in need.

Together, we can make a difference and empower at-risk youth to build resilience, gain confidence, and create brighter futures. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments!


Thank you for the opportunity to use your photos:






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