Results
Accomplishments in the project
Intellectual Output 01
BLENDED SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURIAL UPSKILLING PROGRAMME FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The THINK SOCIAL Up-skilling Pathway Programme sought to define a methodology for mapping social entrepreneurial initiatives in partner countries and develop a Social Entrepreneurship Index. The program aimed to provide a conceptual framework for acquiring specific skills related to social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and environmental issues, with benchmarks and indicators for competence assessment. Additionally, it aimed to enhance the competences of vulnerable adults and educators, inspiring them to have a positive societal and environmental impact. The program also offered opportunities for showcasing new skills through a validation procedure supported by Open Badges.
Impact
This activity focused on mapping social entrepreneurship practices at various levels, emphasized the methodology design. The process included extensive research to identify similar approaches and best practices in other countries, the specification of data collection methods and procedures (such as questionnaires and online surveys), the establishment of partnerships with providers, and the definition of data types. The result was the creation of the THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP INDEX, available in both print and online formats, with a particular emphasis on practices related to Third-Country Nationals. Additionally, the activity collected information regarding the needs and gaps concerning adult providers, educators, and the target group of adults.
To support the development of the SE competence framework and the upskilling program, the Think Social Tool Bank initiated the gathering of supporting materials in the form of ‘further reading’ (training curricula, basic information on initiating a social enterprise, establishing a network of specialized young social entrepreneurs), useful resources and tools, and relevant online and offline courses/professional development offerings at the national or EU level (such as KA1 mobility courses). A pool of resources for each module was collected, documented, categorized, and stored as part of the Think Social interactive platform-portal that was designed in IO3.
- Think Social Tool Bank Collection (archive)
This activity focused on the conceptual mapping of the benchmarks (aims and objectives for trainers) and indicators (levels of competence acquisition for learners) for the Competence Framework-syllabus related to social entrepreneurial skills for sustainable development that needed to be acquired. These benchmarks and indicators served as the basis for (1) the monitoring, assessment, and validation process through the Open Badges in IO3 and (2) the development and organization of the blended Upskilling Pathway Programme and training materials. The topics covered in the THINK SOCIAL Competence Framework were drawn from the 2019 European Green Deal Recommendation of the European Commission and the 2016 EntreComp (EQF Level up to 3-4). Additionally, other topics were proposed based on the expertise and experience of partners in the field, including a glossary of terms, legal frameworks for social entrepreneurship in partner countries, European Green Deal objectives and recommendations, sustainable growth concepts and best practices, designing a Social Business Plan, co-creation and co-financing, the positive and negative aspects of social entrepreneurship, and the provision of services and support from employment offices, specialized training courses, local and regional administrations, etc.
The final products are the following:
- Think Social Competence Framework – Focus Group Guidelines
(pdf: eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸) - Think Social Competence Framework – Focus Group Discussions’ Summaries
(pdf: eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
The utilization of focus group discussions with migrant women within the context of the Think Social Upskilling Program served as a pivotal methodological approach aimed at gathering comprehensive insights and data regarding the specific needs, barriers, and future aspirations of this target demographic. This method facilitated an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted dimensions that shape the experiences of migrant women in the context of social entrepreneurship and sustainable development. By engaging in structured dialogues and group dynamics, these discussions provided a platform for migrant women to articulate their unique challenges, express their aspirations, and delineate the specific areas where the Think Social program could be tailored to address their needs effectively. Additionally, these discussions functioned as a qualitative research tool, enabling the project team to derive valuable qualitative data that could inform the development and refinement of program components, ensuring their alignment with the expressed concerns and aspirations of migrant women. In essence, these focus group discussions not only empowered migrant women by providing a voice to their experiences but also enriched the program’s design and relevance by grounding it in their lived realities and aspirations, thus enhancing its potential impact and effectiveness.
The Educational Backpack consist of the following materials:
- Module 2: Creating a social business. The challenge.
🧑🎓 online course (eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
🖥 slides (pdf: eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
📖 work book (pdf: eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸) - Module 3: Establishing objectives and goals. From dreams to plan!
🧑🎓 online course (eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
🖥 slides (pdf: eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
📖 work book (pdf: eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸) - Module 4: Sustainable resources planning. Beyond planning.
online course (eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
🖥 slides (pdf: eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
📖 work book (pdf: eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸) - Module 5: Getting started! Making the first step in practice.
🧑🎓 online course (eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
🖥 slides (pdf: eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
📖 work book (pdf: eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP INDEX
Germany
Gain a deeper understanding of the social entrepreneurship landscape, challenges, and prospects encountered by migrant entrepreneurs in Germany.
Greece
Explore the social entrepreneurship landscape, challenges, and prospects faced by migrant entrepreneurs in Greece.
Learn more about social entrepreneurship environment, barriers and opportunities for migrant entrepreneurs in Cyprus.
Ireland
Explore the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ireland, delving into the factors that affect migrant entrepreneurs, including barriers and opportunities.
Spain
Discover the dynamics of the social entrepreneurship field in Spain, with a focus on understanding the unique challenges, opportunities, and obstacles encountered by migrant entrepreneurs.
Intellectual Output 02
THINK SOCIAL AUGMENTED REALITY GAME: AN A TO Z GUIDE TO SET UP A SOCIAL ENTREPRISE
The THINK SOCIAL Up-skilling Pathway Programme sought to define a methodology for mapping social entrepreneurial initiatives in partner countries and develop a Social Entrepreneurship Index. The program aimed to provide a conceptual framework for acquiring specific skills related to social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and environmental issues, with benchmarks and indicators for competence assessment. Additionally, it aimed to enhance the competences of vulnerable adults and educators, inspiring them to have a positive societal and environmental impact. The program also offered opportunities for showcasing new skills through a validation procedure supported by Open Badges.
Think Social A to Z GUIDE plays a pivotal role in preparing adults and adult educators for meaningful engagement in the field of social entrepreneurship. Its integration of gamification principles enhances the learning experience, making it both effective and enjoyable. Moreover, the guide serves as a necessary precursor to the development of the AR application, ensuring that learners are well-prepared to utilize AR technology in the context of migrant social entrepreneurship initiatives.
- Think Social A to Z Guide – Opening up a Social Enterprise
(pdf: eng 🇬🇧)
The utilization of Augmented Reality (AR) in the form of the Think Social AR GAME represents a valuable resource for adult educators, offering practical assistance in the establishment of social enterprises while concurrently facilitating the learning process. This strategic deployment of AR technology serves a dual purpose: firstly, it captures the attention of adult learners effectively, and secondly, it employs visual representations within augmented reality scenarios to elucidate complex procedures and steps. Given the familiarity of adults with online gaming experiences, the incorporation of AR in this educational context aligns with contemporary learning preferences, rendering the learning process more engaging, captivating, and conducive to self-reflection. Consequently, this innovative and creative pedagogical tool possesses the potential to exert a significant influence in the realm of adult education, enhancing comprehension of social entrepreneurship concepts, elevating awareness regarding the entrepreneurial sector, and conveying critical information through an alternative and immersive medium.
🌐 Link to the App: Download 🔽
The multi-level and multi-purpose Think Social CAMPAIGN, in retrospect, had a substantial impact, extending its influence beyond the realm of adults and adult educators. It served as a catalyst for raising awareness among policy makers, as well as the broader general public, regarding crucial matters such as the EU Green Deal and the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Furthermore, it shed light on various issues relevant to the social entrepreneurial field. This campaign not only empowered adults and educators with valuable competencies but also acted as an instrumental vehicle for disseminating information and fostering a collective consciousness regarding pressing societal and environmental challenges. Its reach and resonance went beyond the immediate participants, leaving an enduring mark on the broader community and the policy landscape.
- Think Social Toolkit for Creating Social Awareness Campaign
(pdf: eng 🇬🇧)
Additional materials:
- 📹 Video materials: Think Social Youtube Playlist
- 📱 Social Media materials: Instagram Stories
- 🖼 Graphical materials: Archive
Try out our AR App!
Think Social AR Game is a dynamic tool to attract the learner’ attention and to illustrate procedures and steps in visual way representing augmented reality scenarios that can support learning.
Intellectual Output 03
THINK SOCIAL CLOUD-BASED INTERACTIVE PLATFORM
The section offers opportunities for professional development, support materials for educators, comprising of tools, resources, and materials.
The portal houses all the materials developed for the Think Social Up-skilling Pathway Programme.
e-SUPPORT CENTRE
Functioning as active WhatsApp group, it facilitates mentoring, peer and expert support, guidance, and the exchange of good practices among participants.
e-ASSESSMENT
The e-Academy includes an assessment component for the validation of acquired skills through Open Badges.
Think Social Padlet aims to showcase profiles of social entrepreneurship trainers, experts and migrant entrepreneurs.
The tool positions social entrepreneurship initiatives and policies at the national level pf each partner country.
Open Badges Manual
The manual explains Think Social robust framework for the assessment and validation of social entrepreneurial competencies, facilitating the recognition of participants’ achievements within the project’s overarching objectives.
The output was centered on the design, development, and implementation of the Think Social interactive platform-portal, which served diverse purposes and provided various functionalities.
🌐 Link: academy-thinksocial.eu (eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
Think Social Mapping tool employed IT solutions and Google Maps for documenting social entrepreneurship initiatives, which was established through a sequence of steps, including:
- The creation of a dedicated space on the map for Social Entrepreneurship initiatives.
- The establishment of its identity within the portal, incorporating procedures for modification and updates.
- Defining access levels and user rights, distinguishing between partners and providers.
- Categorization based on different criteria such as topic, geographical area, and type.
- Integration of filtering options for enhanced user experience.
- Implementation of registration and login mechanisms for learning spaces, along with a sign-up process.
- Localization considerations, such as language preferences.
- Facilitation of actions including storing, filtering, exploring, and sharing of maps to enhance collaboration and information dissemination.
🌐 Link: academy-thinksocial.eu/mapping-tool (eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
The e-Academy was designed as an open learning environment, characterized by user-friendliness and accessibility, enabling adults to engage with the content at their convenience and revisit it as often as desired. At this juncture, all materials developed as part of the Up-skilling Pathway Programme and the A to Z Guide for Opening a Social Enterprise were converted into digital format and made readily accessible through online channels.
💥 The impact
The utilization of online courses as a learning tool for social entrepreneurship, particularly for migrants and women, presented several compelling advantages. Firstly, online courses offered flexibility in terms of learning schedules, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and adapt to their specific needs and commitments, making education more accessible to those with diverse life situations. Secondly, online courses broke down geographical barriers, providing access to high-quality educational content regardless of one’s location. This is particularly beneficial for migrants, who were geographically dispersed. Lastly, online courses were designed to be interactive and engaging, incorporating multimedia elements and collaborative features that enhance the learning experience.
🌐 Link: academy-thinksocial.eu (eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
The Think Social Network serves as a virtual hub, providing a platform for individuals to find and connect with experts, trainers, and fellow migrant entrepreneurs. This network is founded upon a versatile palette of digital tools, rendering it accessible to a wide-ranging online audience. It represents an inclusive space where participants can engage, collaborate, and exchange knowledge and experiences related to social entrepreneurship. The network’s openness ensures that it is available to all, fostering a sense of community and enabling individuals to tap into a diverse pool of expertise and insights. The Think Social Network thus stands as a vital component in promoting knowledge sharing, collaboration, and empowerment within the realm of migrant entrepreneurship.
🌐 Link: Think Social Network Padlet (eng 🇬🇧)
This digital repository – Think Social Tool Bank – was envisioned as a comprehensive resource hub encompassing a wide array of tools, resources, EU recommendations, initiatives, programs, and educational opportunities tailored to the needs of adults with migrant background, particularly those engaged in social entrepreneurship. The primary objective was to curate and organize all the various resources, tools, and courses accumulated during the IO1-A1 phase, transforming them into a readily accessible online format.
🌐 Link: academy-thinksocial.eu/mapping-tool (eng 🇬🇧, gr 🇬🇷, de 🇩🇪, es 🇪🇸)
The Think Social Assessment procedure, designed for the validation of social entrepreneurial competencies as initially delineated in IO1-A1. This procedure was intended to be an integral component of the forthcoming IO4-A1, which constituted the THINK SOCIAL HUBS Up-skilling Pathway Programme-Training.
The assessment procedures were intricately linked with Open Badges (OB). This entailed the delineation of levels and hierarchies, as well as the formulation of quests (challenges) necessary for badge attainment. The assessment procedures were closely interwoven with the platform.
The Support Center and Think Social Network was designed for the active involvement of adults, adult educators, experts, volunteers, professionals, and various stakeholders. Its primary purpose was to facilitate the exchange of best practices, ideas, educational materials, guidance, and support. The network was intended to serve as a valuable resource even after the project’s conclusion, ensuring the continuity, sustainability, and effective utilization of project outcomes.
- Think Social! Support & Guidance WhatsApp Group
🤩 Interested to join? Please, contact bykova@cge-erfurt.org.
Intellectual Output 04
IO4 - SETTING UP THINK SOCIAL SUPPORT CENTRES FOR SOCIAL CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
"A business idea is always related to something that we are passionate about." - Panayiota
By the project’s conclusion, the Think Social Toolkit, along with its associated components, including the framework, Upskilling Pathway Programme, augmented reality game, roadmap for sequential steps to establish a social enterprise, interactive platform with an e-Support Centre, e-networking opportunities, creation of Think Social Hubs, campaign, and exploitation strategy, had been meticulously designed, developed, pilot-tested, implemented, refined, and finalized in five primary languages. The incorporation of a validation system utilizing Open Badges, as advocated by the Erasmus+ programme, added significant value to the project. Furthermore, the project embraced openness to the wider community through synergistic collaborations and HUBS, thereby fostering new opportunities and cross-linkages. The outcomes of the evaluation process served as a crucial mechanism for revising and enhancing the project outputs.
The development of this practical and innovative toolkit was poised to yield a substantial impact on all participants. It empowered organizations by enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in terms of community engagement and providing inclusive safe space, as well as dedicating time to building trust, through the establishment of Think Social Hubs. Additionally, it introduced quality standards, monitoring rubrics, and guidelines, along with other supporting initiatives essential for ensuring active participation and the sustained success of products, including the creation of the Think Social Network. Furthermore, the Think Social Toolkit provided partner organizations and other entities in the exploitation phase with a comprehensive step-by-step guide, guaranteeing the delivery of high-quality educational services and facilitating effective monitoring of learning provisions.
Community
Migrant entrepreneurs benefit from a supportive community as it offers networking, emotional, and practical assistance, helping them adapt to new markets and cultures.
Empowerment
NGOs empower migrant entrepreneurs through resources, mentorship, and training, enabling them to overcome barriers and confidently develop their businesses.
Knowledge
Ready access to knowledge equips migrants with essential information on local regulations, market insights, reducing entry barriers.
The Toolkit encompassed the products derived from IO1, IO2, and IO3, along with the integration of new materials presented in the form of guidelines. These additional guidelines covered various facets, including:
– Setting Up Think Social Hubs: This section provided a comprehensive road map featuring distinct stages, actionable steps, and decision-making processes. It included a range of templates, letters, a time schedule, teaching materials, and teaching guides, equipping users with the necessary resources for establishing and operating Think Social Hubs.
– Monitoring and Evaluation: This segment introduced monitoring sheets, reporting mechanisms, participation lists, and Open Badge assessments. These tools facilitated robust monitoring and evaluation procedures to gauge project progress and outcomes effectively.
– Creation of Synergies: This component offered guidance on the seamless implementation of synergistic collaborations among various organizations, NGOs, institutions, enterprises, and stakeholders, such as IT entities, SMEs, authorities, and companies. It outlined strategies for fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and cooperation.
– Raising Awareness Campaign: This section outlined the design, production, and implementation of a multifaceted awareness-raising campaign, individually tailored to each partner country. The campaign aimed to achieve two primary objectives: (1) promote the Think Social Programme for adult training in social entrepreneurship, ambassadors, and promoters, and (2) raise awareness about the services provided by the community services. It included all requisite materials, templates, slogans, and letters to organizations, with localization and finalization efforts conducted on materials produced in IO2.
- Think Social Toolkit – Setting Up the Support Centres for Social Change and Sustainable Development
(pdf: eng 🇬🇧)
- C1 – Blended Capacity Building Training – Winter Social Entrepreneurs Academy 2022
The training activity was designed to equip young adults with the skills and competencies needed to initiate and take action within the realm of social entrepreneurship. It harnessed the power of the Augmented Reality Game, the Roadmap for setting up a social enterprise, and the utilization of the Think Social platform, support center, and network. The training program aimed to foster reflection and facilitate the development of social entrepreneurial skills, aligning them with ethical and social considerations. It comprised diverse components, such as workshops, cooperative visits, association interactions, engagement with social enterprises, informational events with social entrepreneurs, and job shadowing experiences.
Info Pack (pdf: eng 🇬🇧) | Blog report (eng 🇬🇧) | Working board (Miro eng 🇬🇧)
- Local pilotings
The Think Social piloting program was executed in each partner country during its implementation phase. The logistics of the program accommodated a total of 90 participants, consisting of 15 adults and adult educators/volunteers from each partner country. The program utilized diverse instructional methods, combining both online and offline modalities to cater to the specific context and needs of each partner country and organization. The duration of the program averaged approximately 30 hours, incorporating blended learning activities that encompassed both face-to-face and online components.
Piloting Reports (pdf: eng 🇬🇧)
Piloting in Greece 🇬🇷 | Piloting in Germany 🇩🇪 – Social Hackthon | Piloting in Germany 🇩🇪 – Make a Change
Piloting in Spain 🇪🇸 | Piloting in Cyprus 🇨🇾 | Piloting in Ireland 🇮🇪
- Think Social Toolkit – Upskilling Programme Guideline
(pdf: eng 🇬🇧)
The Think Social Toolkit, a comprehensive outcome of the project, seamlessly integrated products from IO1, IO2, and IO3, complemented by newly developed guidelines. This multifaceted resource encompassed vital dimensions, including a systematic roadmap for setting up THINK SOCIAL HUBS, robust monitoring and evaluation tools, guidance for creating synergistic collaborations, and a tailored awareness-raising campaign for partner countries. Equipped with templates, schedules, teaching materials, and comprehensive guides, the Toolkit empowered organizations in establishing and managing hubs for social entrepreneurship. It facilitated transparent monitoring, promoted partnerships across diverse entities, and raised awareness about the THINK SOCIAL PROGRAMME and COMMUNITY SERVICES. This versatile Toolkit served as a valuable asset, fostering social entrepreneurship and disseminating best practices across a broad spectrum of users and stakeholders.
The execution of the Think Social Competition and Exhibition represents a strategic initiative that was methodically implemented through a structured process involving the submission of testimonials and business pitches, primarily derived from the local piloting phase. These submissions, which were meticulously collected and presented in video format, served as the primary medium through which participants sought selection for the prestigious Blended Capacity Building Training, namely the Winter Social Entrepreneurs Academy of 2022. This approach essentially entailed a competitive evaluation process wherein the submitted video testimonials and business pitches were subjected to rigorous scrutiny, evaluation, and selection criteria. The utilization of video formats facilitated a dynamic and engaging platform for participants to convey their entrepreneurial experiences, aspirations, and innovative ideas. This selection process, rooted in a competitive framework, not only showcased the diverse talents and creative endeavors of individuals but also served as a mechanism for identifying and nurturing promising social entrepreneurship projects. Furthermore, it reinforced the project’s commitment to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among participants, ultimately contributing to the cultivation of a thriving ecosystem of socially conscious entrepreneurs.
- Think Social Youtube Playlist 📹 with testimonials & pitches.