This guidebook was developed as part of the SPARK - Supportive Program for Advancing Rural Knowledge project, a European initiative aimed at empowering young people from rural and underserved areas in Romania, France, Slovakia, and Italy to turn their ideas into impactful community projects.
The publication captures key elements of the SPARK approach - from design thinking methodology and mentoring strategies to the tools and resources that supported participants in developing their social or entrepreneurial initiatives. At its core, the guide features 16 youth-led project case studies that reflect both the challenges and successes of building initiatives from the ground up.
Designed to inspire, inform, and support youth workers, educators, project designers, and young changemakers, this guide can be used as a practical resource for setting up similar programs or mentoring young people in rural communities.
The guide was created and designed by Alexandra Peca, Head of Democracy & Human Rights at GEYC, with contributions from the EFSE fellows, who not only developed their own projects but also conducted peer interviews and helped document the stories featured throughout.
October 2025 | Download here