The winners

Technology club Albrechtice nad Orlicí – Tékáčko 

Czech Republic

Introduction

In 2018, the Technology Club – Tékáčko was established in Albrechtice nad Orlicí, designed for children and youth who are interested in creating new, interactive and fun projects, want to learn the basics of robotics, learn the processes of programming, orient themselves in graphic design and 3D printing, work with CNC tools, develop their creativity by building their own objects, or just understand in detail how modern technologies work and how to use them. It is not a classic “circle”, but a professionally equipped leisure activity – a practical workshop “from design to realization”, where children try, explore, discover, where they are not afraid to disassemble something, make mistakes and learn from them. 

The main method is teamwork on “projects”, the outputs are regularly presented, children participate in robotic competitions, etc. In addition to the regular “teaching” sessions, thematic workshops are organised, as well as suburban camps during the school holidays, which are attended by others interested in the subject. 

Presentation of the project

Project location: Albrechtice nad Orlicí, Královéhradecký kral, Czech republic 

Tékáčko is becoming a center of polytechnic education in the region, using new non-traditional forms of teaching and their combination with formal education. The breadth of equipment – 3D printing, cutting plotter, CNC milling machine, sandbox, graphic programs, digital sewing and embroidery machine, 3D scanner, robotic kits, programmable units or Lego model railways with programmable safety systems, etc. makes Tékáčko unique not only at the regional but also at the national level. This is evidenced by the inclusion of Tékáčko in the Regional Network for the Support of Talents, the results of children in various national competitions, and the fact that the Tékáčko project was selected for the presentation of IROP and the use of EU subsidies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOFgQhjMF7Q. 

The benefits of the project are not only for the participants of the Tékáčko activities themselves but also for the whole region, as the pupils “transfer” their knowledge and way of thinking and working to other children in the school and become their inspiration. Tékáčko is a place where children can not only realize themselves but also increase their professional knowledge and practical skills and thus significantly develop their competencies for the future labor market in the Industry 4.0 era.  

Impact on other groups in the region:  

– Citizens, entrepreneurs, and companies in the region: the existence of a modern club with facilities for the professional growth of pupils in non-formal education with a focus on technical fields and working with digital technologies.  

– Primary and secondary school pupils: the opportunity to join the club’s activities, to develop their talent in the field of polytechnics and thus better prepare for their future profession  

– Primary and secondary school teachers: inspiration for the use of technology in individual subjects, to learn how to work with it (preparing teachers for teaching robotics, digital literacy, etc.) 

 – The municipality of Albrechtice nad Orlicí: increasing its prestige in the region and becoming a leader in non-formal technical education  

– Employers who can in the future get ready and motivated employees from among the graduates of the club’s activities 

the role of LEADER in the project: 

MAS supports schools in the region also in the field of IT, robotics and technical education, the Tékáčko center provides methodological support to schools, trains pedagogues, and school pupils attend classes there. 

Tékáčko was also involved in the children’s camps project with the aim of helping working parents during the holidays. 

LAG also implemented a project to support non-profit organizations in Regoin, where Tékačko was one of 30 project partners. The project aimed to support gifted children, training of lecturers and sharing between organizations. 

Tékačka management are members of LAG and actively participate in LAG projects and activities. 

Emblematic character of the project

One of the LAG’s priorities is the support of quality outdoor education for the 21st century, the support of cooperation between organizations – here is the cooperation of LAG, non-profit organizations, municipalities and local companies. 

The aim is not to learn to master specific technologies, but to show the essence of things, to work in a team on “projects”, to help and inspire each other, and to discover one’s own talent. The use of modern technology thus serves to foster creativity, discovery, innovation. 

The club encourages pupils to avoid waste and to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. This year, for example, it purchased a recycler to process PLA/PETG waste from 3D printers. 

The project is LEADER’s priority because of supports children in acquiring technical knowledge because the region doesn’t have enough technically qualified schools. This leads to more kids being prepared for Industry 4.0. They also cooperate with many tech companies in the region. They combine the knowledge of older, more experienced people, and modern technologies, for the best result for the children. 

The project also comes as a hub for teachers, where they can get new knowledge about modern technologies. This can also be useful for other LAGs because they can collaborate.  

Finally, the project respects horizontal topics, it is wheelchair accessible, gender equal, and there are many girls in the club. It also promotes environmental responsibility. Overall, the project prepares young people for their future in the tech field. 

Pictures

RG RYCON z.s. 

NAD Orlicí, o.p.s. 

Czech Republic 

VILLAGES OF PORTUGAL

(LEADER Cooperation project)

Portugal

Introduction

The “Villages of Portugal/Aldeias de Portugal” are an interactive and collaborative network of villages, based on sharing and using the methodology and principles of the LEADER approach for the co-construction of a development and valorization project for each village, based on its resources and potential and in the involvement of the community and local actors, led by the Local Action Group in each area with the support of ATA – Associção de Turismo de Aldeia, a national association dedicated to capacity building marketing and promotion and dissemination of local endogenous resources.

Presentation of the project

The project’s intervention area is Mainland Portugal and its objective is to enhance the cultural heritage of rural areas, reinforcing the demographic fabric of the most isolated regions. In this way, it is possible to promote social inclusion and alleviate poverty in these territories. Promoting its villages and empowering its community, in order to consolidate the “Aldeias de Portugal” network, expanding its representation at national level and the expected social impact.

With the active participation of 16 Local Action Groups, the project was able to classify 61 villages, providing significant improvements in the quality of life and the preservation of rural traditions in Portugal. This achievement is the result of the promotion and conservation of rural heritage, using memory and local identity as essential resources.

Community involvement is crucial to success, and each local stakeholder must contribute with their work, thus ensuring the continuity and success of each village project. The importance of exploring the deep emotional bond between inhabitants and their village is also highlighted, using this bond as a driver for local development. Each local person/organisation personal investment not only ensures the continuity of the project, but also strengthens the feeling of belonging, essential for the sustainable defence and promotion of each village.

Emblematic character of the project

The Network Villages of Portugal is a driver of aggregation and valorization of sustainable dynamics that aim at the development of the territory, through the dynamization of its endogenous resources and assets that characterize its identity.

1.Cultural Preservation: Many villages have significant cultural and historical value. Preserving these aspects not only maintains local identity, but can also attract cultural tourism.

2.Local Economic Development: Investing in infrastructure, promoting rural tourism and supporting local economic activities in villages generates jobs and stimulates economic growth in rural areas.

3.Environmental Sustainability: Villages, often located in natural environments, benefit from strategies that aim to balance economic development with environmental conservation.

4.Social Inclusion: Combat rural depopulation, promoting social inclusion and providing opportunities for rural communities.

5.Increased Quality of Life: By investing in local services, such as education, health and leisure, villages can improve the quality of life of their inhabitants and attract the return of “children of the land”.

In summary, the “Villages of Portugal” project and network play a crucial role in the LEADER supported Local Development Strategy of each LAG partner, as they represent strategic locations in their areas to drive sustainable economic development, preserve culture and promote quality of life in rural areas, promoting social inclusion and combating poverty in these territories.

The most emblematic activities of the Aldeias de Portugal are registered on the social networks:

https://www.facebook.com/AldeiasdePortugalATA

Some villages already have their own social networks, such as:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087857500059

https://www.facebook.com/bocoaldeiadeportugal

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083126269262

Activities in several villages include remembering/reactivating community traditions related to agrifood heritage, creation of new events to promote local products, local participator assemblies to decide on future events of the project or training the community to welcome visitors with the initiative “Have lunch and dinner with us”:

https://www.facebook.com/AldeiasdePortugalATA/videos/153471021157933

https://www.facebook.com/AldeiasdePortugalATA/videos/6191485110953457

Pictures

ADRITEM – Associação de Desenvolvimento Regional Integrado das Terras de Santa Maria (leading a consortium of 16 Local Action Groups)

LAG ADRITEM (Associação de Desenvolvimento Regional Integrado das Terras de Santa Maria)

Portugal

The Green Experience

Spain 

Introduction 

Rural territory that under the legal umbrella of the company Ruralgimia and our green experiences project, we have:  

• El Rincón de Pau+Las Casuchas: accommodation where guests have the opportunity not only to stay, but also to carry out different activities, in which, among others, are its other two lines of business which are:  
• Mediterranean Bike Tours: Travel agency, which carries out bike trips of several days and allows our accommodations to benefit from these overnight stays and guests of not only our accommodations, but from the rest of the territory, can also do cycling tourism activities such as Bike&Orange, which is where the next line of business comes in…  
• AGC: Farm dedicated mainly to the cultivation of oranges in which apart from marketing its own production (part of it BIO), offers guided tours and in turn makes that for every traveler who makes a bike trip with us, we plant a tree which has the opportunity to sponsor and receive at home their own fruit.  

These three projects, under the same umbrella, feed off each other and add value not only to each other, of course, but also to the rest of the stakeholders in a very wide area.  

Presentation of the project 

Our project is located in the Valencian region of Camp de Morvedre in the municipalities of Torres Torres and Algímia d’Alfara. We are in a rural territory with an important traditional agricultural weight, but it is a sector in recession. Therefore, it is necessary to create new alternatives for local development and address problems such as depopulation, abandonment of activity or environmental problems derived from the loss of traditional management of the territory.  

Our objectives focus on taking advantage of local resources such as natural and cultural heritage and traditional agriculture to link them with sectors such as tourism or recreation. Our project goes beyond mere tourist services and provides the client with an experience linked to the territory and that serves as an introduction and showcase of it. With its development, the aim is to expand, develop, innovate and implement new formulas adapted to new technologies, while offering new alternatives linked with respect for the environment and a differentiated products offer. So, we set the following objectives:  

• Provide added value to the territory through the tourist use of its resources.  
• Take advantage of the presence of the Ojos Negros Greenway as the backbone of our cycle tourism offer.  
• Link sectors such as agriculture, cycle tourism and recreation.  
• Generate our own offer of activities and accommodation, relating it to our agricultural activities.  
• Be an innovative and replicable model experience that favors the development of other initiatives in the territory.  

The result of our work has been the creation of 10 rural accommodations, a travel agency and the development of an innovative cycle tourism offer that includes the possibility of trips throughout the Valencian territory with stages in accommodations in various Valencian regions. Today we have a network of more than 200 travel agencies around the world specialized in cycle tourism and that market our packages. Many of these agencies have signed an agreement with us guaranteeing an annual minimum number of tourists for the activity. Our offer consists exactly of:  

• agricultural exploitation  
• Accommodations  
• Gastroshop.  
• Biker’s Boutique.  
• Traveler’s Café  
• Biker School.  
• Cycle routes.  

Currently our cooperative consists of 5 members and 6 employees. We also have various recognitions for quality and our work, such as being members of the Invat.Tur and Creaturisme networks of our regional government and we participate in the Valencian Institute of Tourism Studies. Our establishments also have recognitions such as the Q certificate for tourist quality and are included in the regional offer of “Temps d’Interior”.  

LEADER has provided us with various benefits. On the one hand, it has provided us with financing for the development of various projects. On the other hand, it has also provided us with support and advice during the development of our business plan. In addition, it has also collaborated in the dissemination of our philosophy and project by including us in various promotional and technical publications. Participation in activities organized by the LAG has allowed us to establish contacts and expand our local network of work and associated products. 

Our project has been innovative from various perspectives. On the one hand, it has started from a comprehensive perspective of sustainable use of multiple local resources. On the other hand, it has relied on local networks of producers and the offer of new activity services. Furthermore, we have opted to become a travel agency ourselves and market this powerful offer that was being underused.  

Our proposal faces various major territorial challenges. On the one hand, it helps establish population in a territory at risk of depopulation through the creation of jobs and the hiring of auxiliary services. On the other hand, by supporting the maintenance of agricultural activity we face environmental challenges in the Mediterranean environment such as the fight against erosion, desertification, the risk of forest fires and the fight against climate change. A fight that is enhanced by our promotion of the use of a sustainable means of transportation such as the bicycle.  

Likewise, we contribute to giving visibility to our territory and new forms of sustainable tourism that are frequently unknown in an area dominated by coastal sun and beach tourism. To achieve this, we rely on the use of new technologies and the continuous expansion of our networks at all levels.  

Our project can be transferred from two different perspectives. On the one hand, other territories can replicate our business model in whole or in part. On the other hand, our philosophy and approach of taking advantage of local resources for their valorization on a global scale through the expansion of networks and the intensive use of innovative work and communication methodologies can also be replicated in other areas and sectors.   

Pictures 

https://fb.watch/o30YgRMtgk/

Supporting mobility in rural areas

French Guiana

Introduction

Making mobility accessible and overcoming the barriers of isolation – Auto-École Sociale Nomade turns the challenges of Guyana’s isolated regions into opportunities. Faced with remoteness and the limited development of transport, these communities find the driving licence a ‘sesame’ towards social integration and employment. Our innovative project ‘goes to’ the student, bringing the learning of the Highway Code and driving to the heart of remote areas. In our specially equipped lorry, fitted with a driving simulator, we offer much more than lessons: we build self-esteem and confidence, the keys to success. Working in partnership with social workers, we identify and address the obstacles to professional integration. The Auto-École Sociale Nomade is more than a driving school: it’s a bridge to autonomy for the people of Matoury and Roura in French Guiana, with the potential to inspire and adapt to other isolated regions across Europe.

Presentation of the project

The European LEADER programme plays a fundamental role in funding initiatives aimed at facilitating social and professional integration in isolated areas where transport is limited. The association, aware of the challenges posed by the lack of a driving licence, has set up a mobile scheme. Using a specially-equipped vehicle with a driving simulator and an area dedicated to learning the Highway Code, lessons are given right in the heart of remote communities. Launched in April 2021, this project is aimed in particular at people on the margins of the labour market, such as jobseekers, young people outside the school system, students in precarious situations, RSA recipients, apprentices and those with learning difficulties. By focusing on training for a driving licence and raising awareness of road safety, the aim is twofold: on the one hand, to encourage social and professional integration, and on the other, to combat the exclusion of vulnerable people by strengthening their independence and mobility, which are key factors in access to employment and training. LEADER’s financial support has already borne fruit: in the communes of Matoury and Roura, 35 candidates from rural areas have been supported, with 12 of them successfully obtaining their driving licences and actively seeking stable employment or training leading to qualifications. On the strength of this success, the project leaders are planning to extend their action to other communes in 2024, thus affirming LEADER’s role as a catalyst for regional development and social inclusion.

Emblematic character of the project

This project is a priority for LEADER because it directly addresses the problems of mobility and insecurity that are prevalent in French Guiana, two issues that are holding back the region’s social and economic development. By fitting in with the Agglo’GAL strategy under the objective “Development of an endogenous and territorialised social and solidarity-based economy”, the project meets a fundamental need: access to mobility to promote professional integration and access to education. The major challenge to which the project responds is therefore twofold: on the one hand, it tackles the geographical isolation of populations by providing them with the necessary means to get around, and on the other, it works against economic marginalisation by offering young people and adults the tools to acquire professional autonomy. Obtaining a driving licence is an undeniable asset for accessing the job market and training courses leading to qualifications, which are mainly concentrated in the towns. In addition, the project illustrates a collaborative and inclusive approach, working in partnership with local organisations such as Pôle Emploi and relying on a 1901 law association. This collective working method strengthens the local social and economic fabric and contributes to a shared development dynamic. As for the transferability of the project to other Local Action Groups, the success of this model in French Guyana is a testament to its adaptability. The Agglo’GAL unit, in conjunction with the association, is ready to share its experience and good practice. Setting up this project requires an understanding of the specific local challenges and tailor-made adaptations. However, the principle of the itinerant social driving school can be applied in other contexts where rural mobility issues are hampering socio-economic development. By sharing the tools, methods and lessons learned, the project can inspire and guide other areas to implement similar solutions adapted to their own challenges.

Pictures

Auto Ecole Sociale Nomade

Agglo’GAL

Guyane Française