The Sicilian Region is allocating over €2,8 million to support projects for young people aged 14 to 35 , with the aim of promoting active participation, social inclusion, employability, and sustainable development. The Regional Department of Family and Social Policies has published the call for proposals "Territorial Initiatives and Collaborative Networks ," funded with a total of €2.819.269 from the National Fund for Youth Policies for the 2025-2026 period.
The aim of the regional notice
The new initiative aims to strengthen the role of younger generations in local communities by supporting initiatives that directly involve young people in the planning and implementation of youth policies. The measure aims to foster the creation and consolidation of structured local networks, bringing together associations, institutions, schools, local authorities, and third sector entities to build shared and lasting paths.
The role of youth associations and partnerships
The call is open to non-profit youth organizations , including those in partnership with local authorities, educational institutions, and third sector organizations. The Region thus aims to promote stable collaboration models that enable young people not just to be recipients of interventions, but to become active participants in decision-making processes and regional development. Projects must target students or workers residing in Sicily, aged between 14 and 35.
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The words of Councilor Nuccia Albano
"With this call, we intend to give a concrete signal of confidence to young Sicilians, valuing their skills, ideas, and ability to be key players in local development," said Nuccia Albano , Regional Councilor for Family and Social Policies . "Investing in young people means building more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient communities. The collaborative networks that will emerge from this initiative represent an innovative model of participatory governance, in which institutions and civil society work together to effectively respond to the needs of new generations. Youth councils will play a central role; their involvement represents a crucial added value for the projects."
From entrepreneurship to civic participation
Eligible initiatives may focus on areas deemed strategic for the growth of young people and local communities. These include youth entrepreneurship , environmental sustainability, civic participation, volunteering, culture, sports, and social innovation. The goal is to foster initiatives that have a tangible impact on local life, offering tools for orientation, training, social inclusion, and participation.
Work, skills and startups at the heart of the projects
A key aspect of the call concerns access to employment and entrepreneurship. Support will be provided for orientation programs, skills development activities, and initiatives to support the creation of new businesses, including startups promoted by young people. The initiative thus aims to strengthen the employability of younger generations, supporting them in building marketable skills and transforming ideas into concrete projects.
Social inclusion, volunteering, and support for vulnerable young people
The call also addresses social cohesion, funding volunteering, inclusion, and support for vulnerable young people. Intergenerational initiatives, collective participation programs, and projects designed to strengthen community bonds may be promoted. The Region thus intends to support experiences that reduce social distancing, prevent isolation, and enhance the contribution of young people in local contexts.
Environment, culture, sport and youth well-being
The areas covered also include environmental protection and sustainability, with projects focusing on environmental education, local development, and urban regeneration. There is also room for cultural growth, sporting activities, and well-being, through initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing youth hardship. The call encourages initiatives that combine education, socializing, and the care of common spaces.
Shared governance and youth councils
A central element of the measure is the development of strong and structured partnerships. The notice particularly highlights the role of Youth Councils , considered an essential tool for ensuring participation, representation, and direct listening to the younger generations. The Region aims to promote shared governance, in which institutions and civil society can collaborate on a stable basis to provide more effective responses to the needs of young Sicilians.
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