Project Empasy: EMotional Literacy and Participatory Approaches to Support Youth Mental Health

EMPASY is a two-year Erasmus+ funded capacity building action in the field of youth implemented by a consortium that spans across the EU (Italy, Belgium) and the MENA region (Lebanon, Morocco, Jordan). The project runs from November 2024 until end of October 2026.

EMPASY aims to promote youth wellbeing by building the capacity of youth workers, youth leaders and other professionals who provide non-formal learning opportunities to foster emotional literacy and participatory approaches as drivers of mental health. It will do that by developing new knowledge and skills, raising awareness and creating multi-stakeholder exchanges.

The project will be developed by a Consortium of six partners: Fondazione ISMU ETS (ISMU), Insieme per Mano (IPM), Chabibeh Sporting Club (CSC), The Mediterranean Forum for Youth (FOMEJE), Support Youth Leaders Jordan (SYLJO) and SOLIDAR Foundation (SOLIDAR), that uniquely combines the strongest expertise on capacity building and youth empowerment.

Objectives

  • Promote Youth Wellbeing: Build the capacity of youth workers and leaders to enhance emotional literacy and participatory approaches.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness about mental health and participatory methods, reaching 20,000 individuals through targeted campaigns.
  • Collaborative Networks: Establish connections among 300 stakeholders through national and transnational initiatives.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Develop and disseminate innovative tools, including handbooks, videos, and webinars, to promote youth mental health.

The handbooks

The EMPASY Handbooks are practical resources designed to strengthen youth work through innovative approaches. Each handbook combines theoretical frameworks and definitions with templates, checklists, case studies, and practical examples to support professionals working with young people in non-formal education settings.

Developed through a robust needs assessment in Lebanon, Morocco, and Jordan, and implemented in a pilot training phase, these handbooks respond to real challenges faced by youth workers. They aim to equip youth workers, youth leaders and other professionals with tools to foster emotional literacy and participatory approaches.

Go to the page
Go to the page

Infographics

The Infographics of the EMPASY project presents key findings from the field research conducted by ISMU across Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco, focusing on emotional literacy and participatory approaches. They highlight the main factors influencing participation and emotional literacy in the three countries, while also offering strategies and potential solutions to address the challenges identified.

Designed to be both informative and visually engaging, these materials are intended to support discussions, presentations, and outreach efforts at both local and national levels. The infographics distill complex research into accessible visuals, making it easier to explore the similarities and differences observed across the three local and national settings.

Each infographic (available both in English and Arabic) is the result of a collaborative process that combined evidence gathering with thoughtful visual design.
They are available for download and use in a variety of communication and dissemination contexts.
Moreover, they served as a foundational resource for the co-creation of the training programme on emotional literacy and participatory approaches in youth work that will soon be launched within the consortium.

Download in Arabic language
Download in Arabic language
Download in Arabic language

Expected results

 

Enhanced Capacity of Youth Workers and Leaders 

  • 162 youth workers, leaders, and professionals trained in emotional literacy and participatory approaches 
  • Creation of a more skilled and adaptable workforce capable of supporting youth wellbeing

Increased Awareness of Youth Mental Health 

  • Awareness campaigns reaching 20,000 individuals across the EU and MENA regions
  • Greater understanding of the importance of emotional literacy and participatory processes among youth workers and communities

Strengthened Multi-Stakeholder Networks 

  • Mapping and engaging 300 key actors across sectors 
  • Organizing 9 national roundtables and one transnational workshop to foster collaboration and exchange best practices

Development of Knowledge and Tools 

  • Production of 2 handbooks (on emotional literacy and participatory approaches) in 4 languages (English, Arabic, French, and Spanish)
  • Creation of 6 infographics, a policy brief, and a video highlighting best practices and methodologies

Broad Dissemination of Results 

  • Hosting 4 webinars (3 national, 1 international) for 170 participants
  • An EU Final Conference in Brussels for 60 participants, showcasing project outcomes and fostering sustainability
  • Reaching 162,000 individuals through a comprehensive communication campaign

Fostering Social Change and Inclusion 

  • Engagement of marginalized groups, including refugees, women, and youth with disabilities, in project activities
  • Encouraging a systemic shift in youth work practices, with a focus on mental health and participatory approaches

Sustainable Policy and Practice Changes 

  • Promoting dialogue between policy and practice through national and international events
  • Developing resources and tools that can be scaled and replicated globally. 

 

Project partners

The EMPASY consortium consists of 6 partners based in 5 different countries, and is coordinated by Fondazione ISMU ETS.