Pan-Atlantic University has partnered with 11 other institutions across Europe and Africa to train about 2,500 young people, women, to tackle pressing global challenges through a new international initiative, the SYNAPSE Virtual Exchange Project.
The project, co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme, will run for three years and connect youths from Italy, Spain, Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, Ethiopia and Malawi.
In a press statement by the PAU lead on the project, Prof Kemi Ogunyemi, the initiative is designed to equip participants, including women, rural youths and persons with disabilities, with skills in leadership, innovation and community development.
According to the statement, the project will leverage virtual exchanges and digital learning to enable participants to collaborate across borders and develop solutions to issues such as climate change, inequality and digital transformation.
The statement noted that the project is coordinated by Università Telematica degli Studi in collaboration with 11 partner organisations, including academic institutions, youth groups and development bodies.
It added that universities involved in the initiative would work closely with small and medium-scale enterprises as well as youth organisations to deepen grassroots engagement and expand impact.
“The SYNAPSE project goes beyond conversation. It equips young people and educators with the mindset and tools to think differently, applying systems thinking to address complex global issues,” the statement read.
The university explained that virtual exchanges would provide interactive online platforms for intercultural dialogue, allowing participants from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and collaborate in a structured digital environment.
It added that the project would also promote systems thinking, a holistic approach that helps participants understand complex challenges by examining the interconnections between different factors and identifying sustainable solutions.
As part of the next phase, the organisers plan to commence a series of virtual exchanges and capacity-building programmes across participating countries, alongside the recruitment of youth facilitators.
“One of the next key highlights will be the recruitment and selection of youth facilitators, offering young leaders a unique opportunity to take an active role in shaping cross-cultural dialogue and innovation.
“With an expected reach of over 2,500 young people, SYNAPSE is set to build a network of globally connected, systems-minded changemakers,” the statement added.
The project is led by IUL – Università Telematica degli Studi as Project Coordinator, in partnership with: Apodissi, Mundus, Science Horizons Kenya, Blue Sapphire Hub Foundation, National Youth Climate Action Network Association, Centre for Humanity and Sustainable Development, Ethiopian Catholic Church Salesians of Don Bosco, System Dynamics Italian Chapter, The Technical University of Kenya, Pan-Atlantic University, and Universidad de Almería.
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