MOUNTAIN – Mobilizing Opportunities for Understanding, Non-formal Education, and Transformational Activities in Outdoor Settings

Welcome to MOUNTAIN, an innovative Erasmus+ project designed to support the social inclusion and personal transformation of young people through outdoor education in mountain environments.

This project brings together experienced organisations from Italy, Spain, and Belgium, working collaboratively to develop new approaches to youth work that combine non-formal education, nature-based learning, and social reintegration.

About MOUNTAIN

MOUNTAIN aims to address the growing challenges faced by young people at risk of social exclusion, including those experiencing marginalisation, migration-related barriers, or involvement in anti-social behaviour.

Through experiential learning in natural environments, the project introduces a powerful model where the mountain becomes a “third educator”, supporting emotional growth, resilience, and social connection.

Objectives

  • Develop innovative socio-educational methods using outdoor and non-formal learning

  • Strengthen youth workers’ capacity to support at-risk young people

  • Promote social inclusion and reintegration through meaningful activities

  • Foster active participation, responsibility, and community belonging

  • Validate non-formal learning and skills development

Why This Project

Across Europe, many young people face:

  • social exclusion

  • school dropout

  • lack of support systems

  • limited access to positive environments

MOUNTAIN responds by offering transformative outdoor experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and a sense of purpose—particularly for youth aged 15–18 at risk of marginalisation.

Activities

  • Development of training materials and educational frameworks

  • Training of youth workers (Training of Trainers)

  • Outdoor pilot activities in mountain environments

  • European mobility experiences

  • Creation of guidelines for replicating the model

  • Final masterclasses and dissemination events

Results

The project will deliver:

  • A validated outdoor education methodology

  • Skilled youth workers equipped for complex social contexts

  • Practical tools and training materials

  • Increased inclusion and engagement of at-risk youth

  • A scalable model for use across Europe

Partnership

MOUNTAIN is implemented by a strong European consortium:

  • Consorzio Comunità Brianza (Italy – Coordinator)

  • Club Alpino Italiano (Italy)

  • Asociación DESES 3 (Spain)

  • Welcome Home International (Belgium)

  • Federación Española de Deportes de Montaña y Escalada (Spain)

Project Details

  • Programme: Erasmus+ KA220-YOU

  • Project Number: 2025-1-IT03-KA220-YOU-000355998

  • Duration: December 2025 – January 2028

  • Total Budget: €250,000

Barbara Winn-HagelstamComment