DIVE Project: Sharing Experiences of non-formal Education in Social Entrepreneurship

Abstract

The social entrepreneurship approach is presented as a basis for helping to solve problems that exist in society. Social economy activities play a key role as they combine innovation with the execution of solidarity relations between the community and the involved environment, thus highlighting their mission and contribution to sustainable development. This study aims to share the reflection of the European project "DIVE" of non-formal education on social entrepreneurship, presenting editions, main developed activities, and involving partner entities. It also aims to understand its impact on the perceptions of project participants and coordinators, as well as its evaluation and recommendations. Additionally, it tries to understand if changing the world through social entrepreneurship is or is not a utopia of contemporary society. For these purposes, research based on a mixed approach was developed and materialized through 2 surveys: one for the project participants and another one for the coordinators. This study shows the high impact of DIVE, both for the participants and for the coordinators and society. Indeed, the results reveal a great approach by all involved in the community, with a strong connection between the Academy's formal education and non-formal education. The project seems to have provided and developed tools that allowed young people to successfully face the challenges of the labor market, encouraging the creation of social enterprises and a closer look at sustainability issues. Through the involvement and active participation of young people, the promotion of modern European values is strengthened and a more equitable approach towards developing countries and stakeholders is attempted. Important skills are worked on and a more critical and reflective mentality, necessary for building the desired future, is built.