UpRural! is an Erasmus+ funded collaboration project between 7 Partners across 6 countries – Ireland, Romania, Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Spain.

Let’s green, digital and animate rural inclusive territories!

2021-1-RO01-KA220-VET-000034694

This project has been funded by the European Union.

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Rural areas across Europe face similar challenges, demographic change, connectivity, low income and limited access to services while at the same time there are a number of opportunities in relation to the environment, food production and unique cultures. 

This is a research and training project that aims to increase the number of trained Community Development personnel in rural areas throughout Europe.  Training will focus on supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable groups across the partners territories. 

This project aims to create a lasting impact in local communities by raising awareness on the environment, just transition and the transition to a green, digitalised and sustainable Europe.

The project kick-off meeting was held in the territory of project leader Asociația GAL Napoca Porolissum, Romania between the 25^th and 27^th of May, where partners agreed the project plan and timeline. Project partners also visited the "Romulus Vuia" Ethnographic Park where we got a sense of the intangible cultural heritage of the region. 

The kick of meeting in Romania was attended by representatives of Ballyhoura Development CLG (Ireland), Asociația GAL Napoca Porolissum & Edufor (Romania), Exeo Lab (Italy), GEInnova (Spain), Innovation Hive (Greece), our Cyprus partners Synthesis joined us online for the meeting. 

Over the next year project partners will work on a workplace training needs analysis, creating curriculum and training materials and an online training platform. 

In 2023 the project team will be seeking participants from rural communities  to take part in a Community Development officer training programme.  This will include a 5-day work-based learning placement in Romania.

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