RAISE: Exploring AI, Rural Innovation and European Citizenship in Sardinia
From 29 June to 8 July 2026, AC Amics de la Biblioteca de la Fonteta participated in the RAISE – Rural AI, Solidarity & Empowerment Youth Exchange, held in the picturesque mountain village of Belvì, in the heart of Sardinia (Italy). The project gathered 30 young participants aged 15 to 17 from Spain, Italy, Romania, Greece and Estonia, creating an inspiring space where digital innovation met rural development and intercultural learning.
From Spain, members of the group sent by AMICS.eu, we had Julia, Dafne, Farah, Sara and Amaia. Together with Rebeka as group leader. You can read their own experiences in this post: LINK
Organised by Associazione Malik under the Erasmus+ Programme, RAISE aimed to empower young people living in rural areas by helping them develop digital, personal and social competences while encouraging them to become active contributors to their local communities. Throughout the exchange, participants explored how artificial intelligence and digital tools can be used responsibly to address local challenges and create innovative community initiatives.
The programme was based entirely on non-formal education, combining experiential learning with practical workshops, creative challenges, simulations of democratic decision-making, intercultural teamwork and guided sessions on the use of AI in everyday life. Rather than learning through lectures, participants learned by doing, reflecting together on their experiences and exchanging ideas with peers from different cultural backgrounds.
Beyond the educational activities, living together in Belvì offered a unique opportunity to discover the richness of Sardinian rural life. Surrounded by forests and mountains, participants experienced the hospitality of the local community, explored traditional culture and gastronomy, and strengthened friendships that crossed national borders. The multicultural evening became one of the highlights of the exchange, as each national group shared food, music, traditions and games from their country, celebrating Europe’s cultural diversity.
For the Spanish participants from Amics, RAISE was much more than an international mobility. It was an opportunity to improve their English communication skills, discover new perspectives on artificial intelligence, strengthen their teamwork and leadership abilities, and reflect on how young people can actively contribute to the future of rural communities. The experience also reinforced the importance of European cooperation, solidarity and active citizenship in addressing common challenges.
We would like to sincerely thank Associazione Malik for their excellent organisation and warm hospitality, as well as all the partner organisations from Romania, Greece and Estonia for making this experience so enriching. Projects such as RAISE demonstrate how Erasmus+ continues to create meaningful learning opportunities, empowering young people to become more confident, innovative and engaged citizens while building lasting friendships across Europe.
RAISE – Rural AI, Solidarity & Empowerment was funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, with additional support from the Autonomous Region of Sardinia and the Municipality of Belvì.
