MANO

Prometeo is an Italian NGO and Adult Education Provider, established in 2001, with a robust team of six core members and a network of 45 educators drawn from universities and secondary schools. Our initiatives span diverse fields, including Environmental and Agrarian Sciences, Agrofood Industries, Managerial Professional Skills, Economic Education, Youth Engagement, Healthcare, Tourism and its related professions, Women in the Workforce, Social Inclusion, and Migrant Employment and Integration.

Our projects operate across European, National, and Regional levels, encompassing adult-focused initiatives like Grundtvig Learning Partnerships and research collaborations with the Italian Ministry of Interior and Regione Calabria, addressing issues such as the needs of unaccompanied minor migrants and environmental concerns in Southern and Central Italy. Since November 2020, Prometeo has actively engaged in adult education, beginning with the “Let’s Know” project in Reggio Calabria, which aimed to forge a resilient network among Mediterranean countries. As part of our ongoing mission, we provide “Intercultural Training Against Racism for Inclusive Educational Policies.”

Prometeo collaborates extensively with neighboring countries through the Erasmus+ program, developing projects that tackle practical and theoretical training on crucial contemporary issues. Our focus is on guiding future generations through professional orientation, promoting sustainable job opportunities, and embedding EU standards in tackling environmental and social challenges. Some key projects include intercultural education through Art to combat racism in Berlin, the 2014 Youth-in-Action project “Employability for All” for marginalized communities, and a Leonardo da Vinci project with Germany, Portugal, and Turkey focusing on vocational training for the disabled, held in cities such as Rome and Florence. The Italian Ministry of Labor officially recognizes Prometeo as a partner in the fight against racism.

Prometeo’s extensive experience includes providing specialized training for adults over 30 and social workers supporting senior and disabled individuals over 75. We organize workshops and seminars on Educational Learning Technology for young people aged 16 and above, with a particular focus on individuals facing physical and cognitive challenges. Our initiatives also address employability, soft skills, and life skills for blind youth (16+) and adults (30+), in collaboration with EU organizations dedicated to assisting those with visual or hearing impairments.

In Intercultural Learning and Communication, Prometeo supports young migrants (over 21 with special status) and social workers who assist migrants and disabled adults. We actively guide self-employment and entrepreneurship efforts for both young and adult entrepreneurs. Our mission extends to fostering dialogue among essential stakeholders, including employers and training institutions, to build a supportive environment for diverse professional pathways.

The adult education center is home to a dynamic, dedicated faculty committed to delivering exceptional education to the local community. It offers specialized programs in Electricity-Electronics, Computer Technology, Machinery, Woodworking, Metalwork, and Climate and Ventilation Technologies. These courses present significant opportunities for migrant and low-income students looking to build professional skills and pursue meaningful careers. However, unlike their peers in larger cities, our students face limited local job prospects—a gap we are determined to bridge.

In its inaugural year, the institution emphasizes guiding students and their families in choosing career paths that align with their aspirations and potential. We understand that these students often need to seek employment opportunities far from home. Nonetheless, we firmly believe that by promoting awareness and providing insights into career paths through this project, we can positively influence perceptions within the local labor market. This shift in perspective could encourage nearby employers to consider our students, empowering them with more accessible job opportunities.

As part of the project, Ortaköy has actively engaged in numerous local initiatives. These include attending trade fairs, participating in vocational training sessions, producing visual training materials, applying for local grants, and visiting business development centers. By providing internships in technoparks, we aim to familiarize our students with the labor market. The Regional Directorate of National Education has pledged its support, as it has in past projects, and local schools are eager to participate in both local and international project activities. As a leading regional school in European projects, we have broad access to students and teachers throughout the area, while decision-makers and policymakers show significant interest in our initiatives. We plan to engage local chambers of commerce and media outlets to promote awareness, keeping trade unions and regional stakeholders informed through the regional authority’s website.

The center provides adult education (for those over 20) tailored to learners who cannot attend daytime classes due to work commitments. Located within the same campus is a secondary school serving students aged 16–17, primarily children from the village that also lends its name to the vocational school. Many students come from economically challenged backgrounds in underdeveloped parts of the city, with families facing limited educational opportunities and low income. The area itself offers affordable living options, attracting a population from the far eastern regions of Turkey, including Syrian refugees who now seek training at the school. Many students’ families have migrated from Turkey’s eastern provinces, facing challenges in adapting to urban life and thus finding themselves positioned between the urban center and the less developed regions they left behind.

Contempla Trilhos, an association dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, has expanded its mission to include critical initiatives in wildfire prevention and education. While its core work focuses on advancing personal, social, and organizational growth through studies, projects, and resources, the association acknowledges the pressing importance of wildfire prevention in today’s climate.

In embracing this new commitment, Contempla Trilhos has participated in various seminars and debates focused on wildfire issues and is now proactively organizing its own events to foster community awareness on forest fire prevention. These seminars and debates offer valuable platforms for discussing strategies, sharing knowledge, and engaging the public in safety initiatives. Through these efforts, Contempla Trilhos aims to remain informed on regional developments in fire safety and enhance its active role in promoting preventative measures.

The association has also introduced a series of workshops to educate local communities, landowners, and individuals on effective forest fire prevention techniques. These workshops provide practical insights into vegetation management, creating defensible spaces, and adopting safe practices outdoors. Additionally, Contempla Trilhos offers educational seminars covering the science behind wildfires, the impact of climate change, and the importance of community involvement in mitigating wildfire risks.

In collaboration with local fire departments, environmental organizations, and government agencies, Contempla Trilhos leads awareness campaigns designed to deepen public understanding of wildfire safety. These campaigns include distributing informational materials, broadcasting public service announcements, and hosting community events that encourage residents to engage actively in wildfire prevention efforts. Furthermore, the association has expanded its research scope to integrate forest fire prevention and educational initiatives.

Highlighting its commitment to emergency preparedness, the President of Contempla Trilhos has contributed to the Emergency Logistics program at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria’s Center for Technological Specialization Courses. This role included developing disaster scenarios, such as flood and fire simulations, to study optimal response strategies for protecting populations. These scenarios have also identified high-risk areas and informed risk-reduction measures. Through his classes, he invited key Civil Protection institutions—including Firefighters, Army, Air Force, National Republican Guard, and Public Security Police—to offer lectures, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of their roles and capabilities in Civil Protection.

Contempla Trilhos’ initiatives primarily impact two age groups: young adults aged 17 to 25 and mature adults aged 45 to 55, extending the association’s influence in fostering a safety-conscious and prepared community.