When Intergenerational interdependency gives rise to new spaces of inclusivity in Special Education. The Be the Change Project (Boosting Entrepreneurship Through Intergenerational Exchange)

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly urgent to address the phenomenon of NEETs due to its strong social, demographic, economic and educational implications. Special Education is tasked with responding to the challenges posed by the plurality of special educational needs, and this includes the NEETs category. The “Be the Change” project has tried to attend to these needs, through an intergenerational mentoring model designed to promote the development of the potential of young people and the contributive participation of older adults coming from the entrepreneurial sector. The interdependence between mentors and mentees resulting from intergenerational learning has shown to be effective in developing entrepreneurial skills in the young participants. It has also increased trust, courage, autonomy, self-esteem and self-empowerment, while enhancing talent and diminishing instances of discomfort and disadvantages in the participating youths.