Two intense weeks of cooperation, exchange of good practices and methodologies, visits to social innovation projects and activities. This was the heart of the experience lived by representatives of the National Contact Points (NCP) of Italy, Montenegro, and Latvia, hosted by the Lithuanian NCP.

From June 10 to 21, four representatives of the ESF+ EaSI national contact points from Latvia, Italy, and Montenegro participated in a job shadowing program at the Lithuanian contact point, designated by the European Social Fund Agency (ESFA). The purpose of this job shadowing activity was to become acquainted with the implementation of the ESF+ EaSI direction in Lithuania, visit related projects, and learn about the Lithuanian social innovation ecosystem.

An intensive and rich program of meetings

The Lithuanian contact point team organized an intensive and rich program for the guests: over 14 meetings in two weeks, with visits to more than 10 projects. Participants had the opportunity to delve into various aspects of social innovation. Topics included:

• Structure and functions of ESFA: ESFA presented changes in organizational functions since 2002, including the ESF+ SI+ initiative.
• Social innovation projects: Experts discussed projects like the “Social Innovation Match” (SIM), which facilitates the registration and validation of social innovations.
• Poverty reduction: Discussions on programs aimed at reducing material poverty and integrating migrants.
• Innovations in sustainability: Projects like Soulfood aim to increase agricultural production sustainability and reduce food waste.
• Social inclusion: Visits to initiatives offering job opportunities to people with disabilities and other vulnerabilities.

Visits and Experience Exchanges

Participants visited several institutions and innovative projects, including:

• Mano Guru: A bar offering a second chance in life to people with addictions.
• Pirmas blynas: A restaurant run by people with disabilities.
• Commune DIY: An initiative combining a skate park with a skateboard recycling workshop, promoting sustainable consumption.

These two weeks in Lithuania were an enriching experience for all participants. They not only gained new knowledge and skills but also created networks and exchanged ideas with other professionals in the field. The job shadowing provided added value not only to the interns and program organizers but also to the speakers and various projects visited.

A big thank you to the European Social Fund Agency for hosting us, and to the NCPs of Montenegro and Latvia for sharing this experience.