Capacity Building 2026

On June 26 -27, the event is going to take place in Lecce, co-organized by garagErasmus together with ITS Turismo Puglia and ESAA.

On June 25-26 in Lecce, the two-day training, co-organized by garagErasmus together with ITS Turismo Puglia and ESAA, is going to bring together representatives of our gE4Cities network and ErasMAG reporters.

Participants have the option of participating in one of two  interactive and collaborative learning training tracks: one – Growing Stronger: Skills, structure, and innovation for sustainable volunteer networks – is focused on organizational development, volunteer engagement, and innovation, while the other – Voices of Europe: Journalism in Action for the Next Generation – explores media literacy and journalism skills.

Using non-formal education methods, both tracks encourage peer learning, practical exercises, reflection, and the exchange of experiences.

Throughout the training, participants will be encouraged to connect learning directly to their organisational, professional, and personal contexts, ensuring that the outcomes of the programme are practical, relevant, and transferable to their work within the garagErasmus network. Whether strengthening volunteer-based organisations or developing communication and storytelling competences, participants will be supported in translating their learning into concrete actions that contribute to active citizenship, European engagement, and the long-term sustainability and visibility of the garagErasmus community. 


AGENDA

Day 1 – Thursday 25 June 2026
9:00
Departure from Hilton Hotel (shuttle bus)
9:30
Welcome coffee & registrations
10:00  
Opening of Capacity Building 2026
Welcoming remarks
Prof.ssa Giuseppa Antonaci – President, ITS Academy della Puglia per il Turismo i Beni le Attività Culturali ed Artistiche
Rocco Palma – Founder and Member of the Board, garagErasmus Foundation
 

10:15 

Presentation of garagErasmus Foundation and ESAA, Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Alliance

Carlo Bitetto – Network Manager, garagErasmus Foundation

Presentation of garagErasmus City 

Rocco Palma – Delegate of the Board for garagErasmus City

Scheduled statements (Institutional guests) – Q&A 

 
11:30
Presentation of the Capacity Building Programme 
 
12:00
Breaking the ice: getting to know each other
13:00
Networking Lunch at the venue
14:00
Start of the training

1st track: Growing Stronger: Skills, structure, and innovation for sustainable volunteer networks

2nd track: Voices of Europe: Journalism in Action for the Next Generation 

16:00
Coffee Break
16:30
Training
18:00
Closing of the first day
20:30
Networking Dinner  
Day 2 – Friday 26 June 2026
8:30 

Departure from Hilton Hotel (shuttle bus)

 
9:00

Registrations

 
9:30
Start of second day: warm-up and working
11:00 
Coffee break
11:30
Training

1st track: Growing Stronger: Skills, structure, and innovation for sustainable volunteer networks

2nd track: Voices of Europe: Journalism in Action for the Next Generation

13:00 

Networking Lunch at the venue

14:00
Training
 
1st track: Growing Stronger: Skills, structure, and innovation for sustainable volunteer networks
 
2nd track: Voices of Europe: Journalism in Action for the Next Generation
16:00 
Short break
16:15 
Training
17:30
Closing of the second day 
20:30 

Typical Dinner

The event took place at the following location:

Location: Villa Mellone Via Giacomo Manzù, 73100 Lecce LE

garagErasmus Foundation