Newsletter - June 2025

Dear friend,

Welcome to the second edition of our Back On Track newsletter! Over the past few months, we have been busy pushing forward with our work, and we are excited to share some key highlights with you. We are also delighted to announce the date of our upcoming Policy Focused Communication Event, a unique opportunity for European policymakers, professionals, and young people to come together and exchange ideas on how best to support rural NEETs.

Meet us in Brussels!

After two years of team work to support young people back into education, employment or training, it is time to share our learning! Therefore, we are organising a Policy Focused Communication Event on 18 November 2025 in Brussels. Besides introducing the main outputs of these past months, we aim to engage in insightful discussions with diverse stakeholders that share the same goal: empower young rural NEETs. Policymakers, professionals and young people themselves will find an opportunity to share their opinions at the heart of EU policymaking. 

Save the date! More details about programme and registration will be shared soon. 

Developing tailored e-learning tools



Back on Track is developing a modular digital curriculum to equip disadvantaged young people with core competencies to transition into the labour market and education. This initiative responds directly to the urgent need for flexible, mobile-friendly learning tools that address both the emotional and practical barriers faced by NEETs in rural communities.

The e-learning curriculum is built around seven essential modules that reflect real-world demands and personal development goals. Each module includes 15 learning units per level, from beginner to advanced, and is designed for modular, flexible learning on smartphones or tablets.

Find out more

Mental health matters   



Partners of the Back on Track project are jointly developing a new mental readiness curriculum to support NEET youth in rural areas of the Danube Region. The curriculum is a stepping stone for NEET youth, especially those in isolated or disadvantaged areas, to rebuild confidence, take ownership of their personal growth, and move toward education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

It covers five key topics: self-knowledge, mental health, personal development, goal setting, and stress management. These modules are delivered through interactive workshops designed to build confidence, emotional resilience, and life planning skills. They were tested between January to June 2025 across partner countries. Participants’ feedback will shape the final version of the curriculum. 

Find out more

Training mentors to support young people



The Back on Track project has designed a pioneering mentoring programme that equips youth workers with the skills and tools to guide young people back into education and employment.

Developed and piloted in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the programme combines structured training, real-world experience, and cross-country collaboration. Its five key components offer a comprehensive model for mentoring youth back into education or employment.

Find out more about the programme

The foundation of the programme is a modular curriculum developed through needs assessments, expert input, and collaborative workshops. It prepares mentors to build trust, provide motivational support, promote digital inclusion, and guide career development. Each module blends theory with practical tools, including case studies, quizzes, and interactive activities.

Find out more about the curriculum

Connecting with young NEETs on Instagram



We have launched national Instagram accounts to better connect with young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), offering them practical guidance and motivation to support their transition into education, training, or the workforce.

These new social media channels will provide accessible, relevant, and engaging content, ensuring that young people, particularly those in rural areas, receive the information and encouragement they need.

Check here the 10 national accounts:

• Austria: @back.on.track_austria

• Bosnia and Herzegovina: @back_on_track_bih

• Bulgaria: @back_on_track_bulgaria

• Czech Republic: @back_on_track_czechia

• Germany: @back_on_track_deutschland

• Hungary: @back_on_track_hungary

• Romania: @back_on_track_romania

• Serbia: @back_on_track_srbija

• Slovakia: @back_on_track_slovensko

• Slovenia: @back_on_track_slovenija

You can follow the Back On Track project progress through your favourite channel:

-        Website: where you will also find all the outputs

-        LinkedIn

-        Our newsletter