It has been a little over half a year since the Second Chance project officially kicked off and young people across Slovenia, Sweden, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania embarked on a journey deep into the world of sustainable fashion!
Guided by a consortium of experts in inclusive education, textile design, and entrepreneurship from Slovenia (Taka Tuka), Sweden (Drivhuset), Egypt (Galala University and Fashion & Design Center), Bosnia and Herzegovina (BRAVO), Albania (Albanian Skills and Albania Craftsman Education), 25 young people are working together to learn about sustainable practices in the fashion industry and to enhance both their entrepreneurial and upcycling skills. These experts serve as mentors who provide support, guidance, and feedback to the participants throughout the development process.
The participants are well on their way to becoming successful entrepreneurs and upcyclers! In May 2024, they traveled to Albania to participate in the first Second Chance youth exchange, where they learned more about the history of the fashion industry, sustainable materials, and design concepts.
Not only did they deepen their theoretical and practical skills through workshops and working groups, but they also bonded with one another in their free time as they explored the cities of Tirana and Durrës. The week exchange culminated in the participants creating their own upcycled products from denim!
Coming off the success of the first exchange, the consortium is already preparing for the next exchange in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the participants will dive into the business side of fashion. The participants will then be more than prepared for an innovation camp, where they will work together to brainstorm their own fashion ideas, develop prototypes, and respond to feedback from a panel of experts. Throughout the projects, young people will receive online coaching and workshops as they develop and refine their ideas. The project will then culminate with a series of pop-up stores across Slovenia, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania so that the young people can gain real-world entrepreneurship experience by showcasing their products to a wider audience.
By the end of Second Chance, the young participants will have enhanced their entrepreneurial skills in the field of textile design and will have acquired extensive knowledge, guidance, and mentorship on the ins and outs of starting and running a fashion business. They will also have a new network not only of industry experts but of peers in other countries for support as they embark on their entrepreneurial paths.
The world needs entrepreneurs in the sustainable fashion industry now more than ever! We are excited to see what ideas continue to emerge as we continue along this exciting journey!
More about "SECOND CHANCE"
Project “Second chance!” brings together experts in inclusive education, textile design and entrepreneurship from Slovenia (Taka Tuka), Sweden (Drivhuset), Egypt (Galala Univeristy and Fashion & Design Center), Bosnia and Herzegovina (BRAVO), Albania (Albanian skills and Albania Craftsman Education) .They will work together to empower young people with fewer opportunities to become successful entrepreneurs and upcyclers by providing training, resources, and support, promoting non-formal learning, and contributing to the EU Youth Strategy.
The focus of the project will be to support the development of entrepreneurial skills among young individuals in the field of textile design. This includes providing guidance and mentorship on starting and running a business, financial management, marketing strategies, and other essential skills needed to be successful in this industry.
Further, consortium will aim to improve the textile design skills of these young people by offering training and workshops on various aspects of textile design, such as repurposing old clothing items; repairing, altering and upcycling their clothes; creating products using alternative fibers.
Moreover, the consortium also intends to guide these young entrepreneurs towards more sustainable practices in the textile industry, such as upcycling clothes and reducing textile waste. They will educate and raise awareness about the negative impact of fast fashion and the importance of sustainability in the textile industry.
The goal is to not only help these young individuals start and grow successful businesses, but also to contribute to a more sustainable future for the industry.