Looking for a Valuable Partnership?

AY Institute is a Lithuania-based for-purpose organisation that unites young leaders, thinkers, and doers, those who seek change and those who make change. Our extensive experience in non-formal education allows us to tackle a broad range of topics, with a special focus on sustainability, inclusion & human rights, mental & physical health, and digital tools & development opportunities.

Our mission: bring change within communities, organizations, and policies by implementing innovative social initiatives that prioritize sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

Our vision: building a skilled & socially responsible society that thrives on sustainable development.

AY Institute has been actively involved in local and international projects, consistently achieving the highest evaluations. To date, the organization has successfully implemented more than 70 project actions on its own, with a significant focus on sustainability and environmental issues, and many more as a partner. Our strong partnership network extends across Europe, featuring over 700 organisations, and includes a membership in Lithuania’s Youth Board (LiJOT), enabling us to effectively advocate for sustainable practices at both local and international levels.

In every activity, we are guided by our three core principles:

1. Sustainability – seeking sustainable impact over the long-term by addressing environmental challenges directly and integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of our work.
2. Compassion – being open & compassionate to target groups & other stakeholders, ensuring that environmental policies consider all community members.
3. Can-do attitude – seeing opportunities rather than problems, particularly in advancing sustainable solutions.

The team at AY Institute consists of professionals with relevant experience in sustainability, from environmental science to sustainable business practices, alongside their expertise in social work, digital space, and media. With over 1000 volunteers and a wealth of potential partners, we ensure that our projects not only proceed smoothly but also embody our commitment to sustainability, thereby maximizing the dissemination and impact on our target groups.

Our projects, often centered on demanding and sensitive environmental issues such as climate change and resource management, highlight our readiness to tackle the complexities of sustainability. We look forward to continuing this work in our current and future initiatives.

AY Institute has lengthy experience in running international projects. Up until now, the organization has successfully implemented (getting just the highest scores from the evaluators) more than 6o separate project actions on its own (and several times that as a partner). One of the main AY Institute priorities are sustainability, healthy lifestyle and well-being of the society.

A few concrete examples of project in the field of sustainability:

• Launching the first mobile climate museum in the Baltics (within EUKI framework)
• “Youth Shaping Climate Policy” aims to support young people’s needs to join democratic processes and increase their involvement in the development of inclusive and sustainable societies, which goes directly with the scope of the call to engage citizens and communities in discussions and actions related to our climate and environment.
• Erasmus+ youth exchange “Eco-Friendly Europe”, united young adults to tackle/address environmental problems that are acute in the participating countries. Participants were discussing and searching for solutions for making our lives more sustainable and friendlier to the environment.
• Erasmus+ youth exchange “Cycle and the City” mission was to promote cycling as a healthy, sustainable and fun alternative to cars.
• Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the field of youth “Save The Ocean” has a goal to take a small step towards better habits & a cleaner ocean. It raises awareness about existing issues and involves youth in the creation of a sustainable world
• Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the field of youth  “The Circle of Fashion” – The project aim is to introduce people to sustainable/ethical fashion, conscious clothing and to show possible ways to protect the environment.
• Erasmus+ KA205 “Wear(e)able” supports the wave of commitment by young people and focuses on environmental protection with the issue of sustainable clothing. 
• A platform for sustainable events and travelling – Tvariau.lt
• F*CK CO2 platform – it’s a platform that allows you to donate to a project that reduces our CO2 footprint by hundreds of thousands of kilograms.

The key expert involved in this application is Gediminas Kondrackis, a Director of AY Institute, supported by a team of experienced professionals with strong international backgrounds in environmental education, youth work, and intercultural communication.

Gediminas Kondrackis – Director at AY Institute and recipient of the 2022 Baltics Sustainability Awards Changemaker title – brings extensive expertise in finance, organizational development, and legal affairs. He has contributed to more than 50 international and national projects, many of which focused on sustainability, ecological awareness, and youth empowerment. Gediminas is proficient in non-formal education methodologies and actively integrates digital tools—such as online collaboration platforms, email automation systems, and creative software including Photoshop—into environmental education initiatives. He holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Amsterdam and continuously updates his skills to align with evolving ecological and digital trends.

The supporting staff of AY Institute comprises professionals with international experience across Europe and beyond. Their backgrounds span environmental education, social innovation, and intercultural dialogue. The team is well-versed in designing and implementing sustainability-focused initiatives.

Their relevant experiences include:

• Leading international seminars and workshops on eco-conscious lifestyles and environmental sustainability;

• Facilitating educational sessions and opportunities in the field of green transition;

• Organizing intercultural events, environmental campaigns, and sports activities promoting health and ecological awareness;

• Participating in EU projects related to climate action, sustainable development, and green skills.

Together, the team brings a high level of competence in project implementation, engagement, and sustainability education—ensuring the effective delivery and long-term impact of the current project.

AY Institute is a Lithuania-based for-purpose organisation that unites young leaders, thinkers, and doers—those who seek change and those who make change. With our extensive experience in non-formal education, we cover a diverse array of topics, placing special focus on human rights, inclusion, sustainability, mental & physical health, and digital tools & development opportunities.

Our mission: to bring change within communities, organizations, and policies by implementing innovative social initiatives that promote human rights and foster an inclusive society.

Our vision: to build a skilled & socially responsible society that champions diversity and equality.

Since its establishment, the AY Institute has been an active participant in local and international projects, consistently achieving the highest evaluations. We have successfully led over 70 project actions on our own, with many centered on human rights and inclusion, and many more as a partner. Our extensive network, which includes over 700 organizations across Europe and a membership in Lithuania’s Youth Board (LiJOT), strengthens our capacity to influence human rights policies and promote inclusivity on a broad scale.

In every initiative, we are guided by our three core principles:

1. Sustainability – ensuring that our initiatives promoting human rights and inclusion have a lasting impact.
2. Compassion – fostering an environment of empathy and understanding towards all individuals, particularly those from marginalized and vulnerable groups.
3. Can-do attitude – embracing challenges as opportunities to advance equality and fight against discrimination.

Our team consists of dedicated professionals with expertise in human rights law, social inclusion strategies, and advocacy, alongside their skills in engaging local communities and utilizing digital tools. Supported by over 1000 volunteers and a vast network of partners, we ensure that our projects not only proceed smoothly but also effectively address the needs of diverse populations and promote social justice.

Our projects often tackle demanding and sensitive issues, such as anti-discrimination, gender equality, and the rights of marginalized communities. We are dedicated to confronting these challenges head-on, prepared for the complexities and opportunities these issues bring to our ongoing and future initiatives.

AY Institute has lengthy experience in running Erasmus+ projects. Therefore, we know how to chip in at all the steps of the project, starting with the application itself and finishing with result dissemination.  We have carried out projects that have focused on human rights, hate speech, tolerance, and other.

AY Is fighting the issue of discrimination and defending human rights through non-formal education activities.

Some concrete examples:

• “Sisterhood Pathways” addressing the alarming issue of violence against women in the Baltic Sea Region, Sisterhood Pathways is on a mission to support victims and educate those keen on understanding the problem. In collaboration with partners from Latvia and Poland, our project seeks to bridge the existing awareness gap and bring fresh perspectives to the forefront.
• “They Have a Name” project strives to foster human trafficking prevention in the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania by developing effective anti-trafficking measures, promoting and implementing best practices, raising awareness about the issue, and enhancing cooperation among anti-human-trafficking organisations in the region.
• “Blue Hearts” is a dynamic initiative designed to empower NGOs and Youth Workers (YWs) to identify emerging leaders among migrants and internally displaced individuals. Our central mission is to equip these leaders with the essential skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to make a lasting impact within their communities.
• “Community: Seniors Involved” aimed to boost youngsters’ empathy, respect and social responsibility concerning older generations, as well as help to tackle the problem of elderly isolation.
• “Capoeira Connects Community” was organised to ensure a continuous and successful social integration of refugees through martial art – capoeira.
• “Young (Ex-)offenders’ Support” – aims to foster employability of young ex-offenders by providing employers, youth/social workers & career specialists with tools to teach, guide & employ this vulnerable group.
• “Lifeboat” aims to contribute to a more equal intercultural and inclusive environment within the youth local communities and involve young refugees/immigrants/asylum-seekers through new innovative methodologies.
• “Silence Hides Violence” – aims to provide knowledge on domestic violence against women & its forms to provide guidelines on how to recognize and speak about it if violence occurs.
• “A Safe Place” – aims to address the widespread phenomenon of domestic violence in the Baltics and, more specifically, aims to support women who are increasingly victims of violence during the ongoing worldwide pandemic.
• “Let’s Turn Discrimination into Tolerance!” youth exchange project was organized in order to spread tolerance for various minorities (sexual, gender, religious, ethnic, etc.) among European youth.
• “Make Love Speech” gathered 30 youth workers to discuss about existing problems of hate speech, racism, and discrimination. It even turned into the movement in Lithuania.

What is more, AY Institute cooperates with other European NGOs and international organizations in hosting and helping others host activities in a number of countries, promote cultural diversity and contribute to the positive social changes in the European continent.

Our aim is, by definition, to not just address the issue, but also inform the local communities about 1) the benefits of such projects; and 2) the seriousness of the issues being brought to light. For that reason, AY pays attention to every detail and carries out the full spectrum of activities. From early research to implementation to later stages of result dissemination. Such approach & competences are relevant for any project.

The key experts contributing to this application are Gediminas Kondrackis and Dominyka Galčiūtė, supported by a team with extensive international experience in  human rights, active participation, and non-formal education.

Gediminas Kondrackis – Director of AY Institute and recipient of the Baltics Sustainability Awards Changemaker title (2022) – brings over a decade of leadership in managing cross-sectoral initiatives focused on social justice, youth empowerment, and democratic engagement. With a BSc in Economics from the University of Amsterdam, Gediminas combines expertise in finance, organizational strategy, and legal frameworks. He has successfully led and contributed to over 50 international and national projects funded by Erasmus+, CERV, and other EU programmes. His practical knowledge of non-formal education (NFE) methodologies and technical skills—such as digital platform development, communications automation, and multimedia tools—ensure the creation of inclusive and impactful learning experiences.

Dominyka Galčiūtė – Project Manager at AY Institute – oversees the coordination and quality assurance of multiple international projects, focusing on human rights education, capacity building, and equal access to opportunities. She has a strong background in managing EU and Norway Grants-funded initiatives and plays a key role in mentoring other project managers within the organization. Her expertise guarantees effective planning, delivery, and long-term impact of AY’s rights-based projects.

The broader AY Institute team consists of young professionals with diverse international experience gained through studies and work in Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Italy, the USA, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Lithuania, and Latvia. This diversity contributes to their strong intercultural competence and ability to address complex social issues from a global perspective.

Relevant achievements of the team include:

• Delivering seminars and workshops on human rights, anti-discrimination, and inclusive societies;

• Organizing community-led initiatives promoting civic participation and democratic values;

• Facilitating awareness campaigns on social inclusion and solidarity across different cultural contexts;

• Actively participating in the EU programs with a focus on social justice, minority rights, and civic engagement.

Collectively, the team’s experience and commitment to equality, participation, and empowerment make them exceptionally well-positioned to contribute to the success of this human rights-focused initiative.

AY Institute is a Lithuania-based for-purpose organisation that unites young leaders, thinkers, and doersthose who seek change and those who make change. Our extensive experience in non-formal education spans a broad spectrum of topics, with a pronounced focus on upskilling, digital tools & development opportunities, sustainability, inclusion & human rights, and mental & physical health.

Our mission: to bring change within communities, organizations, and policies by implementing innovative social initiatives that enhance skills and foster continuous learning.

Our vision: to build a skilled & socially responsible society that embraces lifelong learning and adaptability.

AY Institute has actively engaged in both local and international projects, consistently receiving the highest evaluations. We have successfully implemented over 70 project actions on our own, many aimed at upskilling and professional development, and many more as a partner. Our expansive partnership network, which includes over 700 organizations across Europe, and membership in Lithuania’s Youth Board (LiJOT), enable us to effectively disseminate knowledge and skills across various sectors.

In every initiative, we are guided by our three core principles:

1. Sustainability – ensuring that our educational programs are designed for long-term skill development and adaptability.
2. Compassion – understanding the diverse learning needs of our target groups and tailoring our approaches accordingly.
3. Can-do attitude – focusing on opportunities for growth and seeing challenges as a chance to innovate and improve.

Our team comprises professionals with deep expertise in educational methodologies, digital innovation, and career development, complemented by their experience in human rights and health. With the support of over 1000 volunteers and a robust network of partners, we ensure smooth implementation of our projects and effective skill transfer to our target audiences.

Our projects frequently focus on pressing needs such as digital literacy, leadership training, and vocational skills, addressing the demands of a rapidly changing world. We are committed to equipping individuals and communities with the necessary skills to thrive in dynamic environments, eagerly anticipating the challenges and opportunities this focus brings to our current and future initiatives.

AY Institute has lengthy experience in running Erasmus+ projects. Therefore, we know how to chip in at all the steps of the project, starting with the application itself and finishing with result dissemination.  We have carried out projects that have focused on development opportunities, digital tools, research methods, and others.

Some concrete examples relevant to upskilling:

• “YEES!”  project focuses on establishing connections between relevant sectors and jointly working on increasing employment and employability of youth, creating services and mechanisms that foster local activity level for youth employment and employability.
• “FSC” – project’s overarching objective is to align vocational education and training (VET) with labor market demands. In addition, the project aims to innovate VET with an interactive online application for creating a personal learning journey tailored to the contemporary labor market, which will transform users into holistic new workers.
• “Work-fever“- the objective is to improve youth skills that are likely to be in high demand in the post-coronavirus world.
• The project “Rebuild” was created to enhance the skills of underrepresented young people by providing them with the tools needed to foster innovative forms of civic participation, constructive dialogue, and awareness-raising campaigning.
  

Some concrete examples relevant to digital tools & development:

• “Digital Wise” project aims to enhance youth digitalization through consultations, development of participation tools, policy recommendations, networking, and a social awareness campaign addressing poverty challenges among young people.
• “Transforming Covid-19 into an Opportunity” is a project aimed to help youngsters that are affected by Covid-19 by supporting young people in their search for jobs in digital spaces.
• “More Than Reliable Online Education” is a project aimed to support youth centers and youth workers by responding to the issues they have encountered during the COVID-19 situation and provide them with tools to enhance their ability to effectively work with youth and in their communities
• “Communities Driving Change” – the project focuses on empowering citizens by providing them with digital tools to express their needs and opinions.
• Our training course “Let’s Digitalise Youth Organisations” growed digital communication professionals, who could effectively communicate with youth and help NGOs be more visible in the EU.
• We have created online courses for NGOs to make them work more professionally. All the material was created by social workers that gained digital skills by participating in training courses, Erasmus+ virtual exchanges. 

What is more, AY Institute cooperates with other European NGOs and international organizations in hosting and helping others host activities in a number of countries, promote cultural diversity and contribute to the positive social changes in the European continent.

Apart from organizing mobilities, our association is also involved in educational activities for little kids, cultural events, blood donations, clothes donations to needy children, sport competitions, quizzes, discussions on themes that are interesting for local community, and other projects aimed to help youngsters, support and facilitate their creative initiatives.

Moreover, during the global health crisis that was caused by Covid-19, AY created a platform (Coronahelpers.lt) which streamlined the search and registration of volunteers who are able to help in the fight with this virus.

The key experts contributing to this application are Gediminas Kondrackis and Inga Vederytė, supported by a team with extensive international experience in upskilling, personal development, and employability.

Gediminas Kondrackis – Director at AY Institute and recipient of the Baltics Sustainability Awards Changemaker(2022) – brings over a decade of experience in project management, legal frameworks, and organizational development. With a BSc in Economics from the University of Amsterdam, Gediminas has played a pivotal role in more than 50 international and national projects, many of which focus on empowering through non-formal education (NFE), skills development, and career readiness. His technical competencies—ranging from digital platform creation and email automation to content design using tools like Photoshop—enable him to design innovative, user-friendly learning environments tailored for personal and professional growth.

Inga Vederytė – Team Lead at AY Institute – has a strong background in managing international partnerships and educational initiatives. Overseeing more than 12 long-term projects, she specializes in designing and implementing upskilling programs, particularly those targeting local communities, NEETs, and marginalized groups. Inga has led numerous workshops, training courses, and events focused on personal growth, leadership, and employability. Her academic background—a Bachelor’s in Psychology (Lithuania) and a Leadership & Management Diploma (Australia)—equips her with the ability to support individuals and teams in unlocking their potential and navigating career development pathways.

The broader AY Institute team consists of young professionals who have developed their expertise through studies, work, and volunteering experiences in countries including Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Italy, the USA, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Lithuania, and Latvia. This international exposure has strengthened their intercultural communication skills and deepened their understanding of global employment trends and personal development practices.

Their relevant contributions include:

• Leading entrepreneurial skill-building seminars for locals and first-time jobseekers;

• Facilitating workshops on international mobility and study-abroad opportunities;

• Organizing job fairs, social inclusion programs, and mentorship initiatives for underrepresented groups;

• Working in community centers as peer mentors to promote life skills and confidence-building;

• Actively participating in EU projects related to employment, upskilling, and transition to the labour market.

Through their combined experience, the team is well-positioned to empower participants with relevant skills, boost their self-confidence, and enhance their readiness for employment and lifelong learning.

AY Institute is a Lithuania-based for-purpose organisation that unites young leaders, thinkers, and doers—those who seek change and those who make change. We leverage our extensive experience in non-formal education to cover a diverse range of topics, with a special emphasis on active participation, citizenship, sustainability, inclusion & human rights, mental & physical health, and digital tools & development opportunities.

Our mission: to bring change within communities, organizations, and policies by implementing innovative social initiatives that promote active participation and foster informed citizenship.

Our vision: to build a skilled & socially responsible society that values active engagement and responsible citizenship.

Since the beginning, AY Institute has been a dynamic player in local and international projects, achieving the highest evaluations consistently. We have successfully led over 70 project actions independently, many focused on enhancing civic engagement and community involvement, and many more as a partner. Our expansive network, which includes over 700 organizations across Europe, along with our membership in Lithuania’s Youth Board (LiJOT), bolsters our ability to impact civic education and participation at multiple levels.

In all our initiatives, we are driven by our three core principles:

1. Sustainability – ensuring our initiatives in civic engagement are enduring and evolve with societal needs.
2. Compassion – fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere in all our community interactions.
3. Can-do attitude – viewing societal challenges as opportunities to strengthen democracy and enhance community well-being.

Our team includes professionals with expertise in political science, social activism, and educational outreach, alongside their skills in digital innovation and health promotion. Supported by over 1000 volunteers and a broad array of partners, we ensure that our projects not only progress smoothly but also effectively empower individuals to participate fully in societal processes.

Our projects often address critical issues such as voter education, community organizing, and advocacy for minority rights. These initiatives reflect our commitment to cultivating a culture of informed and active citizenship, prepared for the complexities and opportunities these challenges bring to our ongoing and future initiatives.

AY Institute has lengthy experience in running Erasmus+ projects. Therefore, we know how to chip in at all the steps of the project, starting with the application itself and finishing with result dissemination.  We have carried out projects that have focused on active participation, citizenship and others.

Some concrete examples relevant to active participation & citizenship:

• “CONTINUE”is supporting young people suffering from social exclusion to tackle the specific challenges of post-COVID times in terms of staying connected and integrated into European communities.
• “FRIDAY” is a project which aim to increase the knowledge of young people about environmental issues; encourage the active participation of young people in the European environmental process and to raise young people’s awareness of the importance of taking action against climate change.
• “Democracy through Dialogue not Conflict”included an international meeting of politicians and youth in the Foreign Affairs’ Ministry of Lithuania. During the meeting, the ways for Eastern Partnership youth to get involved were analysed and best ideas shortlisted.
• A project about civil society “Tavo balsas”took 2 years. The aim of it was to encourage partnerships between public administrations and the local community by creating an inclusive society that uses creativity, motivation and their competencies.

What is more, AY Institute cooperates with other European NGOs and international organizations in hosting and helping others host activities in a number of countries, promote cultural diversity and contribute to the positive social changes in the European continent.

Apart from organizing mobilities, our association is also involved in educational activities for little kids, cultural events, blood donations, clothes donations to needy children, sport competitions, quizzes, discussions on themes that are interesting for locals, and other projects aimed to help youngsters, support and facilitate their creative initiatives.

Moreover, during the global health crisis that was caused by Covid-19, AY created a platform (Coronahelpers.lt) which streamlined the search and registration of volunteers who are able to help in the fight with this virus.

The key experts contributing to this application are Gediminas Kondrackis and Deimantė Radišauskaitė, supported by a team with extensive international experience in civic engagement, democratic participation, and community empowerment.

Gediminas Kondrackis – Director of AY Institute and recipient of the 2022 Baltics Sustainability Awards Changemaker– brings over a decade of experience in managing cross-sectoral initiatives, with a strong focus on active citizenship, non-formal education (NFE), and active participation in democratic life. He holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Amsterdam and has led over 50 international and local projects, many of which aim to promote civic awareness, social responsibility, and community leadership. Gediminas also integrates digital tools—such as online platforms, communication systems, and visual media—into civic education strategies, ensuring accessibility and innovation.

Deimantė Radišauskaitė – Project Manager at AY Institute – is a political science graduate from Vilnius University with a professional background in international relations, sustainability, and human rights. Prior to joining AY Institute, she worked at the Embassy of Lithuania in London, where she contributed to diplomatic activities related to political affairs and civic participation. At AY, Deimantė leads and coordinates various international projects, ensuring their relevance to youth engagement, social change, and democratic inclusion. She also supports project teams in strategy, communication, and reporting, fostering a collaborative and impact-driven environment.

The wider team at AY Institute includes young leaders with intercultural and international experience gained through studies and work in Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Italy, the USA, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Lithuania, and Latvia. This diversity strengthens their understanding of European civic contexts and enables them to connect meaningfully with young people from various backgrounds.

Relevant experience of the team includes:

• Organizing civic education campaigns and community-led forums encouraging participation in democratic processes;

• Facilitating workshops on voting rights, disinformation, and political literacy;

• Leading training courses on leadership and advocacy;

• Running projects focused on social inclusion, civic dialogue, and European values;

• Promoting active citizenship through intercultural exchanges, and community events.

With this well-rounded team, AY Institute is fully equipped to implement impactful initiatives that enhance active participation in elections, strengthen democratic values, and foster active European citizenship.

AY Institute is a Lithuania-based for-purpose organisation that unites young leaders, thinkers, and doers—those who seek change and those who make a change. Our extensive experience in non-formal education covers a diverse range of topics, with a particular emphasis on mental and physical health, sports, sustainability, inclusion & human rights, and digital tools & development opportunities.

Our mission: bring change within communities, organizations, and policies by implementing innovative social initiatives that enhance the well-being and health of individuals and communities.

Our vision: building a skilled & socially responsible society that values and promotes holistic health and well-being.

AY Institute has been actively involved in both local and international projects, consistently receiving the highest evaluations. To date, we have successfully spearheaded more than 70 project actions independently, many focusing on mental and physical health and sports, and many more as a partner. Our expansive partnership network across Europe, which includes over 700 organisations, and our membership in Lithuania’s Youth Board (LiJOT), empower us to influence health and wellness policies effectively both locally and internationally.

In every initiative, we adhere to our three core principles:

1. Sustainability – ensuring our health initiatives have a lasting impact on the communities we serve.
2. Compassion – approaching all our engagements with empathy, particularly in initiatives involving vulnerable populations’ health and well-being.
3. Can-do attitude – focusing on solutions and innovative approaches to health challenges, using sports and physical activities as a medium for improvement.

Our team consists of professionals with extensive experience in health promotion, sports science, and psychological well-being, alongside their expertise in digital communication and youth engagement. Supported by over 1000 volunteers and a broad array of potential partners, we ensure the smooth implementation of our projects and effective reach to our target groups.

Our projects frequently address pressing and sensitive health issues such as mental health awareness, disease prevention, and promoting physical activity as a cornerstone of healthy living. We are committed to tackling the complexities of health and sports, looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in our ongoing and future initiatives.

AY Institute has lengthy experience in running Erasmus+ projects. Therefore, we know how to chip in at all the steps of the project, starting with the application itself and finishing with result dissemination.  We have carried out projects that have focused on physical & mental health.

Some concrete examples of projects related to physical health, sports & inclusion:

• “Street Sports for All” – the goal of the project is to promote direct engagement and integration of refugees and host communities within the EU through the creation of a network and organization of street sport classes.
• Erasmus+ Big Collaborative Sports project – “Empowerment Through Sports” aimed to create contact between different social groups by using sports as a tool in order to foster social inclusion and make young people understand how minority discrimination works and how to counteract this.
• Erasmus+ Small Collaborative Sports project – “Capoeira Connects Europe” with the main aim to encourage people to engage with their own cultural heritage and to discover all forms of it around the world, thus increasing tolerance, empathy, reducing social exclusion of vulnerable and disadvantaged youth and promoting active and healthy lifestyle.
• Partners in an Erasmus+ Small Collaborative Sports project “Social A.C.T. – Active Cycling Team” which focuses on promoting cycling and motivating to practice physical activity as an integral part of everyday life.
• “Sport Without Boundaries” – the project aimed to increase volunteerism and physical activity of disadvantaged groups living across Europe.
• “SPORTIFICATION” was aimed at increasing, promoting and encouraging participation of young people across the EU in sports and PA activities.
• “Sport as an Equal Playground” aims to bring sports closer to young people with fewer opportunities, who are at a disadvantage compared to their peers.
• “RaceAbility” – the aim of the project is to design and develop sports initiatives in terms of obstacle courses for young adults, with a view to increase the inclusion of young adults in an innovative way.

Some concrete examples of projects related to mental health:

• The main aim of our project “Get Well Together” is to increase the mental well-being of marginalized young people who face more discrimination and exclusion due to Covid-19 through youth work.
• “A Beautiful Mind“ project contributed to the promotion of human rights by increasing the knowledge about mental health between the youngsters and the public overall.
• “Be Kind to Your Mind” with the core goal being to increase knowledge about mental health between youngsters and the general public.
• “Mind full, or Mindful?” aims to raise awareness about mental health among youth and make it one of the top priorities.
• “Dance Against Stressful Situations” – aims to develop a creative approach that may act in the long-term to benefit young people and their well-being while tackling the negative impacts of the current crisis.
• We are also involved in the project “Confident Me” where we work on improving young people’s self-confidence. We work on training and supporting teachers from all around Lithuania, for they can later implement activities in their classrooms.

The key experts contributing to this application are Gediminas Kondrackis and Aistė Akelaitytė, supported by a team with extensive international experience in promoting physical wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, and youth engagement through non-formal education.

Gediminas Kondrackis – Director of AY Institute and recipient of the Baltics Sustainability Awards Changemaker(2022) – brings over a decade of leadership in managing cross-sectoral youth initiatives. With a BSc in Economics from the University of Amsterdam, he has coordinated over 50 international and national projects. His strengths lie in strategic planning, legal and financial oversight, and the integration of digital tools for project delivery. Gediminas has a strong focus on non-formal education (NFE) and has championed several initiatives combining physical activity with personal growth and social inclusion, making him a key asset for this project.

Aistė Akelaitytė – Project Manager at AY Institute – holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Industries (Social Sciences) from VILNIUS TECH and has studied Communication Design at the University of Lisbon. With years of experience in the youth sector, Aistė has coordinated educational and cultural initiatives that promote mental health, gender equality, and physical activity. She is passionate about fostering healthy habits among young people and has organized sports-related workshops and outdoor activities that blend movement with personal development. Her ability to create inclusive, energetic spaces where youth feel safe, engaged, and empowered makes her especially effective in projects promoting healthy lifestyles.

The broader AY Institute team includes youth workers and young professionals who have developed strong intercultural competencies through international experiences in countries such as Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Italy, the USA, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Lithuania, and Latvia. This diverse background enhances their ability to connect with participants and adapt programming to varied cultural and social contexts.

Key experiences among the team include:

• Organizing sports festivals, team-building games, and fitness challenges;

• Leading wellbeing workshops focused on nutrition, stress management, and physical activity;

• Facilitating EU initiatives centered on healthy living and mental resilience;

• Supporting inclusive sports programs for marginalized groups;

• Promoting active lifestyles through digital campaigns and local events.

Together, the team brings a unique blend of skills in empowerment, health education, and inclusive community-building—ensuring the project will have a lasting impact on participants’ wellbeing and lifestyle habits.