EQUAL was a project co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), 75% of which was financed by the EU and 25% of which was paid by national funds. This project was initiated in January 2005 and was terminated in 2008. The objective of this project was to address young people leaving institutional care. These individuals have to leave institutes at the age of 18 years and they enter the world on vulnerable footing as they are often without shelter and employment.
One of the goals was to assist young persons in developing particular skills or trade. The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) assisted these young individuals to look for employment once their training was complete. This project also addressed their need for more accessible and affordable housing.
This project provided a holistic package which offered its beneficiaries the opportunity for education, employment and affordable housing. Ultimately, Headstart helped to alter the lives of these individuals by helping them integrate with society. Mentors were also employed in order to help these young people manage the difficulties they encountered on day to day basis.
The Housing Authority has carried successfully this innovative project by addressing the educational difficulties of these young individuals, enhancing their employability and offering them inclusive opportunities in the labour market asb well as the opportunity to pursue a more independent life.
Headstart was chosen from the EU as a “Winning Story” from all the projects that were co-financed under the EQUAL programme, confirming that this project was a success and the outcome was a positive one.