Brochure Digitali

Jointly organized by the European Rural Youth Observatory (EURYO) and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, this immersive SummerSchool provides a rigorous and practice-oriented approach to rural community development.

The program is structured around a core methodological framework that equips participants with the theories, methods, and practical tools needed to engage effectively in community-based work. The central fil rouge of the course is learning how to work within rural territories using a community-centered approach. Participants will gain hands-on training in participatory methodologies, enabling them to design, implement, and evaluate interventions tailored to local needs. The program integrates interactive workshops, expert-led thematic modules, and a field visit to a rural community in Cremona, Italy, where participants will critically observe successful initiatives and explore how theoretical concepts translate into practice.

With a distinguished panel of international experts delivering modules on core issues such as social inclusion, youth mobility, climate change justice, rural education, employment, and sustainability.

Objectives

Integrate theory and practice:
develop a solid understanding of community approach, participatory action research (PAR), and the bioecological model as applied to rural development
Transter participatory methods:
acquire skills in community-based methodologies, learning how to engage, mobilize, and empower communities effectively
Analyze key rural challenges:
gain insights into pressing issues such as social inclusion, climate resilience, education, labor markets, and sustainable rural economies
Develop context-specific approaches:
learn how to adapt interdisciplinary frameworks to design culturally and socially responsive community initiatives
Expand professional networks:
connect with emerging scholars, practitioners, and international experts shaping the future of rural community development

Program

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Cremona, Italy, Campus Santa Monica.
40 hours of interactive training, combining lectures, thematic sessions, and participatory workshops.

Monday to Friday
Morning sessions: 9:00 am- 1:00 pm | Afternoon sessions: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday: field trip: 5h (to be defined).

Course structure & contents:

Theoretical Foundations:
Exploration of key frameworks for understanding rural community development, focusing on social, economic, educational, and environmental dimensions
Practical Training in Community-Based Methods
Hands-on workshops to develop skills in participatory research and intervention design, tailored to rural settings
Key Thematic Modules
Sessions led by renowned international experts, covering social inclusion, education, rural employment, sustainability, and climate justice
Case Studies & Best Practices
Examination of successful rural transformations from across Europe and beyond, illustrating effective community-led interventions

Special focus areas

Community Engagement & Participatory Approaches
Learning how to work within rural communities, developing strategies for sustainable, community-led change
Social Inclusion & Resilience
Addressing challenges of marginalization and fostering stronger, more cohesive rural communities
Youth Mobility & Climate Change Justice
Exploring barriers to participation and promoting youth-driven sustainability efforts
Education & Rural Learning Innovation
Examining access to education, digital learning, and lifelong learning opportunities in rural settings
Employment and labor market in rural areas
Investigating rural labor markets, fostering local enterprise, and promoting sustainable economic growth
Sustainability & Resilient Communities
Analyzing ecological, economic, and social practices that contribute to long-term rural sustainability

Full program
Learn more

Key features

High scientific quality of the Faculty:
learn from internationally recognized experts and researchers;
Networking and professional growth:
connect with an international network of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers working on rural community transformation.

Immediate applicability of practical tools
gain hands-on experience with participatory action research (PAR) and other specific methodologies;
Interdisciplinary approach: benefit from insights across multiple fields, including social sciences, economics, education, environmental studies, and policy-making

Innovative perspective on rural development:
explore cutting-edge approaches that integrate climate justice, youth mobility, and social inclusion to address contemporary rural challenges.

Info point

Participant profile

Students interested at all levels and qualifications; PhD students; early-career researchers;
youth workers, and professionals

Where and when

Cremona (Italy), 16 - 21 June, 2025
Need help on accomodation?
Contact us by email for a complete list of partner hotels at discounted rates

Registration fees

Participants will be admitted in order of enrollment
Click here to enroll by June 10, 2025

Faculty

Elena MARTA
Scientific director, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Francisco SIMÕES
Scientific director, European Rural Youth Observatory

Adriano Mauro ELLENA scientific committee, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Maria FERNANDES-JESUS scientific committee, University of Sussex
Tatiana FERREIRA scientific committee, Santarém Polytechnic University
Paul FLYNN scientific committee, University of Galway
Alen MUJČINOVIĆ scientific committee, University of Sarajevo
Claudia PETRESCU scientific committee, Institutul de Cercetare a Calităţii Vieţii
Mariano SOLER-PORTA scientific committee, University of Malaga

Partner

European Rural Youth Observatory (EURYO)

Contacts & further information

adrianomauro.ellena@unicatt.it
claudia.vacchelli@unicatt.it
Ph.: +39 0523 599393

formazionecontinua.unicatt.it

Empowering Rural Communities