Context
In the cross-border area, young people aged 15 to 25 face similar challenges. In 2022, the unemployment rate in the territory was higher in France (7.3%) and equivalent in Belgium (5.7%) compared with the European average (6%).
In both France and Belgium, unemployment particularly affects young people, with rates close to 18%, exceeding the European average of 15.1%. The reasons are multiple, but significant inequalities—present from a very young age—limit access to sustainable, chosen socio‑professional integration that matches young people’s qualifications. Facilitating access to mentoring through cross‑border tools is a concrete solution to support the professional integration of disadvantaged youth aged 15 to 25.
Mentoring helps build self-confidence, opens up networks and broadens horizons while providing concrete support towards sustainable employment.
Since mentoring remains unfamiliar to some young people, it is essential to democratise and promote this practice across our territories.
Objectives
The BOOST AVENIR project aims to strengthen the impact of mentoring on youth employment by developing innovative tools.
To achieve this, the project first seeks to combine the expertise of its partners to develop and test new dynamic and engaging ways of introducing mentoring as an additional lever to help young people reach their goals.
Secondly, the project aims to work on motivational levers for mentors, so as to keep young people engaged throughout their mentoring journey.
The project’s key outputs include:
- a methodological toolkit to reach and attract young people,
- a motivation toolkit to support mentors in their guidance role,
- and a cross‑border series of workshops designed to reveal young people’s hidden skills.
These actions are intended to improve access to mentoring, strengthen mentors’ commitment, and highlight the skills of young mentees.
Partners
The BOOST AVENIR project is funded by the European Union through the INTERREG France–Wallonia–Flanders (FWVL) cross‑border cooperation programme. It is a micro‑project built on a simplified cooperation partnership between two regions on either side of the border:
In Hauts-de-France
- PROXITÉ Association
In Wallonia
- POUR LA SOLIDARITÉ – PLS, European think & do tank
BOOST AVENIR at a Glance
- Launch webinar: March 2025
- Cross‑border webinars: October 2025 – April 2026
- Calls for youth participants: October 2025 – February 2026
- Solidarity hackathon “Revealing the Hidden Skills of Young Mentees”: early 2026
