The Camino de Santiago Transforms Youth Employability: The “Pegadas” Initiative Concludes its Third Expedition in the Obradoiro
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain - The Obradoiro Square This Friday will be the final touch of a transformative journey. “Pegadas”, an innovative Spanish-Portuguese program aimed at young people between 18 and 29 years old, completes its third expedition of the summer. This pioneering initiative uses the Camino de Santiago as an open-air classroom to promote employability, entrepreneurship and critical thinking between the youth of Galicia and Portugal.
Outdoor Training for the Future of Work
The current expedition, which has traveled the Portuguese Way from Ponte da Lima Throughout this week, a training stage closes that combines online learning (e-learning), the experience of the walk itself and various practical activities. The “Pegadas” program is part of the Interreg VI-A Spain-Portugal (POCTEP), a European Union program that seeks to offer new tools to young people to improve their job placement.
Its methodology is hybrid and highly dynamic: participants complete prior training through an online platform, which they then complement with in-person dynamics during the Camino. These include cultural visits, video recording, debates and practical challenges focused on the programme's core values: sustainability, innovation, cooperation and entrepreneurship.
"I am delving into aspects of the Camino that are linked to current themes such as digitalization or sustainability," explains Uxía, one of the participants of a previous expedition, highlighting the relevance of the contents.
The strategy of Outdoor Learning “Pegadas” is designed especially for young people who may have encountered difficulties with more traditional education. It allows you to acquire key skills in a flexible, collaborative and motivating environment, far from conventional classrooms.
A Cross-Border Project with Solid Institutional Support
“Pegadas” would not be possible without robust institutional support. The project is co-financed by the European Union and has a solid alliance of prestigious beneficiary entities: the University of Santiago de Compostela, Femxa, he CIM Alto Minho, he Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, he Porto Polytechnic and the Galician Communication Cluster.
Beyond training, “Pegadas” reinforces the role of the Camino de Santiago as a vital cooperation and development axis between Galicia and Portugal. This initiative brings a renewed and inclusive vision to the route, demonstrating its capacity to be a tool for personal and professional transformation.
For those interested in this unique experience, the “Pegadas” program has already announced that will launch new routes in September, and registrations are still open through its official website. It is an unbeatable opportunity for young people looking for a boost in their future work while living an unforgettable adventure on the Camino.
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