We are excited to introduce MEFER (Metaverse Futures: Education Beyond Realms), a two-year Erasmus+ project uniting six European partners in a shared mission: to equip youth workers with the tools and skills necessary to navigate and mentor young people in immersive digital environments such as AR, VR, XR, and the Metaverse. By integrating innovative technologies, robust educational resources, and a collaborative spirit, MEFER aims to inspire a new generation of youth leaders prepared for tomorrow’s digital realities.

Why MEFER?

Digital transformation continues to reshape how young people learn, socialize, and explore opportunities. However, many youth workers, teachers, and parents struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and to address emerging ethical, safety, and mental well-being concerns in these virtual environments. MEFER responds to this challenge by:

1. Improving Digital Literacy: Enhancing youth workers’ understanding of immersive technologies, ensuring they can mentor and protect young people in digital spaces.

2. Fostering Innovation: Showcasing creative, interactive ways for youth workers to engage young people using the Metaverse, AR, and VR.

3. Promoting Ethical & Safe Practices: Addressing digital ethics, cyber-safety, mental health, and well-being through tailored training modules.

4. Building a Collaborative Network: Bringing together experts, educators, and youth organizations from across Europe to share best practices and resources.

Project Objectives

1. Curriculum Development
   Create a modular curriculum covering immersive technologies (Metaverse, AR, VR, XR) with an emphasis on digital ethics, cybersecurity, and psychological well-being.

2. 3D Virtual Learning Environment
   Design an immersive platform where youth workers can access learning materials, participate in simulations, and exchange experiences—bridging theory with real-world practice.

3. Targeted Data Collection & Needs Assessment
   Gather perspectives from youth workers, educators, and tech experts to pinpoint skills gaps and challenges, ensuring our curriculum and tools address actual needs.

4. Widespread Dissemination
   Engage local, national, and European stakeholders through social media campaigns, events, and a final international workshop, ensuring the project’s long-term impact and sustainability.

Target Groups

• Youth Workers & Educators: The primary beneficiaries, aiming to improve their digital competencies and readiness to support young people in virtual spaces.

• Local Youth Organizations & NGOs: Key stakeholders to help pilot and adopt MEFER’s curriculum and immersive tools.

• Policy Makers: Potential adopters of MEFER’s educational innovations at a policy level, encouraging digital readiness in youth sectors.

• Tech & Cybersecurity Experts: Providing critical feedback on AR/VR capabilities, privacy, data protection, and resilience measures for young users.

Who’s Involved?

1. FURIM Institutt (Norway) – Overall Coordinator, ensuring smooth project management and overseeing data collection efforts.

2. Beyond42 (Serbia) – Technical partner responsible for developing and maintaining the 3D Virtual Learning Platform.

3. Middle East Technical University (Turkey) – Research and curriculum co-lead, offering academic insights into immersive tech, cybersecurity, and best practices in educational design.

4. SOMOS Europe (Spain) – Leads dissemination strategy, producing initial communications materials and planning outreach campaigns.

5. CKM Dubrovnik (Croatia) – Focuses on user testing, monitoring local implementation results, and evaluating the dissemination process.

6. YES (Poland) – Engages disadvantaged youth groups, ensuring project tools and trainings are inclusive and address real challenges on the ground.

Main Deliverables

1. Comprehensive Curriculum – Eight to ten modules, each addressing immersive technology frameworks, digital ethics, mental health considerations, and practical pedagogy.

2. 3D Virtual Learning Environment – A user-friendly platform for youth workers to access training, simulate real-life scenarios, and build confidence in immersive settings.

3. Needs Assessment Report – Evidence-based findings highlighting the current challenges youth workers face, informing the final curriculum structure.

4. Interactive Educational Materials – Over ten unique resources, including 3D simulations, podcasts, and videos.

5. Dissemination & Workshops – Local events, national campaigns, and an international workshop to share project outputs and gather final reflections.

Looking Ahead

MEFER represents a bold step toward empowering youth workers in emerging digital environments. By combining research-backed curriculum development with a dynamic 3D learning platform, we aspire to help professionals across Europe confidently guide young people in a rapidly evolving world. Our collaborative approach ensures that tools are practical, ethical, and inclusive, providing genuine value to stakeholders on the ground.

Stay connected with us on social media and watch for upcoming calls to participate in surveys, pilot tests, and local events. Together, we can pioneer new horizons in youth work and prepare the next generation for boundless opportunities in immersive digital realms.