OUR ORGANIZATION
Puentes Jóvenes is a newly established non-profit association based in Madrid, Spain, created to respond to the growing need for inclusive, participatory, and youth-led initiatives at local and European levels. The organization was founded by youth workers and community-oriented individuals who share a strong commitment to social inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and active citizenship.
The core mission of PUEJO is to build bridges between young people from different cultural, social, and educational backgrounds. The association aims to empower young people by providing safe spaces for learning, dialogue, and cooperation, enabling them to develop personal, social, and civic competences through non-formal education approaches.
PUEJO places a strong emphasis on European values such as solidarity, diversity, equality, and democratic participation. By promoting youth engagement and cross-cultural understanding, the organization seeks to strengthen young people’s sense of belonging to their local communities as well as to the wider European context.
As a young organization, PUEJO is characterized by flexibility, openness to innovation, and a strong motivation to grow through international cooperation. The association views participation in Erasmus+ projects as a key opportunity to strengthen its organizational capacity, develop quality youth work practices, and contribute meaningfully to European youth objectives.
Although PUEJO is a newly founded organization, its activities are built upon the prior experience and competences of its founding members in youth work, community initiatives, and intercultural settings. From its early stages, the association has focused on designing activities that address social inclusion, youth participation, and awareness of contemporary societal challenges.
At local level, PUEJO has been involved in organizing small-scale workshops, group discussions, and participatory activities aimed at engaging young people in topics such as active citizenship, environmental responsibility, and social cohesion. These activities are designed using non-formal and informal learning methods, including experiential learning, reflection circles, teamwork, and creative expression.
The organization pays particular attention to reaching young people with fewer opportunities, including those facing social, cultural, or economic barriers. Through inclusive activity design and supportive group processes, PUEJO seeks to ensure equal participation and meaningful involvement of all young people, regardless of their background.
In line with the objectives of the Erasmus+ Programme, PUEJO integrates sustainability, European values, and youth empowerment into its activities. The organization is motivated to further develop its experience through transnational cooperation, learning partnerships, and active participation in Erasmus+ youth projects.