The Future Ready activity, held from 25 July to 3 August, was a very enriching and successful experience for a group of young Portuguese participants. Organised under the Erasmus+ DiscoverEU Inclusion Action programme, the mobility aimed to foster digital skills, cultural awareness, and European identity through non-formal learning.Over ten days, five 18-year-old participants, accompanied by two teachers, travelled across several Italian cities — including Milan, Genoa, Florence, Rome, Naples, Bari, Bologna, and Venice. They used a wide range of digital tools and mobile applications such as Visit a City, Refill Return, ClosBox, and Visit Genoa to plan routes, explore cultural landmarks, and manage daily challenges. Technology became a key ally in promoting autonomy, collaboration, and meaningful exploration.The group also visited innovative institutions such as Apulia Digital Maker, the Polytechnic of Bari, and IDEA Academy, where they were introduced to topics like artificial intelligence, digital design, and post-secondary tech education.Participants absorbed a wide variety of digital resources with potential applications across different fields. The experience not only strengthened their technological and transversal skills but also promoted teamwork, creativity, adaptability, and a deeper connection to European values.

Now in Bologna, we visited the Salaborsa Library, where we explored several digital initiatives, such as the SBN UBO app, which makes it easier to access and manage the city’s public libraries. We also discovered the Patto per la Lettura di Bologna, a collaborative initiative that promotes reading as a form of active citizenship and community connection. Another highlight was the E-LOV Leggere Ovunque project, which offers free access to literary and cultural content via QR codes placed in hospitals, making waiting times more pleasant. We also had the opportunity to learn about the PASS – Polo di Accoglienza e Servizi Solidali project, run by the association Bimbo Tu, which provides free housing and support services to families of children undergoing serious medical treatments. On the association’s website, anyone can contribute with one-time or regular donations, which are tax-deductible, thus reinforcing this meaningful mission. We also took the opportunity to visit Venice — an unmissable stop, especially with our return flight departing nearby from this unique and wonderful city.

The Future Ready group visited IDEA Academy, an institution offering three-year courses in emerging digital fields for students who have completed upper secondary education. They were welcomed by the Academy’s Director, Margarida, who explained how the institution operates and supports students throughout their learning journey. During the visit, participants had the opportunity to explore the available programmes, including Web Development, Photography, and Design, and to learn about the academy’s innovative, hands-on approach to digital education. They also had the chance to see some of the work produced by students from the different courses, which showcased both creativity and technical skills.

Today we began our journey in the magnificent city of Rome. The first challenge of the day was finding a practical solution to store our 7 backpacks. Thanks to the initiative of our participants, we installed the recommended app and efficiently and economically managed to book a single locker spacious enough for all our belongings.With everything safely stored, we set out on a cultural and scientific adventure at the Leonardo da Vinci Experience Museum, located near the Vatican. The exhibition was truly fascinating, allowing us to explore some of the most visionary inventions of this Renaissance genius.Among the many models and creations on display, one stood out in particular: one of the earliest examples of a robot — a mechanical knight designed by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. This ingenious creation, equipped with mechanisms that allowed it to move its arms, head, and even simulate torso movements, amazed all participants and revealed how Leonardo’s futuristic vision was centuries ahead of his time.

This time, the Future Ready group explored the stunning region of Cinque Terre and, thanks to new technologies, managed to beat the heat. We used the Refill Return app, which was recommended to us locally, to easily locate water fountains where we could refill our bottles – a truly valuable resource along the way. The participants took an active role in the organization, using Google Maps to select and plan the places to visit, which fostered a greater sense of autonomy and engagement. In Florence, upon arriving at our hostel, we were surprised to see that cleaning tasks were carried out by smart robots, demonstrating how innovation is also making its way into the hospitality sector.