Creative Ideas and Youth Entrepreneurship
From interests and ideas to skills, products and new opportunities
About the Project
Creative Ideas and Youth Entrepreneurship is a programme for young people who want to develop their interests, skills and ideas through practical exploration. The project includes areas such as animation, 3D printing, design, electronics, reuse and working with metals.
The programme is particularly aimed at young people who have potential and strong interests but may struggle with traditional schooling or need closer and more flexible support. Many need guidance during the stage between discovering what they are good at and being ready for existing programmes, education or employment.
Saganettverk provides guidance, encouragement, opportunities for practical experimentation and temporary access to relevant equipment. Our goal is not to take ownership of the young people’s ideas, but to help them get started, strengthen their sense of ownership and make the next steps more accessible.
What We Have Done So Far
Saganettverk currently supports two young people with different interests and project ideas.
One of them has developed the reuse project ScrapScooper, focusing on dismantling, electronics, understanding materials and reusing metals. The project has received funding, and Saganettverk has contributed guidance, tools and necessary equipment.
The other young person is developing skills in 3D printing, design and animation. We have purchased a computer with the necessary software, including Blender. Through our collaboration with Sølvsaga, he can also borrow a 3D printer for limited periods to test, learn and develop his own ideas. An application for further support has been submitted, but we have not yet received a response.
How We Support Young People
• we build on each young person’s own interests and ideas
• we divide the development process into small and manageable steps
• we provide flexible guidance and opportunities for practical experimentation
• we try to provide access to relevant equipment and software
• we help young people identify suitable partners and funding opportunities
• we create opportunities for them to share knowledge and teach their skills to others
• we support their transition to education, existing programmes, partnerships or employment when they are ready
Needs for Further Development
To support more young people, the project needs funding for computers, software, drawing tablets, 3D printers, materials, courses, tools and other equipment suited to the different project ideas.
We also need suitable workspaces and resources for close adult support. This type of guidance is particularly important for young people who struggle with traditional schooling or need more time and security before they are ready for existing programmes.
With financial support and additional partners, we can give more young people the opportunity to explore their strengths, develop skills and find a realistic path forward.
Partnerships and Next Steps
Sølvsaga already provides temporary access to a 3D printer. We are also in dialogue with Barnas Stasjon Blå Kors about opportunities to support the young people they work with. This collaboration may also provide the young people we support with a safe setting where they can share knowledge, teach their skills and gain experience guiding others.
Our next steps are to apply for funding, develop relevant partnerships and acquire equipment that will allow us to support more young people. The programme will be developed gradually so that the guidance can continue to be adapted to each individual.