About the project
DevelopMENS – Youngsters’ Personal and Social Development through Self-Determination Theory, Critical Thinking and Media Literacy
- Programme: Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange
- Coordinator: L’ORMA, Italy
- Partner Countries: Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo
Project overview
DevelopMENS is an Erasmus+ funded project focused on enhancing the personal and social development of young people aged 13–18 and youth workers aged 18–30. The core approach integrates Self-Determination Theory (SDT), critical thinking, media literacy, and soft skills to help youth navigate the complexities of modern life.
The project responds to growing challenges such as mental health issues, social media pressure, misinformation, and lack of motivation among young people—especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.
Main objectives
Empower self-awareness and intrinsic motivation in young people through the application of Self-Determination Theory (autonomy, competence, and relatedness).
Strengthen critical thinking skills to help youth evaluate, analyze, and interpret diverse sources of information.
Improve media literacy, enabling young people to critically assess messages and recognize bias, manipulation, and misinformation.
Raise awareness among educators and youth workers about the importance of integrating SDT, critical thinking, and media literacy into education.
Key activities
The project is grounded in research showing the need for holistic development approaches. By combining psychology, education, and media studies, DevelopMENS offers an innovative model for helping young people build confidence, resilience, and civic engagement.
Through virtual exchange and inclusive online learning, the project also strengthens intercultural dialogue and contributes to EU priorities such as social inclusion, active citizenship, and youth empowerment.
Expected Impact
Reach over 1,000 participants through training and MOOC activities.
At least 10,000 individuals reached via dissemination and media.
- Minimum 80% of participants will report improved self-awareness, critical thinking, or media literacy skills.
DevelopMENS fosters cross-border cooperation between EU and Western Balkan countries, bringing diverse expertise to the table. The project’s results will be publicly available and transferable to other educational contexts across Europe.
Online learning platform
Learn anytime & anywhere
The DevelopMENS MOOC is fully online and self-paced, allowing you to access all course materials whenever it suits you—no schedules, no deadlines. Whether you’re learning from home, school, or on the go, you can progress at your own speed.
