On 21 September, the final conference of the VIRTUALLYEDU project - Virtual Exchanges and Education on Digital Skills, implemented under the Erasmus+ programme, took place. Entitled „Bridging the Digital Skills Divide in Youth Work and Education,“ the conference marked an important milestone for the project. Participants reviewed the results achieved, shared their experiences and discussed how the resources developed and experience gained through the project could continue to be used in the future.

The conference welcomed more than 250 participants, including project partners, educators, researchers, youth workers, students and young learners. It provided an international platform for exchanging ideas and experiences on digital skills, virtual collaboration and new approaches to learning.

Throughout the event, participants explored the project’s main achievements, including the Joint Virtual Learning & Online Collaboration Curriculum, five Virtual Exchange Circles, facilitator training activities, the Digital Skills Hackathon and an open-access e-learning platform. Together, these initiatives have contributed to creating new opportunities for collaborative learning and the development of digital competencies.

The conference also opened a broader discussion on the role of virtual collaboration in promoting digital inclusion, enhancing employability and strengthening digital safety. Particular attention was given to how online learning and exchange can connect people across geographical, institutional and cultural boundaries, creating more accessible and meaningful learning experiences.

Contributions from partner organisations, facilitators and Hackathon participants added a valuable practical perspective to the discussions. Their experiences and reflections highlighted the lessons learned throughout the project and the importance of the connections established among its participants.

The VIRTUALLYEDU consortium extends its sincere thanks to all project partners, speakers, facilitators, participants and young people who contributed to the initiative and helped make its achievements possible.

Although the project has reached its final stage, the knowledge, resources and connections developed throughout VIRTUALLYEDU provide a strong foundation for continued cooperation and future initiatives in digital education and youth work.