The FUNGIPRENEURS projectno. 2022-1-ES01-KA220-ADU-000087281, funded by the Erasmus+ KA-2 Adult program, aims to support the social inclusion of vulnerable groups in rural areas through environmental awareness and mycological entrepreneurship. By promoting the importance of fungi for ecosystems and the marketable value of mycological resources, the project encourages behavior change, green skills development, and responsible, sustainable social entrepreneurship. The core objective is to empower marginalized communities such as women, youth, elderly, migrants, ethnic minorities, small farmers, and seasonal agricultural workers, by providing them with new opportunities for income and social inclusion.

Problem Areas Addressed and Achieved Results

Rural poverty and limited access to education often exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable groups in rural areas. The FUNGIPRENEURS project addresses these issues by developing competences of adult educators who work with these groups and by producing ICT-based educational tools and methods. These resources help adult educators guide vulnerable groups towards social entrepreneurship using mycological resources. The project's impact is significant, enhancing the skills and opportunities of marginalized individuals, fostering their integration into the community, and promoting sustainable practices.

Key Results Produced by the FUNGIPRENEURS Project

1. ECVET Training Curriculum on Social Inclusion through Mycology The FUNGIPRENEURS project has developed a comprehensive ECVET training curriculum designed to equip adult educators with the necessary skills to support social inclusion through mycological entrepreneurship. The curriculum includes seven learning units, covering topics such as roadmapping methodology, social inclusion strategies, environmental awareness, the marketable value of mycological resources, green skills development through mycology, social entrepreneurship for sustainability, and digital literacy skills. This curriculum provides 70 hours of blended learning, combining traditional and online approaches, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to guide their learners effectively.

2. FUNGIPRENEURS Toolkit for Adult Educators The project has created a toolkit for adult educators, offering practical resources and methodologies to support the training of vulnerable groups. This toolkit includes instructional materials, best practices, and case studies, enabling educators to deliver effective and engaging training sessions. By using this toolkit, educators can help learners understand the ecological and economic importance of fungi and develop entrepreneurial skills related to mycology.

3. FUNGIPRENEURS e-Learning Platform An innovative e-learning platform has been developed to provide accessible and flexible learning opportunities for both educators and learners. This platform hosts the training curriculum and toolkit, along with additional interactive resources and forums for knowledge exchange. The e-learning platform enhances the accessibility of training materials, allowing users to learn at their own pace and convenience, thereby overcoming geographical and time constraints.

4. Emphasis on Digital Literacy and Green Skills Development The FUNGIPRENEURS project emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and green skills development. Participants acquire digital competences that enable them to use online resources effectively, engage in virtual communities, and promote their mycological enterprises through digital tools. Additionally, the project fosters environmental stewardship by teaching participants sustainable mycological practices, such as mushroom cultivation and mycoremediation, which contribute to ecological conservation and resilience.

By addressing the gaps in traditional education and introducing innovative teaching methods, the FUNGIPRENEURS project significantly enhances the capacity of adult educators and supports the social inclusion of vulnerable groups in rural areas. The comprehensive resources and training materials developed by the project are accessible on the official website at www.fungipreneurs.eu, ensuring that all results can be widely accessed and utilized.