K.A.NE. Social Youth Development

The Social Youth Development (K.A.NE.) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2008 and based in Kalamata. It consists of a core group of young people (aged 15-35) who are active in the field of youth (youth workers, leaders of youth groups, mentors, and trainers) at a national and international level. At the same time, the group collaborates with all the people of the local community.

The group aims to motivate young people to take the initiative and become more active citizens through educational and training opportunities.

The objectives of Social Youth Development are divided into three categories:

1. For the youth (supporting the young people of the local community, creating youth structures, such as youth centres, festivals, etc., promoting non-formal learning, recognising the profession of the organiser of social-educational activities for young people).
2. For the local community (promoting volunteering, social inclusion and equal opportunities in education, creating a network of local organisations or groups, encouraging innovation and culture in ​​Messenia).
3. For the organisation itself (enhancement of staff capabilities, achievement of business viability, the development of programmes, and the development of new partnerships).

Since its establishment, Social Youth Development has managed to create two highly successful youth structures, the Kalamata Youth Centre (with a large number of workshops and the integration of immigrants and local youth with fewer opportunities in its activities) and the Kalamata Street Festival (with the aim of the strengthening of social inclusion and respect for diversity) which has acquired an international character, hosting over 100,000 visitors and artists from all over the world.