Last November, Athens became the place chosen to launch the final version of ‘The Change’, a board game in which nobody wins and everybody learns about Transformative Economies and real projects that have been collected in this virtual map of initiatives. This game is already an educational tool that seeks to bring the principles of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) closer to people of all ages and backgrounds. Designed to inspire reflection and debate, the game facilitates the understanding of how to build fairer, more sustainable and solidarity-based economies.

The international meeting at which this took place, attended by some thirty people, was entitled May Change Be With You, and culminated a gestation process included in the Erasmus + SSEds4Youth project, focused on SSE and youth in the old continent. RIPESS Europe has also participated in the sub-project YITEG (Youth Impacting Transformative Economies through game Design ) during its two-year duration (March 2023-December 2024) together with six other organisations from four countries of the continent (Spain, Italy, Greece and France). The process?

  1. Firstly, the creation, accompaniment and training of 4 local youth groups and 1 support and advisory group on Transformative Economies (TE).
  2. Then, a transnational training on the design of games and the development of a multimedia community map on Transformative Economies.
  3. Development of the community multimedia map on Transformative Economies.
  4. This was followed by a learning seminar on community engagement and social impact through TE results, which led to the creation of an educational game on TE and a handbook on learning how to leverage the impact of the game.
  5. And finally, a multiplier event in each country to present the project results at the final multiplier event in Athens with an international dimension.

What happened in Athens?

  • We explored the game: Participants had the opportunity to play and understand the dynamics of the game, assimilating key SSE concepts in a practical way and learning first-hand from local facilitators about its rules. They have produced a manual so that everything is clear when it comes to new people playing the game, which is attached to the game in the following versions:

Playing a game is an intentional and immersive process that engages people in a holistic way. It creates a simulated reality that allows players to hypothesise and experiment in a safe and supportive environment. This framework allows participants to make mistakes whose consequences are limited to the game, fostering the development of skills such as adaptability, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork and relationship building.

  • We shared experiences: Spaces were created for the exchange of ideas and co-creation, promoting networking among the participating people and organisations.
  • We projected the future: With the presence of RIPESS Intercontinental, the possible foundations for a future dissemination of the game in other continents were established, extending its reach globally and taking advantage of the translations made.

Among the next dissemination activities proposed: a webinar, tomorrow, January 21st: Discover the final result of the YITEG project and meet the young participants who have been at the heart of this transformative journey!

  • May this event be a seed for a more sustainable, just future, energised by a community that grows every day at local, European and global level!