Her encounters with young people across the Mediterranean have deeply influenced her. “Meeting these young people, who face numerous challenges—from lack of guidance and employment prospects to environmental degradation—has been a profound experience. It’s clear the system is failing them, not the other way around,” she explains. The statistics are stark, with almost 1 in 3 youths aged 15-24 in North Africa categorized as NEETs. Over in Spain, young people under 29 without education nor employment fall short of 1 million. Yet, it is witnessing the transformation in these young lives that keeps her motivated. “Seeing the stars in their eyes and hearing how the project has changed their lives is incredibly rewarding.”

One poignant memory she recalls is a theater performance by the students, depicting how the second-chance schools have changed their lives. “They performed in front of officials, school staff, and families. It was a powerful moment of connection and pride,” she says. Another significant milestone was the launch of the first second-chance school in Sousse, after five years of dedicated effort. “Hearing the youths express their gratitude was a moment of immense fulfillment.”

MedNC’s impact is multifaceted, addressing not only the educational needs but also the systemic challenges. By working closely with governments and local actors, the project creates sustainable frameworks and policies, as seen in Tunisia. It also empowers local educators through innovative training programs, such as the recently developed ‘MedNGreen’ pedagogical toolbox, which focuses on sustainable practices and environmental awareness in the Mediterranean. This toolbox is the steppingstone of a major shift striving to place these young people at the center of tomorrow’s solutions towards sustainable societies. Astrid and her team recognized a glaring gap—disengaged youth were being left out of major innovations and global challenges, particularly in digital and environmental sectors.