The ‘Give Back’ initiative was launched in Irpinia by the youth participants of an Erasmus + grant that drawn inspiration from the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 goal 6 ‘Moving rural youth forward’ and Italy’s National Strategy for ‘Inner Areas’ (SNAI). Irpinia is classified as an inner area within the Campania region of southern Italy. According to the SNAI, these areas are characterised by significant challenges such as demographic decline, social exclusion, and limited access to essential services. The EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 indicates a strong need to provide support for rural youth to access cross-border mobility opportunities and to ensure, among other things, that young people in rural areas are actively participating in decision-making processes.  

The 'Give Back - Giovani Aree Interne' initiative emerged to tackle these issues. It aims to create a learning community that connects policymakers, engages stakeholders, and involves civil society. The goal is to empower young people to contribute to their hometowns, counteracting the loss of talent and cultural richness caused by depopulation. 

‘Give Back - Giovani Aree Interne’ emerged as a non-profit, social-promotion association in 2022, born out of an Erasmus+ project involving 50 young individuals from across Italy. The project facilitated exchange of expertise, soft skills, and non-formal knowledge among political, economic, and social actors operating in Italian rural areas, primarily in the southern regions. The beneficiaries were young individuals engaged in social activities and students. 

At the heart of this EU-funded initiative was a five-day summer school event, organised by local youth, aimed at re-igniting discussions about youth and rural areas in Italy. The event included workshops with deputies, academics, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and experts, delving into topics such as European citizenship, youth participation, and entrepreneurship. With 50 direct participants from eight Italian regions and 50 speakers, the event extended its reach to approximately 250 indirect beneficiaries, including local inhabitants. 

Having recognised the pressing need for a dedicated national organisation to rejuvenate Italian rural areas, the project participants decided to establish the ‘Give Back’ association. This rural youth think tank targets students, researchers, and professionals in economic, social, and cultural spheres. The association facilitates dialogues between youth and policymakers, advocating for policymaking proposals inspired by European Union values.