Homeless Youth
ENTITIES
SOCIAL WORKERS AND TECHNICIANS
Objectives of the Pilot Tests
To validate the main results developed in the project in a real-world context of intervention with homeless youth.
To evaluate the technical performance, stability, and usability of the application as it is used by participants.
To gather feedback and observations from youth, social workers, and specialists to identify opportunities for improvement.
To facilitate the practical implementation of the project’s results within participating organizations, promoting the social inclusion of homeless youth through digital tools and non-formal education methodologies.
To involve homeless youth in the process of refining the main results and further developing the project.
Verify the feasibility of the methodology developed and the use of the app in different contexts and participating organizations, facilitating its future transfer and sustainability.
How did we conduct the pilot tests?
Beta testing of the AI-INCLUSION app
The purpose of the beta testing was to identify potential technical errors, optimize the app’s performance and usability, and gather feedback and suggestions for improvement from experts on homelessness. The feedback received was used to make final adjustments and ensure a more stable version tailored to the needs of the beneficiaries.
Preliminary working sessions with homeless youth in Thessaloniki and Alcázar de San Juan.
Before the pilot tests began, preliminary working sessions were held with the homeless youth participating in Mytilene, Thessaloniki and Alcázar de San Juan. The purpose of these sessions was to introduce the AI-INCLUSION app and explain to participants what the testing process entails, what features the tool offers, and how they can use it during the pilot.
During these sessions, the general operation of the app was explained, along with the different types of information and resources they would be able to access and the capabilities offered by the AI assistant. Participants were also briefed on the logistics of the pilot tests and on how to use the mobile devices that would later be provided to them.
These sessions allowed the young people to familiarize themselves with the tool and the purpose of their participation in advance, so that they could begin the pilot tests with a clear understanding of the activity and the intended use of AI-INCLUSION.
Distribution of Phones with the App to Homeless Youth
Phones with the app installed were distributed to conduct pilot tests with homeless youth in Mytilene, Thessaloniki, and Alcázar de San Juan.
The mobile devices acquired as part of the project were primarily allocated to participants who did not have their own cell phones and whose circumstances required continuous access to the app outside the organization’s facilities, thereby ensuring equal opportunities in accessing the tool. For example, when they leave the camp or residential facility and need to maintain access to information and support services.
In addition, the participating organizations had several mobile devices available in their service areas to facilitate access to the app for any young person participating in the activities, while also allowing professionals to provide guidance during the first few sessions of use.
Testing the Methodology, Resources, and App
Pilot tests have begun with homeless youth in Thessaloniki and Alcázar de San Juan. During this phase, participants are using the app as a support tool on their path to social inclusion, accessing the available resources, services, and features according to their needs.
These trials are allowing us to test THE INVISIBLES METHODOLOGY, NON-FORMAL RESOURCES, and the AI-INCLUSION APP.