Understanding What Young Creatives Need: Key Insights from the DigiCreate Survey & Focus Groups

Understanding What Young Creatives Need: Key Insights from the DigiCreate Survey & Focus Groups

Description

Understanding What Young Creatives Need: Key Insights from the DigiCreate Survey & Focus Groups

 

The official DigiCreate Survey & Focus Group Report is now published, consolidating insights from 90 young people in the Cultural & Creative Industry (CCI) across Germany, Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

 

The aim: to better understand the digital and creative skills landscape and identify what young creators need to succeed.

 

Young creators want practical, hands-on learning

Participants consistently expressed a preference for training that is concrete, applicable, and closely connected to real creative work. Practice-first formats—such as workshops, project tasks, and demonstrations—were viewed as the most effective.

 

Digital and emerging technology skills remain a critical gap

While many young people possess basic digital literacy, the report shows strong demand for more advanced skills, including:

  • digital content production and editing

  • AI-assisted creative work

  • social media strategy

  • immersive and emerging technologies

 

Community, collaboration, and visibility are essential

A recurring theme was the lack of peer connection. Young participants want:

  • collaborative spaces

  • mentorship opportunities

  • platforms to share their work and gain recognition

 

Flexibility in learning formats

Hybrid models, micro-learning, and modular courses were highlighted as the most suitable options for young people balancing studies, work, or freelance projects.

 

Persistent barriers

The report identifies several structural challenges, including:

  • limited access to creative tools and software

  • financial constraints

  • lack of structured guidance or mentorship

  • digital inequalities between regions

 

What this means for DigiCreate

These insights will directly inform the development of the DigiCreate training modules and the Online Creative Hive Toolbox—a multilingual, open-access resource designed to strengthen creative and digital confidence and support young people navigating Europe’s evolving creative landscape.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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Toolkit: Combat Tokenism 

Toolkit: Combat Tokenism 

Description

Combat Tokenism Toolkit

From symbolic inclusion to meaningful youth participation

 

The Combat Tokenism Toolkit is an educational resource developed within the Beyond Tokenism: Youth Leading Inclusion (BETYLI) project, co-funded by the European Union. It provides youth workers, educators, and organisations with the conceptual grounding and practical tools needed to recognise, challenge, and move beyond tokenistic practices in youth participation.

 

⇒ What the Toolkit Covers

 

The toolkit combines theory and practice across four foundational chapters and a comprehensive 5-day non-formal training programme, offering reflection tools, participatory methods, and self-assessment instruments. It supports users in understanding how tokenism manifests and how to cultivate authentic, youth-led inclusion.

 

Key components include:

  • Understanding Tokenism – defining tokenism and its impact on individuals and organisations.

  • Examples and Case Studies – identifying common patterns and real-life manifestations of symbolic participation.

  • From Tokenism to Genuine Inclusion – exploring frameworks such as Hart’s Ladder of Participation and co-creation principles.

  • 5-Day Training Curriculum – ten interactive sessions guiding participants from awareness to action through experiential learning, role play, and project design labs.

 

⇒ Pedagogical Framework

 

Grounded in the principles of non-formal education, the toolkit promotes experiential learning, self-reflection, and youth empowerment. It invites trainers, youth leaders, and NGOs to co-create learning spaces where young people act not merely as participants but as equal partners in decision-making. The sessions are adaptable for diverse contexts and group sizes, with inclusive facilitation tips embedded throughout.

 

⇒ Purpose and Impact

 

The Combat Tokenism Toolkit aims to transform how youth participation is understood and practiced across Europe and beyond. By helping organisations shift from representation to shared ownership, it strengthens inclusive cultures that value every voice. The resource empowers youth workers to build structures of genuine influence—where participation leads to impact, and inclusion becomes both a principle and a practice.

This manual is available in more 4 Languages:

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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Curriculum: Vocational Qualification Programme – Light Pollution Mitigation Specialist

Curriculum: Vocational Qualification Programme – Light Pollution Mitigation Specialist

Description

Vocational Qualification Programme: Light Pollution Mitigation Specialist

Empowering professionals to create sustainable, light-conscious environments

 

The Vocational Qualification Programme: Light Pollution Mitigation Specialist is a structured vocational education and training (VET) curriculum developed within the Eco Lumen – Empowering Sustainable Energy Education through Vocational Training project. It serves as a comprehensive learning programme designed to equip individuals with scientific, technical, and civic competences to identify, assess, and mitigate the impacts of artificial light pollution.

 

⇒ What the Curriculum Covers

 

The programme consists of five modules (plus an introduction), combining theoretical instruction, guided practice, and independent study for a total of about 29 hours. It integrates hands-on activities, digital tools, and real-world problem-solving to create a balance between scientific understanding, practical application, and environmental advocacy.

 

Key topics include:

  • Module 1: Introduction to Light and Light Pollution – understanding light as a physical phenomenon and identifying its ecological and health impacts.

  • Module 2: Diagnosis and Monitoring – using digital and physical tools to measure and map light pollution.

  • Module 3: Environmental and Health Impact Assessment – analyzing how artificial light affects ecosystems, human health, and circadian rhythms.

  • Module 4: Technical Solutions and Sustainable Design – exploring urban lighting planning and sustainable nightlife spaces.

  • Module 5: Community Action and Governance – developing communication campaigns, policies, and proposals to promote responsible lighting and dark-sky awareness.

 

⇒ Pedagogical Framework

 

The curriculum aligns with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the principles of adult education (andragogy). It targets educators, youth workers, technicians, and professionals seeking to develop or apply sustainable lighting solutions. The methodology emphasizes experiential learning, intercultural collaboration, and advocacy skills, ensuring that participants are not passive learners but active agents of change.

 

⇒ Purpose and Impact

 

This vocational curriculum prepares learners for emerging roles in green energy, environmental management, and urban planning. Beyond technical expertise, it fosters awareness of light pollution’s social and ecological dimensions, empowering professionals to implement evidence-based, sustainable lighting practices and influence policy frameworks across Europe and Latin America.

Other Languages :

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect

those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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Sustainable Practices Guidelines

Sustainable Practices Guidelines

Description

🌿 Sustainable Practices Guidelines

Guidelines for organizations working with youth to transition towards more sustainable practices

Developed under the GreenGuard Project – Mobilizing Digital Solutions for Genuine Environmental Progress, this document provides youth organizations with practical tools, educational insights, and actionable strategies to adopt authentic sustainable practices and avoid greenwashing.

The guidelines offer:

  • A comprehensive introduction to greenwashing and its impact on young people.

  • Clear, step-by-step recommendations for organizations to integrate sustainability into their daily operations, culture, and educational work.

  • Interactive tools and checklists, such as water and energy trackers, a green procurement guide, and waste reduction logs.

  • Practical examples and external resources from the EU, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe to support environmental awareness and youth engagement.

Created collaboratively by Contextos (Portugal), Youth Power Germany e.V. (Germany), Istituto Universitario Carolina Albasio (Italy), and Pannonia Consulting (Croatia), the publication empowers young people and youth workers to lead the transition toward a greener, more responsible future.

License: Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)


Funded by: The European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme

This Guideline is available in more 4 Languages:

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Juventude/Desporto e Corpo Europeu de Solidariedade de Portugal. Neither the European Union nor Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Juventude/Desporto e Corpo Europeu de Solidariedade de Portugal can be held responsible for them. 

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Greenwashing Index: A comparative research of greenwashing practices in Portugal, Italy, Germany and Croatia

Greenwashing Index: A comparative research of greenwashing practices in Portugal, Italy, Germany and Croatia

Description

This publication research, Greenwashing Index: A comparative research of greenwashing practices in Portugal, Italy, Germany and Croatia, was developed as part of the project GreenGuard, co-financed by Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships in Youth, coordinated by Contextos – Cooperativa para o Desenvolvimento e Coesão Social, CRL (Portugal), in partnership with Istituto ad ordinamento universitario Scuola Superiore Carolina Albasio (Italy), Youth Power Germany EV (Germany) and Pannonia Consulting D.O.O. (Croatia).

 

GreenGuard – Mobilizing Digital Solutions for Genuine Environmental Progress project (2024-2026) aims at contributing to counteract greenwashing by investigating greenwashing practices in partner countries, raise public awareness to the topic, develop prevention guidelines, empower youth and organizations through educational programs, and design user-friendly tech solutions to support better informed environmental choices by consumers.

 

This publication is the first publication of GreenGuard and aims to offer country-specific research of greenwashing practices in the four partner countries – Portugal, Italy, Germany, and Croatia – as a cornerstone for the project and to serve as a resource for youth workers, NGO’s, activists, scholars, policymakers, and others. It also offers a set of guidelines towards more sustainable practices. Guidelines towards more sustainable practices will be further expanded in the second publication of the project, targeting more specifically NGO’s: Guidelines for organizations working with young individuals to transition towards more sustainable practices.

 

The document begins by introducing the concept of greenwashing and contextualizing its prevalence and significance. The research is divided into two main parts:

  • Greenwashing Index Research: Case Study Analysis

  • Greenwashing and Youth: Survey Analysis

 

In the first part, a set of exemplificative case studies from each country is presented to test the application of a proposed Greenwashing Index scale developed during this project. In the second part, the results of the youth surveys conducted in the scope of the research are presented and compared across the four countries. The document concludes with key takeaways from the research and a set of guidelines for preventing greenwashing.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Juventude/Desporto e Corpo Europeu de Solidariedade de Portugal. Neither the European Union nor Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Juventude/Desporto e Corpo Europeu de Solidariedade de Portugal can be held responsible for them. 

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Booklet: Accreditation 2023

Booklet: Accreditation 2023

About the Accreditation Project 2023

 

The Accreditation Project 2023 was more than a series of planned activities, it was a powerful step forward in our mission to support young people and youth workers through inclusive, high-impact, and future-oriented educational experiences. Enabled by the Erasmus+, the project brought together passionate youth and dedicated professionals from across Europe to collaborate, learn, and inspire meaningful change within their communities.

 

Why does this work matter? Because both young people and those who guide them, youth workers, educators, and trainers are navigating increasingly complex realities. From mental health struggles and digital overload to social exclusion and a fast-changing job market, the need for meaningful, non-formal learning is more urgent than ever. Our response is rooted in the belief that empowered youth and skilled youth workers are at the heart of resilient, democratic societies.

 

Across 20 international training courses and youth exchanges, we provided spaces where participants could explore everything from AI and media literacy to entrepreneurship, inclusion, mental health, democracy, and creative expression. Whether it was co-creating dance performances in Seville, building digital campaigns in Berlin, or tackling hate speech online in Barcelona, every activity brought young people and youth workers together to share knowledge, develop skills, and take action.

 

What sets this work apart is its depth and authenticity. These Trainings and exchanges were immersive experiences designed to equip participants with practical tools, new perspectives, and a sense of agency. The initiatives align with the European Youth Goals and reflect our strong commitment to inclusion, lifelong learning, intercultural dialogue, and civic participation.

 

This publication is both a celebration of what we achieved and an open invitation to others working in the field. If you are a youth worker looking for fresh methods, or a young person seeking your voice in Europe’s future, this is for you. Let it inspire your next step, your next project, your next conversation, and join us in continuing to build a more inclusive, creative, and empowered generation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the European Union and the German National Agency for their continued trust and support. Our deepest gratitude goes to all our partner organizations, as well as our incredible staff and trainers, whose dedication, expertise, and teamwork were essential in delivering high-quality educational mobility activities. Together, we empowered youth and youth workers across Europe to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.

Von der Europäischen Union finanziert. Die geäußerten Ansichten und Meinungen entsprechen jedoch ausschließlich denen des Autors bzw. der Autoren und spiegeln nicht zwingend die der Europäischen Union oder der Europäischen Exekutivagentur für Bildung und Kultur (EACEA) wider. Weder die Europäische Union noch die EACEA können dafür verantwortlich gemacht werden.

 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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Curriculum: Virtual assistant skills and entrepreneurship

Curriculum: Virtual assistant skills and entrepreneurship

Description

The curriculum is designed as a 10-day intensive educational training programme for VET educators. This programme aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach and empower unemployed young people in the field of Virtual Assistance, while also fostering their entrepreneurial and self-employment capabilities. The programme is delivered through structured sessions, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises to ensure participants can apply learned concepts in real-world settings.

Structure of Curriculum

→ CHAPTER 1
Foundations of Virtual Assistance and Entrepreneurship

In this chapter, we introduce the fundamentals of entrepreneurship with a special emphasis on the virtual assistance industry. Topics include understanding the role of a virtual assistant, essential digital skills, and the mindset required for success in self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures.

 

→ CHAPTER 2
Development and Operation of a Virtual Assistance Business
This chapter covers the practical aspects of starting and operating a virtual assistance business. It encompasses business idea generation and validation, market research and analysis, business planning and strategy, financial management, legal and regulatory requirements, and marketing strategies tailored specifically for the digital environment.

 

→ CHAPTER 3
Growth, Innovation, and Sustainability
Chapter 3 focuses on strategies for business growth, scaling, and innovation within the virtual assistance sector. Topics include adapting to market trends and technologies, ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, and building a supportive network through professional relationships.

 

→ CHAPTER 4
Introduction, Team Building, and Closing of Residential and/or Long-term Training
The final chapter contains two sessions recommended for use at the beginning and end of the training programme outlined in this manual.

Other languages : Croatian / German / Estonian

Von der Europäischen Union finanziert. Die geäußerten Ansichten und Meinungen entsprechen jedoch ausschließlich denen des Autors bzw. der Autoren und spiegeln nicht zwingend die der Europäischen Union oder der Europäischen Exekutivagentur für Bildung und Kultur (EACEA) wider. Weder die Europäische Union noch die EACEA können dafür verantwortlich gemacht werden.

 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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Toolkit for Educators: Workshops and activities for empowering out-of-the-box entreprenurial thinking for deaf and hard of hearing youth

Toolkit for Educators: Workshops and activities for empowering out-of-the-box entreprenurial thinking for deaf and hard of hearing youth

Description

The second educational material created within the “Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands: Employment and Entrepreneurship” project is a comprehensive Toolkit for Educators, titled “Workshops and Activities for Empowering Out-of-the-Box Entrepreneurial Thinking for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth.” This resource has been carefully developed for professionals such as youth workers, educators, social welfare personnel, employment sector experts, and civil society actors who engage with deaf and hard of hearing youth, as well as individuals with communication barriers.

 

Its core aim is to equip these practitioners with a variety of adaptable, ready-to-use workshops and interactive activities that can enhance the entrepreneurial mindset and career readiness of their target groups. The toolkit features 10 standalone workshops and 15 educational activities, each designed using non-formal education methods that are highly participatory, visual, and inclusive.

Workshop methods include brainstorming, design thinking, team-based problem-solving, financial simulations, and pitching exercises. Each session is detailed with implementation guidelines, necessary materials, and time recommendations, while also remaining adaptable to the specific profiles and needs of participants. Tools such as SCAMPER, mind mapping, and dot voting are used to support creative development and decision-making processes.

 

This toolkit has been tested across four countries—Croatia, Germany, Italy, and Estonia—through the collaboration of the Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of the City of Zagreb, Youth Power Germany e.V., Istituto Universitario Carolina Albasio, and Learning Library OÜ. It is accessible in five languages and available permanently on the project’s website (empower-employ.eu), making it an accessible and long-term resource for fostering inclusion and empowerment in the field of youth entrepreneurship.

This manual is available in more 4 Languages:

The project “Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands: Employment and Entrepreneurship” addresses the significant employment challenges faced by young people with hearing disabilities and communication obstacles, who are more than twice as likely to be unemployed compared to their hearing peers. With over one million individuals in Europe affected, many are stuck in low-skilled and underpaid jobs despite their potential.

 

This initiative focuses on two key areas: empowering young people with hearing disabilities to develop entrepreneurial skills and self-employment opportunities, and equipping youth workers with the knowledge and tools to support these individuals in overcoming barriers, tapping into their competencies, and becoming active participants in the job market.

Von der Europäischen Union finanziert. Die geäußerten Ansichten und Meinungen entsprechen jedoch ausschließlich denen des Autors bzw. der Autoren und spiegeln nicht zwingend die der Europäischen Union oder der Europäischen Exekutivagentur für Bildung und Kultur (EACEA) wider. Weder die Europäische Union noch die EACEA können dafür verantwortlich gemacht werden.

 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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Education Program: Cohrent Minds – Empowering Adults and Business for Digital Responsibility

Education Program: Cohrent Minds – Empowering Adults and Business for Digital Responsibility

Description

The educational resource developed under the Erasmus+ project “Fighting Fake News and Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills for Business Opportunities of Unemployed Citizens” is titled “Coherent Minds: Empowering Adults and Business for Digital Responsibility.” This educational program is aimed at unemployed adults and small business owners with lower levels of digital literacy, focusing on equipping them with the skills needed to recognize, analyze, and respond to misinformation and fake news in the digital world.

 

Structured as a four-day non-formal training curriculum, the program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on activities to enhance critical thinking, media literacy, and digital responsibility. The content includes explorations of fake news and its impact on business decisions, fact-checking strategies, the CRAAP model, and the creation of social media policies. Through real-world case studies, group simulations, self-assessments, and collaborative exercises, participants actively engage in skill-building and reflection.

 

Each day of the training is designed around immersive sessions using interactive methods, such as argument-building exercises, “Facebook profile” introductions, the “Crocodile River” team challenge, and the evaluation of online content. These sessions are tailored to stimulate engagement and promote resilience in navigating the information-heavy digital environment.

 

The curriculum offers a replicable and adaptable model for adult education providers, trainers, NGOs, and employment services working with adults at risk of social and economic exclusion due to low digital skills. By fostering critical awareness and informed decision-making, this program contributes to building a more digitally resilient and responsible society.

This manual is available in more 3 Languages:

This initiative tackles the issue of fake news and disinformation by focusing on unemployed individuals and small business owners, who often face challenges in navigating the digital landscape. The program delivers a customized curriculum that builds essential skills in critical thinking and digital literacy. These competencies are developed through dynamic workshops and online sessions led by experienced facilitators. A practical highlight is an accessible digital tool that helps users verify online content. The project is continuously assessed to ensure its relevance and effectiveness, while a follow-up support network encourages continued growth, peer learning, and stronger community engagement in combating misinformation.

Von der Europäischen Union finanziert. Die geäußerten Ansichten und Meinungen entsprechen jedoch ausschließlich denen des Autors bzw. der Autoren und spiegeln nicht zwingend die der Europäischen Union oder der Europäischen Exekutivagentur für Bildung und Kultur (EACEA) wider. Weder die Europäische Union noch die EACEA können dafür verantwortlich gemacht werden.

 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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Curriculum for Youth Workers: How to empower deaf and hard of hearing youngsters entrepreneurial and employability Skills

Curriculum for Youth Workers: How to empower deaf and hard of hearing youngsters entrepreneurial and employability Skills

Description

The first educational material developed as part of this project is a curriculum titled „Curriculum for Youth Workers: How to Empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youngsters’ Entrepreneurial and Employability Skills“. It is intended for youth workers, such as professionals from the social welfare system, experts working in the employment sector, individuals working in civil society organizations, who may potentially work with deaf and hard of hearing persons, as well as persons with communication obstacles during their work. The objective is to train them in career advising and professional guidance for deaf and hard of hearing persons, and persons with communication obstacles.

 

The curriculum consists of 10 modules, with each module containing several sessions detailed with activity flow and implementation instructions. Additionally, the curriculum includes supplementary reading materials and materials necessary for the implementation of the described activities. The curriculum is based on the approach, principles and methods of non-formal education. It consists of interactive and participatory methods tailored to the participants profile and needs, some of them being: interactive games, reflective exercises, simulation tasks, individual activities, work in pairs and groups, plenary discussions, theoretical presentations, practical task work, and exchange of experiential knowledge.

 

The curriculum modules can be used individually, regardless of other modules. Although each individual module and session have recommended durations, this curriculum is flexible, allowing future users to adapt it to their own needs. The curriculum is intended for all interested parties who believe they can implement it in their work with young people, especially with young people with disabilities.

 

This curriculum is the result of collaborative work among three partners of this project (Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of the City of Zagreb, Youth Power Germany, Istituto ad ordinamento Universitario “Scuola Superiore Carolina Albasio”), and has been tested in their countries.

This manual is available in more 4 Languages:

The project “Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands: Employment and Entrepreneurship” addresses the significant employment challenges faced by young people with hearing disabilities and communication obstacles, who are more than twice as likely to be unemployed compared to their hearing peers. With over one million individuals in Europe affected, many are stuck in low-skilled and underpaid jobs despite their potential.

 

This initiative focuses on two key areas: empowering young people with hearing disabilities to develop entrepreneurial skills and self-employment opportunities, and equipping youth workers with the knowledge and tools to support these individuals in overcoming barriers, tapping into their competencies, and becoming active participants in the job market.

Von der Europäischen Union finanziert. Die geäußerten Ansichten und Meinungen entsprechen jedoch ausschließlich denen des Autors bzw. der Autoren und spiegeln nicht zwingend die der Europäischen Union oder der Europäischen Exekutivagentur für Bildung und Kultur (EACEA) wider. Weder die Europäische Union noch die EACEA können dafür verantwortlich gemacht werden.

 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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