Empowering Young Women Across Europe
Every young woman deserves the chance to learn, to grow, and to shape her own path.
Across Europe, many young women face social or economic barriers that keep them away from education and work.
The MAYA Project creates new opportunities for these women — supporting them through learning, mentoring, and community action inspired by the Montessori philosophy.
We believe that empowerment begins with learning.
By fostering self-awareness and autonomy, MAYA helps women take control of their personal and professional journeys.
Our Vision
We imagine a Europe where no young woman feels left behind — where learning is not a privilege, but a right that opens the door to freedom and dignity.
Through education, empathy, and collaboration, MAYA turns that vision into action. “When women learn, communities grow stronger.”
A guiding idea behind the MAYA Project
Project Management & Cooperation
Good ideas become meaningful only through solid collaboration. MAYA is coordinated by Selçuk University (Türkiye), working closely with partners from Austria, Italy, and Portugal.
Together, we manage the project, ensure transparency, and keep quality at the heart of every activity.
What we do here:
- Build strong communication and teamwork between all partners
- Monitor progress and share best practices
- Ensure each local activity aligns with the project’s European vision
This part of MAYA keeps everything connected — people, countries, and ideas.
Studies & Learning Programs
At the core of MAYA lies a learning path inspired by Montessori’s human-centered approach. We research how adults learn best, then design training programs that help NEET women regain confidence and motivation.
These programs don’t just teach skills — they help participants rediscover joy in learning and rebuild trust in themselves.
What happens in this area:
- Development of new training curricula
- Pilot workshops for women led by trained mentors
- Case studies documenting change and growth
“Learning is not about filling a gap; it’s about lighting a spark.”
Open Education Resources (OER)
We believe in open, inclusive knowledge.
That’s why MAYA makes its tools and materials freely available online — accessible to educators, youth workers, and NGOs everywhere.
Our Open Resources include:
- The MAYA Handbook: Principles of the Montessori Method for the Personal and Professional Growth of Young Women
- Mentoring Guide & Curriculum: Practical resources for trainers
- Interactive Tools: Digital platforms supporting ongoing learning
Open knowledge builds stronger, more connected communities.
Local Actions & Real Experiences
In each partner country, theory meets practice.
Local activities — workshops, mentoring sessions, group reflections — bring the project to life. These spaces give women the chance to learn together, share stories, and transform
experiences into empowerment.
Examples of actions:
- Local training circles
- Mentoring and peer-learning groups
- Community-based creative projects
From classroom to community, every experience becomes part of the learning journey.
Together for Empowerment
MAYA connects educators, mentors, and women across Europe in a shared goal – empowering women through education, inclusion, and participation.
By combining Montessori’s timeless principles with modern learning tools, the project offers a path from exclusion to engagement, from silence to voice.