From June 15–18, Hikikomori Italia hosted the official Transnational Training Event for the RECONNECT project in Milan. Specialists from the partner countries spent four productive days together, working to better understand the hikikomori phenomenon and develop concrete tools to support young people. During the meeting, the transnational team collaborated on developing training programs tailored for both teachers and students. The professional workshops covered key project themes: The early detection of social withdrawal Opportunities for school-based prevention Effective cooperation with affected families Practical reintegration methods and positive European examples One of the most moving moments of the program was hearing the personal stories of two parents. Their firsthand experiences helped the specialists deeply understand the daily challenges faced by youth experiencing severe social isolation and their families. Alongside the professional workshops, the event offered an important platform to exchange experiences, share ideas, and strengthen partner relations. The participants jointly mapped out the tasks for the next phase of the project, which include finalizing and translating the training materials, and preparing for the upcoming pilot training sessions. The RECONNECT project aims to support educators, young people, and families in recognizing and managing the hikikomori phenomenon, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and supportive school environment across Europe.
