Success stories

Anete Bertholde, a 31-year-old former investigative journalist from Latvia, joined the EYE programme with the goal of establishing an NGO. Her mission is to promote human rights and explore societal intersectionalities within the European geographical context. Anete aspires to bridge the gap between data and social policies, fostering the growth of inclusive communities. 

On the other side, we have Marco Altea, the founder and CEO of Whable from Sardinia, Italy, serving as Anete’s mentor. Marco, who battles multiple sclerosis, is dedicated to creating an app that simplifies the search for truly accessible restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues for people with disabilities. Whable stands for wheelchair able. During this 6-month exchange, Anete lived in Cagliari, Sardinia, to gain insights into the creation of social businesses, develop a business mindset, and collaborate with Marco on the Whable project. Both aimed to learn and grow.

Key achievements that the entrepreneurs reached during their exchange include the establishment of the new NGO "35 Above," which incorporates a holistic approach to values and feminine economy principles. Anete developed and created the NGO's homepage, gaining valuable experience in grant writing, including partner identification and budget management, leading to a successful grant application. She also created an empowering lecture for young individuals on building a career based on feminist principles. Additionally, Marco successfully launched the Whable app after years of persistence, supported by an effective media and crowdfunding campaign. The Whable message was effectively disseminated across Italy, enhancing its visibility and impact.

The results of the exchange were remarkable. "35 Above" was established with a clear vision and mission aimed at making an impact in the Baltics and beyond. The NGO's bilingual homepage in Latvian and English was created to effectively communicate its mission and services. Anete wrote two project applications addressing grooming issues in the Baltic states, one of which was awarded funding. She developed an inspiring lecture for young individuals in Latvia, focusing on building a career based on feminine principles such as resourcefulness, generosity, and embodiment. Anete also learned the Italian language to enhance communication and adapt to the local culture. She assisted Marco in finding developers for the Whable app, facilitated communication with developers, actively participated in app testing, and ultimately launched the app to promote inclusivity. Participation in the Social Tech 4 EU training designed for Whable enhanced her project management skills, and she gained valuable media skills.