Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Meeting with the representatives of Läänemaa county

Title of the Project

Meeting with the representatives of Läänemaa county

Organisation

NGO EstYes

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/estyes.ee/

Project link

Project dates

February 29, 2024

September 16, 2024

What is it about?

The project “Kohtumine Läänemaa esindajatega” took place between 29 April and 16 September 2024, with the goal of introducing Eurodesk opportunities to representatives working with young people in Läänemaa. The event served as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and discussions on international youth projects. Participants engaged in a long and insightful conversation, sharing information about various opportunities and forming new collaborations for future initiatives.

Organised by EstYES, a non-profit organisation focused on international cooperation and active youth participation, the project aimed to bridge the gap between Läänemaa youth workers and global mobility programmes. EstYES specialises in youth exchanges, training courses, and volunteer projects, creating educational opportunities both in Estonia and abroad.

The meeting had a significant impact on the local community, increasing awareness of international programmes and fostering collaboration among youth organisations. By equipping youth workers with better knowledge of Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, the initiative laid the foundation for enhanced youth participation and access to global learning experiences.

To ensure Eurodesk’s visibility, informational materials and branding were prominently displayed, and the event was promoted through EstYES’s social media channels. The project also followed eco-friendly principles, using digital communication, local products, and shared transportation to minimise its environmental footprint.

Funded by Eurodesk operational support, this initiative reinforced the importance of international collaboration and provided youth workers with the tools to support young people’s engagement in global opportunities.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

This project aligns with the Youth Participation and Democracy category by empowering youth workers to better support young people in engaging with international opportunities and decision-making processes. A core objective was to increase knowledge of Eurodesk and its programmes, enabling youth organisations in Läänemaa to guide young people towards international experiences. By ensuring that youth workers are well-informed, the project indirectly enhances youth engagement in civic life and global mobility. One of the key achievements was the creation of new connections between youth organisations and decision-makers. These long-term collaborations will result in more opportunities for young people in Läänemaa to participate in youth exchanges, training courses, and volunteer projects.

By engaging local youth representatives in discussions on international programmes, the project encouraged a more proactive approach to youth involvement. The event provided practical insights into available funding, mobility programmes, and tools to support young people’s development as active citizens. Additionally, the initiative contributed to strengthening democratic engagement by building cooperation between youth workers, educators, and organisations, ensuring that young people in Läänemaa receive better guidance and support in accessing international and civic participation opportunities.

By fostering collaboration, awareness, and practical engagement, the project enhanced youth participation in democratic processes and created sustainable partnerships that will benefit young people in the long run.

What was the impact of the project?

One of the most important outcomes was the enhanced awareness of Eurodesk and Erasmus+ programmes among youth workers. These professionals now have the knowledge and resources to guide young people towards global learning experiences, ensuring that more Läänemaa youth can participate in international projects. The networking aspect of the meeting led to stronger collaboration among youth organisations. By connecting youth workers with decision-makers and international programme coordinators, the project built lasting partnerships that will increase mobility opportunities for young people in the region. The event also empowered youth workers to take a more proactive approach in informing young people about international learning opportunities. The increased awareness and collaboration will lead to more youth projects being developed in Läänemaa, ultimately benefiting local young people by expanding their educational and career prospects. Overall, the project created a solid foundation for long-term impact, ensuring that youth in Läänemaa will continue to receive better guidance and support in accessing international opportunities and civic engagement initiatives.

Did the project have any green focus?

Digital communication was prioritised, with minimal printed materials used for information sharing. Local and seasonal food was served at the event to reduce transportation emissions, and participants were encouraged to use shared transport or public transport to attend the meeting. Additionally, the event used reusable tableware and followed sustainable event practices to reduce waste. Environmental awareness was also promoted during discussions, ensuring that participants considered sustainability in future youth projects.

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