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 Human Resource Development Centre (Bulgarian NA). Neither the European Union nor Human Resource Development Centre (Bulgarian NA) can be held responsible for them.
The Youth Waves Surfers (YWS) project, an ambitious initiative led by Young Improvers for Youth Development (YIYD) and supported by the European Union, has charted a transformative journey through a series of targeted activities. These activities are designed to empower young people, particularly in rural areas, by enabling them to establish and manage youth clubs. Here, we delve into the core activities that form the backbone of the YWS project.
- Preparation Phase
- Objective: Laying the foundation for the YWS project.
- Focus Areas: Initial planning, team formation, strategy development, and outlining the project’s roadmap. This phase is crucial for setting clear goals and ensuring that all team members and partners are aligned with the project’s vision.
- Kick-Off Meeting in Cagliari
- Host: The kick-off meeting was hosted in the vibrant city of Cagliari.
- Purpose: This initial gathering was pivotal in aligning the project’s objectives, establishing the roles of different partners, and fostering a sense of collaboration among all stakeholders. It served as a platform for open discussion, exchange of ideas, and setting a cohesive direction for the project.
- Research on Youth Obstacles
- Aim: To identify and understand the challenges faced by young people in establishing and operating youth clubs.
- Methodology: This activity involved comprehensive research, including surveys, interviews, and field studies, to gather insights into the hurdles young people face, especially in rural areas.
- Development of the Manual
- Goal: Creating an all-encompassing manual for youth club creation and management.
- Process: This involved compiling the findings from the research phase, incorporating best practices, and leveraging expert advice to develop a practical and informative guide for young individuals and groups interested in establishing youth clubs.
- Local Activities
- Types of Activities: A series of localized events like webinars, workshops, round tables, and interactive sessions.
- Objective: These activities aim to transfer skills, disseminate knowledge, and encourage active participation and engagement among local youth communities. They serve as practical platforms for applying the principles laid out in the manual and for fostering a collaborative spirit among young people.
The YWS project, through these carefully crafted activities, seeks to not only empower young individuals but also to instill a sense of community, leadership, and active citizenship. Each activity is a building block towards creating a more inclusive, engaged, and dynamic youth community across Europe, laying a robust foundation for sustainable community development and youth empowerment.
As the project continues to unfold, its impact is expected to grow, shaping a new generation of empowered young leaders who are equipped to face challenges, inspire change, and contribute positively to their communities.