We’ve just wrapped up a few inspiring and productive days during the international kick-off meeting of the Empowering Rural Communities project.
Partners from Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania had the chance to connect, present their organizations, exchange experiences, and jointly plan the next steps of our collaboration.
There was also time for informal networking, a group walk around Katowice, and discovering the local culture. The meeting strengthened our partnership and brought plenty of inspiration for the journey ahead!
In many rural regions, young people grow up surrounded by beauty, tradition, and strong community ties. Yet, they often face limited access to educational resources, cultural opportunities, and meaningful social spaces. This imbalance does not reflect a lack of talent or ambition — but rather a lack of supportive environments where young people can grow, create, and belong.
Through our project “Empowering Rural Communities: Youth-Led Spaces for Transformation”, we set out to address exactly this challenge. Our approach is grounded in three core principles:
- Participation – young people shape the activities, schedules, and priorities of the space.
- Continuity – weekly routines and welcoming environments build trust and stable engagement.
- Inclusion – youth from different backgrounds, abilities, and identities meet and collaborate on equal terms.
What started as a single youth space has grown into a network of learning, creativity, and solidarity. Each activity — from open studio hours to workshops, film clubs, community talks, fitness sessions, and mobile youth outreach — contributes to a culture of shared ownership and collective empowerment.
This project is not simply about providing activities.
It is about creating the conditions for young people to see themselves as capable leaders in their own communities.
Co-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 Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE). Neither the European Union nor FRSE can be held responsible for them.
Project: “Empowering Rural Communities: Youth-Led Spaces for Transformation”
Project Number: 2024-3-PL01-KA210-YOU-000264969
