Between July 20th and 23rd, the European Youth Village program, together with the Romanian National Agency that coordinates Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps, and SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus, hosted a study visit for a group of rural youth workers and leaders. The aim of the visit was to offer a context for participants to better understand the work we do with young people in the villages that hold or have held the European Youth Village title. The participants came from diverse countries such as Georgia, Ukraine, Italy, Moldova, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
Over the three days, participants visited several active villages located in the northeast part of Romania, villages that previously held the title, gained insights into the challenges and successes of these communities, and discussed strategies for enhancing rural youth work.
The first stop of the study visit was at the Youth Center in Hălăucești, a village that previously held the European Youth Village title. Here, participants were warmly welcomed by the Hălăucești team, who shared their journey through the program. The team spoke about the transformative impact the program has had on their community, offering them opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and social engagement. By providing this dedicated space, the center became a hub for fostering a sense of belonging and pride, encouraging youth to take an active role in shaping the future of their community.
Throughout the visit, the group was guided by the team from Dumbrava, one of the villages that held the European Youth Village title in 2023. The Dumbrava team offered guidance and shared their story. They explained the process they went through to win the title, from mobilizing young people in the community to working closely with authorities. Participants learned how the program not only changed the outlook of the young people in Dumbrava, but also how it positively impacted the entire community by sparking civic engagement and collaborative projects.
The second day of the visit provided a different perspective by shifting the focus to youth work in an urban environment. The group visited the headquarters of Moldavia, an organization based in Iași. Here, they learned about the organization’s work in a city with a large student population and its experience in organizing large-scale events, including festivals. The conversations explored how urban youth work can be adapted to rural settings, focusing on opportunities for cultural exchange, arts initiatives, and even digitalization.
This stop was particularly valuable for participants, as it offered insights into how to bridge the gap between urban and rural youth initiatives. They discussed strategies for connecting young people from villages with cultural and artistic activities typically associated with the city life. The idea of creating hybrid models that incorporate both rural and urban elements emerged as a key theme, reflecting the need for more inclusive and interconnected youth work.
The study visit ended in Poiana, Galați, one of the villages currently holding the title of European Youth Village for 2024. In Poiana, participants had the opportunity to meet with members of the local initiative group, who shared their plans and aspirations for the year ahead. The international participants continued to deepen their understanding of the European Youth Village program and were introduced to the European Rural Youth Summit (ERYS), which focuses on rural youth development across Europe.
The study visit was an enriching experience for all involved, offering practical insights and fostering a sense of solidarity among rural youth workers from different countries. The interactions with the initiative groups from Dumbrava, Hălăucești, and Poiana provided participants with a clear understanding of how the European Youth Village program operates and the profound impact it can have on small communities.
As participants returned to their home countries, they carried with them the lessons learned and the inspiration gained from Romania’s European Youth Villages. The hope is that they will implement similar initiatives in their communities, contributing to a broader movement that empowers young people in rural areas across Europe. The study visit serves as a testament to the transformative power of youth work and the collective potential of young people to shape the future of their communities, no matter where they live.
“I would like to respond to the study visit and thank the organizers. The European Rural Youth Summit is a very important project for young people living in rural areas. This gives an incentive that you can also do business in the village, which makes you successful. The visit to Hălăucești and Poiana was very memorable for me. I saw young people there who inspired me. I am from Georgia and for me it was an example of how to strengthen the village and young people in my country. I would like Georgia to be the host of a similar project. We are not a member country of the European Union and we have challenges, however after this project I am working on a new strategy in my center so that I can strengthen the village. There is always a question in Georgia, why do we want the European Union? My answer is simple, that we also have strong villages and strong young people. Thank you for everything.” (Dima Kvaratskhelia, Georgia)
“We had the opportunity to host a study visit at the youth center in Hălăucești, where several young people from rural areas, both from Romania and abroad, were able to share their experiences from their own countries about what it’s like to be a young person in a rural environment and the challenges they face when trying to change the labels imposed by society. As hosts, we began by sharing our experience on how we earned the European Youth Village title, how everything unfolded, the path we followed, how the program supported us, and how we didn’t give up but instead formed a united team of young people ready to break the barriers and limitations imposed on rural youth. Another special moment was when we had the chance to present the youth center to all participants. The fact that we could hold these events at the center brings us great joy, as the center is the place that symbolizes everything we aspire to, showing that our voice was heard and that we managed to change the community together. We talked about how the center was established, and then listened to each participant who shared information about their country, highlighting their attractions, beautiful things, and remarkable places from which they come from. Everything went wonderfully, and each of us left with many new ideas and experiences.” (Delia, Hălăucești – European Youth Village 2022-2023, Romania)
“Participating in the European Youth Village project was an incredibly enriching experience that broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of diverse cultures. The opportunity to collaborate with young people from across Europe allowed me to develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership. The workshops and discussions were not only educational but also inspiring, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among all participants. I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on youth empowerment, which encouraged us to take active roles in our communities. The friendships I formed and the memories I made will last a lifetime. The project has undoubtedly enhanced my personal and professional growth. I am truly grateful for this life-changing experience.” (Edyta Baraniak, Poland)
“I had the pleasure of being involved in organizing the first study visit in Poiana, and I am very satisfied with how everything went. Even though it was my first experience of this kind, I carefully planned every aspect to offer the participants an authentic and memorable experience. The positive feedback received from the participants was extremely encouraging. The fact that they actively engaged in discussions and appreciated our group’s efforts regarding the transportation issue motivated me to continue on this path. This visit was a real success, and I am already excited to organize similar events in the future.” (Andrei, Poiana – European Youth Village 2024, Romania)
“The study visit was an amazing opportunity in many, many ways for me and I think even more so for the young people from the villages we involved. I am especially happy that we created a way to connect the young people from the villages with youth workers from other countries and that it was a way to bring the international opportunities closer to home, as well as a way to challenge them in how they organize and represent themselves in this new context that really highlighted all their growth in the program. […]” (Alexandra, Romania)
“Participating in the Study Visit on European Youth Villages in Romania from 20-24.7.2024 was an enriching and inspiring experience. The program provided a unique opportunity to explore innovative approaches to rural development and youth engagement across different European contexts. Meeting with passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to revitalizing rural areas offered me new perspectives and ideas that I can bring back to my community. The exchange of knowledge, best practices, and the connections made during this visit were invaluable. I left the visit feeling motivated and equipped with tools to contribute to the sustainable growth of rural communities.” (Jakub Dvorský, Slovacia)
“The study visit is not my first experience in this field of activity, but it is certainly very interesting! First of all – the organizers made sure everything was convenient, easy and comfortable. I also really liked the venue. The organizers were pleasant, sincere and positive, they knew exactly what to do to ensure everyone had a good experience and they know their work in rural areas. The spaces where we met with youth are a great work and merit of each of the village’s team. I am sincerely glad for the youth spaces that are being developed there. So I would like to wish all of the youth I met good luck and inspiration.” (Valeriia Malanska, Ukraine)
“During the study visit, I had the opportunity to learn from organizations in other countries and their good practices. I gained valuable insights into working with rural youth and how to make my village more youth-friendly. I was able to share my experience of implementing the title of European Youth Village in my community as well as discuss the various activities and initiatives I have organized over the past two years. The meeting was incredibly motivating, and I returned to the community with a renewed determination to amplify the voices of young people in my village and involve them more in youth activities.” (Bianca, Dumbrava – European Youth Village 2023, Romania)
‘’The Study Visit was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to see firsthand the challenges and opportunities in rural communities. It provided me a unique chance to engage deeply with local initiatives and think critically about the everyday issues that often go unnoticed. I came away with a renewed sense of purpose and valuable insights that I’m eager to bring back to my own community.“ (Temur Jvarsheishvili, Georgia)
Article developed by Ioana Gabriela MIHAI from Mica Redacție Rurală (The Rural Youth Newsroom)
