This past weekend, on March 15 and 16, two identical training sessions were held to ensure that all 139 selected Youth Ambassadors could participate. These sessions, part of the YODEC (Youth Voices of the Danube: Empowering Local Champions for European Cohesion) project, aimed to equip ambassadors with essential knowledge and skills for effective community engagement.
The training began with an interactive activity called “Meet Our Network.” This session allowed young participants from across the Danube macro-region to position themselves on a map, introduce themselves, and share personal insights. The objective was to create a visual representation of the network’s diversity, highlighting each ambassador’s background, motivation, and vision for youth collaboration.
This interactive exercise provided a broader perspective on the network’s shared mission and fostered meaningful connections among participants.
Following this, the session focused on the Interreg Programme, where Youth Ambassadors learned about its purpose, funding mechanisms, and impact on regional development. Through a simulation of an online consultation, participants engaged in discussions and answered key questions:
- In the place where you live, what are the main topics where cooperation is needed?
- Can you name an Interreg project that you find useful in your region?
- What would be the cooperation project of your dreams?
The final part of the training introduced the DG REGIO toolkit, guiding Youth Ambassadors on how to effectively organize themselves, plan initiatives, and contribute to regional cooperation.
Both training sessions were highly interactive and engaging, ensuring that all participants had a solid foundation to move forward in their roles. As the YODEC project progresses, these ambassadors will continue to receive support and opportunities to put their learning into action, strengthening youth participation in European cohesion efforts.
Stay tuned for further updates on their initiatives and achievements!