2nd Voices of the Next Generation: Empowering Youth in Pärnu, Estonia
From July 14th to 21st, the charming town of Pärnu, Estonia, became a vibrant hub of youthful energy and innovative thinking as it hosted the "Voices of the Next Generation" Youth Exchange. Young people from across Europe gathered for an incredible week of learning, networking, and cultural exchange. This event provided participants with the unique opportunity to dive deep into a variety of critical topics, including literacy, entrepreneurship, citizenship, multilingualism, cultural awareness, and social skills.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in interactive workshops, formed meaningful connections with peers, and built strong networks that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
Several exercises developed during the workshops focused on enhancing participants' ability to respond to questions on how they could develop skills through advocacy activities. Among these, the young participants were asked to reflect on the following questions:
- When and how did you adapt your language to different people you were talking to?
- What did you learn about teamwork and cooperation?
- How can you contribute to social initiatives around you?
- Do you feel confident expressing yourself in a foreign language?
- Did you learn any creative forms of expressing yourself?
- What new insights did you discover about yourself to improve your personal and professional skills?
- What kinds of technologies are you using during the project?
These questions provided a platform for participants to gather in groups and analyse their best responses through team discussions.
In addition to brainstorming activities like this, other workshops and lectures were conducted to explore the development of soft skills such as public speaking, the ability to engage in healthy debates, basic communication knowledge, and interactive activities known as “Break the Ice” sessions. There were also outdoor activities where participants enjoyed music, dance, meals throughout the day, and rest breaks that fostered collective interaction.
Overall, the atmosphere during the event was one of relaxation, the creation of new friendships, and the development of skills that these young people can carry into their professional lives both within and outside their communities. Additionally, participants grew closer to the host institution's ongoing activities, further strengthening their connection to the event’s mission.
The event was more than just a learning experience—it was a space where the next generation of European citizens and leaders were inspired and empowered to take action in their communities. One of the participants, Anjali Subhash, a 23-year-old from Germany, shared her reflections on the exchange. Anjali shared that the exchange in Pärnu, Estonia, was inspiring and exceeded her expectations with its welcoming atmosphere and impactful activities. She also said that she learned the importance of collaboration, storytelling, and adaptability in effective advocacy. Subhash pointed out that the event boosted her confidence and provided practical tools to initiate advocacy projects in Berlin. When asked about any advice that could be given for future participants, Anjali recommended to stay open-minded, engage fully, and don’t hesitate to share your ideas. About her next steps after the exchange, the German participant shared that she plans to expand awareness campaigns in Berlin, needing resources, mentorship, and networking for sustained impact.
This enriching experience in Pärnu is just one of many exciting opportunities to come. We have a series of other Youth Exchanges planned for 2024 and 2025. To participate, it's important to stay tuned to our social media channels for updates on registration periods. This project represents a collaboration between various institutions dedicated to uniting Europe’s youth and spreading knowledge on crucial political and social topics.
Here are some of the upcoming events:
- October 2024: Hosted by @ilewasi
- March 2025: Hosted by @asociatiaaum
- June/July 2024: Hosted by @europeanyouthpress
- September 2024: Hosted by @associazione.eufemia
During these five Youth Exchanges and the Final Conference in 2024–2025, participants will explore topics such as a sustainable Europe, media literacy, simulation of European Parliament elections, advocacy, solidarity, and volunteering. You'll have the chance to meet various stakeholders, present your solutions, and network to create new initiatives.
A series of six short films will be produced during these activities, capturing the vision of young people on current societal issues and European values. These films will not only highlight the voices of youth but also encourage their active participation in politics and decision-making processes.
Make sure to follow us and our partner organisations to stay updated on the new dates and application information. Registration details will be shared on the websites of the participating organisations and on our official Voice of The Next Generation page.
We are deeply grateful for the participation of everyone involved and hope to see even more of you at our future events. Together, we can continue to shape the future of Europe!
By following our journey, you'll gain insights into the experiences and outcomes of each exchange, learn from the innovative projects crafted by young participants, and be inspired to engage in European democratic processes.
Follow our partners on Social Media to stay updated on all upcoming events and opportunities:
Join us in this exciting journey and be part of the movement empowering the next generation of European leaders!
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. This project was co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.