In May 2024, at the occasion of the 75^th anniversary of the Council of Europe, the EYF launched a social media campaign, “Youth sparks change”, that will feature in the next months of 2024 several stories of young people and youth organisations involved in EYF supported projects.

Join the EYF Facebook account to follow the campaign “Youth sparks change”.

Youth Sparks Change #1

The Cyprus Friendship Programme Troodos Summer Peace Camp 2023 was a transformative experience where participants from both communities came together to learn about peace, human rights, and the shared history of Cyprus. They forged lifelong friendships, challenged stereotypes, and gained new perspectives on their culture and history. Through engaging workshops and emotional moments, they became more open-minded and committed to being active peace-builders in their society.

Youth Sparks Change #2

The project "Revitalising Italian Democracy: from Fantapolitics to Fantareality" aimed to empower young people to drive political change in their local councils. By introducing democratic methods and innovative policies on tackling climate change and social inequalities, the project worked to restore trust between young people and institutions. Key activities included online capacity-building workshops for 15 young candidates, a three-day networking event with elected local representatives and diverse participants, and targeted lobbying actions in 15 locations.

Youth Sparks Change #3 

The "Power of Human Rights Education" initiative fostered activism and awareness surrounding human rights issues through non-formal educational methods. With 21 participants from 16 European countries, the project served as a dynamic platform for collaboration and learning. The project convened key stakeholders, including representatives from the United Nations Office of Human Rights and the NGO Working Group on Human Rights Education & Learning. Together, the participants and stakeholders engaged in discussions and strategic planning sessions aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and nurturing an environment for human rights advocacy.

In partnership with the European Youth Foundation, the project was part of the Youth Campaign "Democracy Here Now" led by the Youth Department of the Council of Europe. Through this collective effort, the initiative not only empowered participants with knowledge and skills, but also catalysed tangible actions toward promoting human rights awareness and activism across Europe.

Project organised by World Organization of the Scout Movement - WOSM

Youth Sparks Change #4

This project in Ukraine focused on empowering young people, including disabled veterans and internally displaced young people, by fostering entrepreneurship and protecting their work-related rights. Aimed at youth affected by war, the initiative promotes human rights education and the development of their professional skills. The project emphasizes non-formal education on the right to education and work. In this project, young people found new opportunities for their learning and imagining a future where they can develop their full potential.

Project was organised by Radekhiv Center “Youth Initiative”

Youth Sparks Change #5 

The "Romni Si Zor" project addressed the exclusion of Roma women and girls in Greece. Through educational workshops, Roma women networked, interacted, and shared experiences while learning new skills and knowledge. The project culminated in wide dialogue conference with 60 participants, including 50 Roma women and girls from 8 different communities. This was a hugely empowering experience for Roma women. Roma women role models shared their experiences and challenges, inspiring others. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of education for improving Roman women’s lives and communities, and commitments to address prejudice.

Project organised by AID - Alternative Innovative Development 

Youth Sparks Change #6

The Leadership Academy – “Youth Impacts: Taking Action for Inclusive Communities and Civil Society Organisations Working with Refugees" supported 30 youth leaders from civil society organisations to carry out projects with refugees in different European countries. By enhancing social services in 15 youth organisations, the Leadership Academy reached approximately 500 refugees and other young people, promoting inclusion and democratic practices. Sixteen new projects were kicked off by the young people, reaching over 700 beneficiaries, and supporting their social inclusion.

Project organised by YMCA Europe with the support of the European Youth Foundation

Youth Sparks Change #7

The Teenage Club "Girls* Can!" in Ukraine provided a supportive community for teenagers affected by war, offering a sense of belonging and safety. This club brought together adolescents who had fled their homes, lost friends and faced internal displacement due to conflict. Events at the club created a welcoming environment for queer, internally displaced, and local teens, focusing on feminist values, equality, and human rights. The club promoted leadership and activism among teenagers, encouraging them to initiate their own activist projects. Additionally, it served as a secure space for LGBTQ+ adolescents to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable knowledge, standing as a beacon of inclusivity and support during challenging times.

Project organised by Феміністична майстерня / Feminist Workshop with the support of the European Youth Foundation

Youth Sparks Change #8

The "Decolonise!" project brought together 10 International Voluntary Service (IVS) organisations in two years and half initiative to understand and address power dynamics and obstacles in organising IVS projects. Recognizing the disparity in volunteer opportunities between the Global North and the Global South, the project aimed to build a more inclusive, diverse, and environmentally sustainable IVS movement. By challenging existing values and structures, the organisations developed innovative proposals that consider local realities, equitable resource distribution, and the climate crisis, and practical tools for a decolonised voluntary service.

Find out more: https://ccivs.org/Decolonise/

Project organised by the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service - CCIVS with the support of the European Youth Foundation

Youth Sparks Change #9

The Theatre for Democracy project marked the first edition of a programme promoting public theatre to support youth democratic participation and human rights. The project trained over 15 young people from the outskirts of Palermo and 5 international youth of Sicilian origin.

The result was "Antigone Democracy Now," a performance addressing the urgent issue of youth drug addiction. The show was presented at Piazza Teatro Massimo, Spasimo di Palermo, in the La Noce and Kalsa neighborhoods, and in Kaffrine, Senegal. Additionally, two participants performed at the European Parliament for the campaign "Watch What You Wear, Consume, or Buy," which raises awareness against forced labour of ordinary citizens.

Project organised by Raizes Teatro with the support of the European Youth Foundation

Youth Sparks Change #10

This project, taking place in Armenia, organised by Yeghvard - Youth Ecological NGO supported the democratic engagement of young people by developing their media literacy and critical thinking skills. The project included a youth camp and regional events, covering topics like democracy, media literacy, and hate speech. Outcomes included three information videos on free speech vs. hate speech and the creation of the educational board game "MediaMaster," designed to engage players aged 13 and older in understanding media literacy and freedom of speech. "MediaMaster" offers an interactive and educational approach to promote media literacy among young people.

Project organised by "Եղվարդ" երիտասարդական-բնապահպանական ՀԿ (Yeghvard Youth Ecological NGO) with the support of the European Youth Foundation