Creative Youth Information Award category

European Opportunities Boat (Latvian- Eiropas iespēju kuģītis)

Title of the Project

European Opportunities Boat (Latvian- Eiropas iespēju kuģītis)

Organisation

Biedrība "riktīgi NAISS"

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/riktiginaiss/

Project link

Project dates

2025-09-30

2025-09-30

What is it about?

The project aims to increase young people’s awareness, knowledge, and motivation to engage in international opportunities, with a particular focus on volunteering abroad and participation in national and international projects such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Special attention is given to introducing the EuroPeers network and showcasing real-life experiences as a source of inspiration.

The primary target group consists of young people aged 13–25 from various cities in the Latgale region where Eurodesk information points are located. A secondary target group includes Eurodesk contact persons (youth workers) from Latgale and the regional Eurodesk coordinator. The main cooperation partners were different NGOs from the Latgale region.

The core activity of the project is an interactive and non-formal learning event held during a boat trip on the Daugava River. This unique setting was chosen to create an open, informal, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages dialogue, active participation, and peer-to-peer learning. During the trip, two EuroPeers young people, Ingars Jēkabsons and Elīza Muzika, share their personal experiences of volunteering abroad and participating in various national and international projects, providing practical insights into learning opportunities and skill development.

The project uses non-formal education methods, including experience sharing, facilitated discussions, and reflective questions before and after the activity. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions based on their interests and needs. Feedback is collected to assess changes in participants’ knowledge and understanding of international opportunities.

As a result, the project contributes to increased motivation, awareness, and inclusion of young people in democratic life and international youth initiatives, while promoting diversity, participation, and active citizenship.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

This initiative primarily corresponds to the thematic categories Inclusive Youth Information and Youth Participation and Democracy, while also incorporating elements of Creative Youth Information.

The project ensures inclusive youth information by providing accessible, non-formal, and experience-based information about international opportunities to young people aged 13–25 from different cities in the Latgale region. The event was designed to be open to young people with varying levels of prior knowledge and experience, ensuring that information about Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, volunteering abroad, and the Europeers network was understandable and relevant for all participants. The informal setting of a boat trip on the Daugava River helped reduce barriers to participation, creating a welcoming environment where young people felt comfortable asking questions and engaging in discussions.

The initiative also strongly supports youth participation and democracy by actively involving young people in dialogue and reflection. Rather than receiving information passively, participants were encouraged to take part in discussions, share their opinions, and ask questions based on their own interests. The peer-to-peer approach, with Europeers young people sharing personal experiences, empowered participants to see themselves as active actors capable of engaging in projects, volunteering, and broader societal activities at both national and international levels.

Creative youth information was addressed through the innovative format of the event. Delivering youth information during a boat trip in a natural and dynamic environment offered an alternative to traditional indoor sessions, making the learning process more engaging and memorable. This creative approach helped capture young people’s interest and supported meaningful learning through real-life stories, interaction, and reflection.

Overall, the initiative combines inclusivity, participation, and creativity to provide high-quality youth information that encourages active citizenship and engagement in democratic and international youth initiatives.

What was the impact of the project?

The project had a meaningful impact on young people by helping them better understand what international opportunities look like in real life and how they can take first steps towards participation. Through direct contact with Europeers’ participants, young people gained practical insights into volunteering and project involvement, which helped reduce uncertainty and hesitation related to international mobility.

The initiative supported personal reflection and future-oriented thinking. Young people were encouraged to consider their own interests, strengths, and possible pathways for involvement, leading to the generation of new ideas about participation in projects and activities beyond their local environment. The interactive format allowed participants to engage actively, ask targeted questions, and connect the shared experiences to their own situations.

At community level, the project contributed to strengthening cooperation between youth centres and Eurodesk information points in the Latgale region. It created a shared space for exchange between young people and youth workers, supporting mutual understanding and reinforcing existing networks. The event also helped position international youth opportunities as relevant and accessible for young people from smaller cities and regional areas.

The informal setting supported openness, dialogue, and peer learning, contributing to a positive and inclusive group dynamic. As a result, young people left the event with clearer ideas about their potential involvement and a stronger sense of belonging to a wider European youth community.

Did the project have any green focus?

The project included a light green focus through its format and setting. The main activity took place outdoors during a boat trip on the Daugava River, which encouraged connection with nature and learning in a natural environment rather than in indoor facilities. This approach reduced the need for additional infrastructure and resources typically required for indoor events.

The project focused on experience sharing, discussion, and interaction, meaning no additional materials or printed resources were required for the implementation of activities. Information was shared verbally and through dialogue, keeping the event simple and low-impact.

By choosing an outdoor and mobile setting, the project also highlighted the value of local natural surroundings and promoted awareness of the environment as a space for learning and community activities. While environmental sustainability was not the primary focus of the project, the chosen format supported a mindful and resource-efficient approach to organising youth information activities.

How did you ensure Eurodesk's visibility in your project?

Eurodesk visibility was ensured through close cooperation with Latgale Eurodesk information points and their active involvement in promoting the event. The project was publicised via the social media channels (Instagram, TikTok and Facebook) of all participating Eurodesk information points. During the activity, information about Eurodesk, Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps was shared directly with young people through non-formal discussions and experience stories. After the event, visibility was further strengthened by sharing photos and videos on social media, as well as through a follow-up article in the local newspaper “Līvānu novada Vēstis”.

Project highlights

Your project on video

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRBQxvUR/