Creative Youth Information Award category

From Oven to Opportunity: Youth Co-Creating European Futures

Title of the Project

From Oven to Opportunity: Youth Co-Creating European Futures

Organisation

Yedi İklim Culture Art Education Science and Solidarity Association

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/yediiklimder/

Project link

https://www.instagram.com/lacinbelediyesi/

Project dates

2025-11-10

2025-11-15

What is it about?

The project was implemented within the scope of Laçin Municipality’s Youth Participation Project and organised by Yedi İklim Association, aiming to raise young people’s awareness of European opportunities through an innovative, interactive, and experience-based learning approach. Conducted in a quiet, nature-based rural village setting, the project intentionally moved beyond traditional classroom-style information sessions and instead created a space where learning, creativity, and participation were organically connected.

The activity began with a hands-on, game-based experience in which young participants prepared their own pizzas using a traditional stone pizza oven. This shared cooking and dining process fostered social interaction, teamwork, and a relaxed atmosphere, breaking down barriers and encouraging open communication among participants. Building on this collaborative environment, young people were then divided into groups to develop concrete project ideas aligned with European opportunities and youth participation themes.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

This initiative strongly corresponds to the Creative Youth Information thematic category by transforming the way young people access and engage with information about European opportunities. Instead of relying on traditional, one-way information delivery methods, the project adopted a creative, experience-based, and participatory approach that placed young people at the centre of the learning process.

Information on European opportunities was embedded within an interactive and informal setting, using game-based and hands-on activities to spark curiosity and motivation. The pizza-making activity functioned as a creative entry point, encouraging teamwork, communication, and peer learning, while lowering barriers to participation. This atmosphere enabled young people to engage more openly with complex topics related to European programmes and youth participation.

Crucially, information was not presented as abstract knowledge but translated into practical action. Young participants worked in groups to develop concrete project ideas linked to European opportunities and then presented these ideas directly to local decision-makers. This process helped young people understand how European youth programmes connect to real community needs and decision-making mechanisms.

By combining creativity, informal learning, visual elements, and direct participation, the initiative empowered young people to actively process information, co-create solutions, and see themselves as capable actors within European frameworks. As such, the project exemplifies Creative Youth Information by making information accessible, engaging, and directly relevant to young people’s lives.

What was the impact of the project?

The project created a meaningful and multi-layered impact on both young people and the local community by strengthening awareness, motivation, and active participation in European opportunities and local decision-making processes.

For young participants, the initiative increased knowledge and confidence regarding European programmes by presenting information in an accessible and engaging way. The interactive and informal learning environment helped young people feel comfortable expressing ideas, collaborating with peers, and transforming abstract opportunities into concrete project proposals. Many participants experienced, for the first time, the process of developing and presenting project ideas, which strengthened their self-confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

A key impact was young people’s direct engagement with local decision-makers. By presenting their ideas to local authorities, youth gained a real sense of being heard and recognised as active contributors to their community. This interaction enhanced trust between young people and local institutions and increased youth motivation to participate in civic and European-level initiatives.

At the community level, the project introduced an innovative model of youth participation that demonstrated how informal, creative methods can effectively connect young people with decision-making mechanisms. The visibility of the project through local, national, and international platforms further amplified its impact, inspiring interest among other youth and stakeholders.

Overall, the project moved beyond information delivery to create lasting motivation, strengthened youth participation, and laid the groundwork for future European project applications, contributing to a more engaged and informed youth community.

Did the project have any green focus?

Yes, the project included an eco-friendly approach. The activity took place in a nature-based rural setting, promoting environmental awareness. All pizza ingredients were locally sourced and naturally grown in the garden, supporting sustainable food practices. Care was taken to avoid food waste, with planned portions and full use of ingredients. A traditional stone pizza oven was used, reducing energy consumption. Reusable materials were preferred, and unnecessary printed materials were avoided.

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

During the activity, Eurodesk flags and logos were clearly displayed in the event area and featured in all visual materials. The project was shared via Eurodesk Türkiye’s Instagram stories, on the general Eurodesk social media channels, and was featured by the Turkish National Agency as a good practice example. In addition, posts on Laçin Municipality’s social media accounts helped reach a wide audience.

Project highlights

https://www.instagram.com/lacinbelediyesi/

Your project on video

https://www.instagram.com/lacinbelediyesi/