Inspiring Youth Stories: International Learning Experiences

Creative Youth Information Award category

Inspiring Youth Stories: International Learning Experiences

Organisation

NGO Vitatiim

Country

Estonia

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/vitatiim/

Project link

https://narvamus.ee/tpost/e6748onf41-embracing-the-unknown-the-transformative

General Overview

As part of European Youth Week in April 2024, VitaTiim collected and shared stories from young people who had participated in international mobility programmes such as Erasmus+, volunteering, and youth exchanges. The project’s goal was to inspire and inform other young people about the opportunities available to them, especially those who were unaware of or hesitant about international experiences.

The project targeted young people aged 13 to 30, particularly those who had limited knowledge of international opportunities. By sharing real-life experiences, the initiative aimed to make international mobility more relatable and accessible.

The project resulted in the creation of a powerful collection of youth stories, which reached over 12,500 people online and engaged 20 participants in a local event. These stories provided insights into the personal growth, cultural adaptation, and skills gained through international experiences.

VitaTiim, based in Ida-Virumaa, Estonia, focuses on non-formal education, youth empowerment, and international opportunities. Our mission is to bridge the gap between local youth and the wider world by providing them with the knowledge and tools to explore global experiences.

The project successfully motivated young people to step out of their comfort zones, consider international learning experiences, and take an active role in shaping their futures.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

How does this initiative (project, event, material) correspond to the thematic category

This project aligns with the Creative Youth Information category by using storytelling as an innovative tool to inform and inspire young people about international opportunities. Rather than relying on traditional information sessions, we collected real-life experiences and transformed them into an engaging, relatable format that resonated with young audiences. The stories shared were diverse, covering volunteering, youth exchanges, and personal development abroad. By showcasing authentic experiences, the project helped break down fears and misconceptions about international mobility. Young people could see themselves in these stories, making the information more accessible, emotional, and impactful than standard informational materials.

A key strength of the initiative was its multi-platform approach. The collected stories reached over 12,500 people online, ensuring that the message spread far beyond the immediate participants. Additionally, a local event provided face-to-face engagement, where young people could discuss international opportunities in a supportive environment.

The project’s creative approach also focused on inclusivity by reaching young people who might not typically seek out mobility programmes. Many young people, especially in Ida-Virumaa, feel disconnected from international opportunities. This initiative provided them with relatable, inspiring content that encouraged them to explore their potential.

By combining real stories, digital outreach, and in-person engagement, the project innovatively delivered youth information, ensuring that more young people felt empowered to take part in international learning experiences.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

The project had a direct and lasting impact on young people by reducing barriers to international mobility and increasing awareness of Erasmus+ and other opportunities. Many young people hesitate to participate in such programmes due to fears of the unknown, lack of information, or concerns about adapting to new environments. By sharing authentic personal stories, we humanised these experiences, making them feel more achievable and relatable. The online reach of over 12,500 people meant that a wide audience was exposed to real-life examples of youth mobility. Many young people who previously had no knowledge of these opportunities now understand that they are accessible to them, regardless of their background or experience.

At the local level, the project fostered community engagement by hosting an event where 20 young people could directly interact, ask questions, and gain deeper insights into international programmes. This face-to-face interaction built confidence among attendees, and motivated some to take the first steps towards applying for mobility programmes.

Furthermore, the stories highlighted personal growth, cultural adaptation, and new skills gained through international experiences. This helped shift mindsets among young people who might have viewed such opportunities as unattainable or too challenging. By showcasing diverse experiences, the project encouraged young people from different backgrounds to consider international learning as a real possibility. Overall, the project empowered young people to take action, built community awareness, and made international opportunities feel more accessible and inclusive.

Green Focus

(10 points max)

Did your project have any green focus and/or did you implement any eco-friendly measures when organising it?

Since much of the initiative focused on digital storytelling, we minimised paper usage by sharing stories online rather than through printed materials. This reduced waste and ensured wider accessibility to the content without environmental impact. For the local event, we used reusable materials and encouraged participants to bring their own water bottles to reduce single-use plastic waste. Additionally, the event was organised in a central location, making it easily accessible by public transportation to minimise travel-related emissions. By incorporating digital tools, sustainable event practices, and conscious material choices, the project demonstrated that youth engagement can be both impactful and environmentally responsible.

Creative Youth Information Award category