Creative Youth Information Award category

Let’s celebrate EU in Zemgale region!

Title of the Project

Let's celebrate EU in Zemgale region!

Organisation

Laiks Jauniešiem

WEBSITE

https://www.laiksjauniesiem.lv

Project link

https://bauskasdzive.lv/vietejas-zinas/foto-saulaine-sariko-nacionalajam-virtuvem-veltitu-eiropas-dienu/

https://www.laiksjauniesiem.lv/2025/05/09/eiropas-diena-9-maija-aizvadijam-aizraujosu-eurodesk35-pasakumu-ar-jauniesiem-klt-saulaines-teritoriala-strukturvieniba-svinesim-eiropu-kopa/

Project dates

2025-01-01

2025-01-01

What is it about?

The event “Svinēsim Eiropu Zemgalē!” was an Eurodesk event implemented on 9 May 2025 at Saulaines teritoriālā struktūrvienība (Kandavas Lauksaimniecības tehnikums), bringing together young people from the local community (51 participants). The main objectives were to (1) strengthen young people’s understanding of European opportunities (Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, European Youth Portal, Eurodesk), (2) encourage active citizenship and participation, and (3) promote appreciation of European cultural diversity through practical experience.

The target audience was young people aged 15–25 in the Zemgale region, especially students of the technical school and other nearby youth who could easily access the venue and activities.

We undertook hands-on, community-based activities that combined learning with real experience: participants prepared and shared five traditional meals from different European countries, took part in discussions about European values and youth opportunities, and joined interactive games connected to Erasmus+/European Solidarity Corps priorities (inclusion and diversity, digital, environment/climate, and participation in democratic life). A key element was the involvement of an international intern, Myriam (France), who shared French culture and actively helped young people prepare French dishes, making the intercultural learning authentic and personal.

In terms of methods, the event was built on non-formal education (learning-by-doing, peer learning, teamwork, and reflection). It was clearly youth-led: young people were not only attendees but the main implementers, using the resources available at the technical school (premises, equipment and school environment) to plan and run the cooking, discussions and interactive elements. Feedback was collected through short reflections and a short questionnaire to capture learning and improve future activities.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

This initiative corresponds to the thematic category Creative Youth Information because it provided youth information (EU opportunities and participation pathways) through a creative, practical, and experience-based format instead of a standard information session. The event “Svinēsim Eiropu Zemgalē!” took place on 9 May 2025 at Saulaines teritoriālā struktūrvienība (Kandavas Lauksaimniecības tehnikums) and involved 51 young people from the Zemgale region and the local community.

All learning and information sharing was built around practical doing: young people explored Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, the European Youth Portal, and the Eurodesk network while preparing and sharing five traditional dishes from five European countries. The creative element was not only the cooking itself, but the full cultural process – getting to know recipes, dividing tasks, learning about ingredients and traditions, and using traditional table decoration elements to create a shared intercultural atmosphere. This approach made youth information easier to understand and remember because it was connected to teamwork, real-life skills, and a positive shared experience.

A key intercultural contribution was the involvement of an international intern from France, Myriam, who shared her culture and helped young people prepare authentic French dishes together, turning EU opportunities into a personal story and direct exchange. The initiative was youth-led and community-based: young people were the main implementers and used the resources available at the technical school (premises, equipment, and school environment) to organise the activities and include local community youth.

What was the impact of the project?

The project had a clear and measurable impact on both young people and the wider community. For young participants, it significantly increased awareness and understanding of EU youth opportunities. In the evaluation, 80% of participants (40 young people) stated that they had substantially strengthened their knowledge about EU opportunities, especially Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Many also noted that before the event they mainly knew about Erasmus options offered through educational institutions, but were not aware of youth-sector opportunities, and they expressed a strong interest in participating in projects in the future.

At community level, the initiative strengthened intercultural understanding and participation. Through practical cooking, shared discussions, and reflection, the event promoted openness towards diversity and encouraged young people to see themselves as active contributors in society. Importantly, the learning did not stay only within the group: participants were encouraged to pass on the information to others, which supported wider awareness of EU opportunities and the value of civic engagement.

Visibility and dissemination amplified the impact beyond the 51 participants: results were shared via the organisation’s social media and website, the technical school’s channels, and local media coverage (including “Bauskas Dzīve”), supported by video content and interviews created during the event.

Finally, the event acted as a gateway to further engagement: after the activity, several participants continued their involvement by staying connected with our organisation, exploring project opportunities, and taking practical steps towards participation in future Erasmus+/European Solidarity Corps projects and local community initiatives.

Did the project have any green focus?

Yes. The project included a green focus in its learning content by addressing the Erasmus+/European Solidarity Corps priority “environment and the fight against climate change” through interactive activities and discussions. We also implemented eco-friendly measures in how we organised the event: it took place in the technical school, using the facilities and equipment already available on site, which helped us avoid additional infrastructure and unnecessary resource use. In addition, we prioritised locally sourced food products for the cooking activities and discussed with young people why local production matters (shorter supply chains, lower transport impact, and stronger support for the local community).

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

We ensured Eurodesk’s visibility by positioning the event clearly as a Eurodesk activity in all communication and during the programme. We published follow-up content on the “Laiks Jauniešiem” channels and website, and the technical school also shared the event through its own social media. In addition, we secured local media coverage (Bauskas Dzīve) and produced a short video and interviews to amplify the message beyond the participants. Eurodesk was also promoted through information shared during the activities (EU opportunities, the European Youth Portal, Erasmus+/European Solidarity Corps).

Project highlights

https://bauskasdzive.lv/vietejas-zinas/foto-saulaine-sariko-nacionalajam-virtuvem-veltitu-eiropas-dienu/

Your project on video

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2251313385270425