Creation of the "Youthcast Studio"

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Limbažu novada Izlītības pārvalde (Board of Education of Limbazi municipality)

Organisation:

Limbažu novada Izlītības pārvalde (Board of Education of Limbazi municipality)

Country:

Latvia

About organisation:

Board of Education is governing body of education and youth affairs in Limbazi municipality. Under our management we have 4 youth places where we are implementing youth work using non-formal education. In one of our youth places we have podcast studio "Youthcast" which we use for to improvement of our youngsters digital and communication competencies. We are participating in ERASMUS+ projects which has allowed our youngsters to participate in various project types and activities, including youth exchange. Also we are open in different types of cooperation and support with other youth organisations and NGO's.

Title of the project

Creation of the "Youthcast Studio"

Start date:

28/7/2022

End date:

17/12/2022

Objectives:

There are a lot of situations when youngsters are too shy to express their opinion, or don't like to talk too much. At one of our youth rooms we had a podcast equipment so we decided to create a whole studio with possibilities to create audio talkings, podcast episodes, interviews and much more. We also created the possibility to create Live videos, create and digitally edit audio files.Our main objective was to create a space where youngsters could gain new experience and competencies in digital knowledge and communication skills. Another objective was to create a creative classes for youngsters in creating podcasts and interviews and also how to be prepared for conversation.One of the general role for studio is to share information about project possibilities around the Europe, share the stories from youngsters about their experience in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps.Studio has a large role in Eurodesk Multiplier network. At "Youthcast" youngsters can receive consultations and information about youth possibilities around Europe.At the end of 2022 Board of Education of Limbazi municipality received "Best in youth work" award ,organised by Latvian ministry of education and Science, for the best digital support for youngsters about Youthcast Studio.

Why the project was: empowering young people, adapting to changing realities, or thinking out of the box:

Podcast studio as it is as "Youthcast Studio'' isn't in every youth centre or organisation. We are literally thinking out of the box, so we made this studio as a mobile studio. It means that Youthcast Studio can be in different places around Latvia. One of the examples is youth activities and youth festivals where we can give an open platform for youngsters to participate in creation of podcast episodes and interviews.In partnership with different youth organisations and NGO's we are providing open platform for youngsters to find news about Eurodesk and other similar possibilities or simply talk about their experience in international cooperations and activities.We are going around our local youth rooms to give a chance to experience this studio for other youngsters, especially in rural areas where creative and digital possibilities ar limited, that also means to give information about Eurodesk in these rural areas.

How the project was inclusive:

Eurodesk is a big part of our studio. We are proudly representing Eurodesk identity visually in our studio, so every youngster that comes to studio is informed and knows that we are representing Eurodesk.When we are going to other places with our studio, we have banner with Eurodesk logo, which means that youngsters can get an information about European possibilities everywhere we are.We organised meeting with member of European Parliament, to promote European values and discuss possibilities and decisions made by EU. Furthermore we also created a podcast episode with this member, where youngsters could ask questions about the European Union and what impact it makes in our everyday's life.

Green aspect:

Youthcast Studio is working on digital content. In times when almost every youngster has a smartphone and wi-fi in most of the public places. 100% our content is available on digital platforms. We have a strong Facebook page with all the latest updates and soundcloud profile, which allows us to listen to our content via PC or tablet, but also on the go.

How the project has given a European dimension to your event and ensured the visibility and promotion of Eurodesk?

Eurodesk is a big part of our studio. We are proudly representing Eurodesk identity visually in our studio, so every youngster that comes to studio is informed and knows that we are representing Eurodesk.When we are going to other places with our studio, we have banner with Eurodesk logo, which means that youngsters can get an information about European possibilities everywhere we are.We organised meeting with member of European Parliament, to promote European values and discuss possibilities and decisions made by EU. Furthermore we also created a podcast episode with this member, where youngsters could ask questions about the European Union and what impact it makes in our everyday's life.

Impact:

Our podcast initiative made a large impact not only in the local community, but also on a national level. We made great platform for youngsters where they can not only express themselves but also get useful information about Eurodesk and youth interests.We also achieved national level award for best digital support for youngsters.After the creation of studio lot of organisations are contacting us to get information about how to make podcast studio for youngsters and what possibilities does it open. Locally we are continuing to organise mobile studios around the municipality, including rural regions for youngsters with logistical obstacles.