Bring youth closer to desicion makers and community

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Bring youth closer to desicion makers and community

Organisation

Emmaste Free time centre

Country

Estonia

WEBSITE

https://www.facebook.com/emmastevak/?locale=et_EE

Project link

General Overview

Between 1 August 2023 and 30 June 2024, the Emmaste youth group actively worked on developing civic competencies and promoting participatory democracy. The idea for the project originated when a Eurodesk partner visited the school to talk to young people about different international opportunities. Throughout the project, young people engaged with decision-makers at both the local level in Hiiumaa and the European level in Brussels. These meetings provided them with direct insight into the functioning of local government and the European Union.

A key element of the project was the creation of videos where young participants discussed local community issues and shared their project experiences with other youth in Hiiumaa. These videos helped raise awareness of civic engagement among a wider audience.

The project concluded with a world café event for student councils from Hiiumaa schools. This event allowed young people to express their views on important topics and provide input for the Hiiumaa youth council, which includes several participants from the project.

The initiative was led by Emmaste Vaba Aja Keskus, which is responsible for organising cultural and youth activities in Hiiumaa. The centre has been an active member of the Estonian Open Youth Centres Association for nearly 16 years and became a Eurodesk partner in 2023.

Eurodesk supported the young people throughout the entire process, from writing the project to implementing it and analysing the results. Funded by the Erasmus+ participation projects, the initiative successfully enhanced youth engagement in decision-making empowered young people with civic knowledge and provided valuable experiences that will benefit both participants and the wider Hiiumaa community. Without Eurodesk’s significant role, this project probably would not have succeeded.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

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

The project directly supports the Youth Participation and Democracy category by strengthening young people’s roles in decision-making and developing their civic competencies. A key aspect of the initiative was enabling young people to engage with decision-makers actively. They met with local government representatives and EU officials in Brussels, gaining first-hand knowledge of governance structures. This experience demystified political processes and encouraged youth to participate actively in civic life. Through video discussions, young people could address local community issues and share insights with their peers. These videos served as an educational tool, promoting youth-led dialogue on relevant topics and inspiring others to get involved. The culminating world café event provided a platform for young voices to be heard, allowing student councils to discuss important issues. The collected input is now being used by the Hiiumaa youth council, which includes project participants, ensuring continued youth influence on regional decision-making. By fostering youth engagement in policy discussions, creating educational content, and establishing long-term youth representation, this project embodies the principles of youth participation and democracy. It empowers young people to be active citizens and strengthens democratic engagement in the community.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

The project had a direct impact on young participants by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for civic engagement. The core youth group gained a deeper understanding of local and EU governance, allowing them to participate more confidently in decision-making processes. Many of these young people are now part of the Hiiumaa Youth Council, where they continue to advocate for their peers. Beyond the immediate participants, the project had a wider community impact by fostering discussion on local issues. The video content created during the initiative provided an opportunity for the broader youth population in Hiiumaa to engage with civic topics. These videos helped spread awareness about political participation and encouraged more young people to consider their role in shaping their communities. The world café event was another key outcome, as it provided a structured space for youth representatives to voice their opinions and influence local policies. The discussions held at this event are now being used by the youth council to drive further initiatives. The project also strengthened connections between young people and decision-makers, helping to bridge the gap between youth and political institutions. By enabling direct interactions with officials, the initiative reinforced the idea that young voices matter in policy discussions. Overall, the project has created a lasting culture of youth participation in Hiiumaa, ensuring that young people remain engaged in community decision-making and civic life.

Green Focus

(10 points max)

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

Activities were organised with minimal environmental impact by reducing printed materials and opting for digital resources whenever possible. During in-person meetings and the world café event, participants used reusable materials, including sustainable tableware and eco-friendly decorations. The project also encouraged waste reduction by promoting digital communication and limiting unnecessary physical handouts. Additionally, local venues were chosen strategically to minimise travel distances, reducing the project’s overall carbon footprint. The project also included discussions on environmental responsibility, ensuring that young participants understood the importance of integrating sustainability into civic engagement. By embedding these green principles into the initiative, the project demonstrated that youth participation and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand, setting a positive example for future activities in the community.

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category