Eurodesk world cafe

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Organisation

Jõgeva Youth Centre

Country

Estonia

WEBSITE

https://noorteinfo.ee/jogeva-valla-noortekeskus/

Project link

General Overview

On 8 March 2024, Jõgeva State High School hosted a Maailmakohvik (World Café) event, where 50 high school students engaged in discussions at the Eurodesk table. The goal was to introduce young people to international opportunities, including Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, many of which were unfamiliar to them before the event.

A significant outcome of these discussions was the idea to bring a Eurodesk workshop to middle school students. In collaboration with the school’s activity leader, plans were made to develop and submit a youth exchange project next year, with guidance from Eurodesk representatives.

The event was youth-led, with high school students themselves taking responsibility for organising it. The Jõgeva Valla Noortekeskus team supported the initiative, reinforcing the importance of youth participation and active citizenship. Informational materials, such as brochures and giveaways, helped enrich the experience and provided long-term value for participants.

This initiative was part of broader efforts to enhance youth participation and access to information, ensuring that young people in Jõgeva become more aware of their opportunities and are empowered to engage in community and international projects. Funded by Eurodesk operational support, the event provided a practical and inspiring experience for young people to take the first steps towards initiating future projects and expanding their horizons.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

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

This project aligns with Youth Participation and Democracy by actively engaging young people in discussions about their future, mobility, and civic engagement. The event provided students with direct access to information about international programmes, allowing them to explore opportunities they were previously unaware of. By organising the Eurodesk discussion table, young participants took ownership of their learning process, discussing key topics related to their personal and professional growth. The event also encouraged dialogue on decision-making and youth involvement at local, national, and European levels.

One of the most impactful results was the initiation of a youth exchange project at the middle school level. Thanks to the knowledge gained at the event, students and school staff committed to planning a future Erasmus+ project, which will give younger students a chance to experience international mobility. Additionally, the event strengthened youth involvement in their community, as participants gained the confidence to take action and contribute to local and international projects. Through these discussions, young people realised their role as active citizens who can shape their own futures.

The project did not just deliver information—it inspired real engagement and encouraged young people to take initiative. This empowerment process is at the core of youth participation and democracy, ensuring that young voices are heard and that they have the tools to create meaningful change.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

The event had a direct and tangible impact on young people by introducing them to new opportunities and encouraging them to take initiative. Many students had never heard of international mobility programmes before attending the Eurodesk discussion, and by the end of the session, they had a clear understanding of how they could participate. A key outcome was the formation of new connections between students, school staff, and Eurodesk representatives. These direct interactions led to the decision to develop a youth exchange project for middle school students, which will extend the impact of the initiative beyond the event itself.

Furthermore, the high school students who organised the event gained valuable skills in event management, teamwork, and communication, reinforcing their ability to take on leadership roles in their community. On a broader scale, the project contributed to a culture of youth engagement in Jõgeva, where young people now feel more confident in exploring international experiences and taking an active role in decision-making processes.

By providing practical guidance, inspiration, and direct support, the event ensured that youth participation was not just a discussion topic but a real, actionable goal that will continue to develop in the coming years.

Green Focus

(10 points max)

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

All refreshments were served in reusable or compostable dishware, reducing plastic waste. Additionally, printed materials were kept to a minimum, with most information being shared digitally.

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category