Infotrip with ICM

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Title of the Project

Infotrip with ICM

Organisation

ZIPCeM

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/zipcem/

Project link

https://www.icm.sk/projekt/16/2025/INFO_TRIP_s_ICM_Trencin

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIdRX1GOUAI/

Project dates

2025-01-01

2025-06-30

What is it about?

Infotrip s ICM was a national learning and inspiration activity organised by ZIPCeM in April 2025, designed to strengthen the quality and impact of youth information work and the role of Informačné centrá mladých (ICM) as Eurodesk multipliers.

The main objective of the project was to empower youth workers, Eurodesk multipliers and actively engaged young people to communicate European opportunities in a more accessible, engaging and youth-centred way. The project aimed to move beyond traditional information provision and support participants in transforming European programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps into real, understandable opportunities at local level.

The target audience consisted primarily of youth workers and staff from ICMs across Slovakia, as well as young people involved in youth participation, volunteering and peer activities. By strengthening their competencies, the project created a strong multiplier effect, reaching many more young people indirectly through local follow-up activities.

The Infotrip combined study visits, experiential learning, peer exchange and facilitated reflection. Participants visited inspiring examples of youth work practice, took part in interactive workshops and discussions, and shared their own experiences and tools. Emphasis was placed on practical learning, transferability and immediate application in local contexts.

The project used participatory and youth-centred methods, encouraging active involvement, reflection and co-creation. Young people were not only information recipients but active contributors to discussions and learning processes.

Infotrip s ICM demonstrated how youth information can be dynamic, engaging and empowering, while strengthening cooperation within the national youth information system and reinforcing the European dimension of local youth work.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

Infotrip s ICM directly contributes to the thematic category Youth Participation and Democracy by strengthening young people’s capacity to actively engage in democratic life through informed participation, dialogue, and civic involvement.

At the core of the initiative is the belief that meaningful participation begins with access to reliable, understandable, and relevant information. By empowering youth workers, Eurodesk multipliers, and engaged young people, the project supported young people in navigating European opportunities, understanding democratic processes, and recognising their role as active citizens at local, national, and European levels.

The Infotrip promoted participation by creating a space for dialogue, peer learning, and reflection, where young people were not passive recipients of information but active contributors. Young participants shared their experiences, expressed their needs and perspectives, and co-shaped discussions on how youth information can better support engagement in programmes such as Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and local participatory mechanisms.

Democracy was addressed not only as a concept but as a lived practice. Through experiential learning, visits, and discussions, participants explored how youth participation works in practice—in communities, youth organisations, and decision-making structures. The project strengthened young people’s confidence to engage, ask questions, make informed choices, and take initiative in their communities.

By equipping multipliers with participatory methods and encouraging young people to become local ambassadors of European opportunities, Infotrip s ICM created a clear multiplier effect. The outcomes of the project were transferred into local activities, counselling, school outreach, and youth-led initiatives, contributing to long-term democratic engagement.

In this way, the initiative demonstrates how youth information can be a powerful tool for fostering participation, democratic values, and active citizenship.

What was the impact of the project?

Infotrip s ICM had a direct and lasting impact on young people and local communities by strengthening access to quality youth information and increasing young people’s capacity to actively engage in European opportunities and democratic life.

The immediate impact was on the participating youth workers, Eurodesk multipliers and young people, who gained new knowledge, practical tools and confidence to communicate European programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps in a more accessible and engaging way. Through experiential learning and peer exchange, participants deepened their understanding of how youth information can empower young people to make informed choices, participate in mobility programmes and engage in civic life.

The wider impact was achieved through a strong multiplier effect. After the Infotrip, participants transferred the acquired knowledge and methods into their local communities through counselling, school visits, workshops, public events and youth-led activities organised by Informačné centrá mladých (ICM). As a result, many young people who had previously limited access to European opportunities were reached with reliable, youth-friendly information adapted to their local context.

The project also strengthened cooperation within the national youth information ecosystem, improving coordination between youth organisations, Eurodesk multipliers and institutions. This contributed to more consistent, inclusive and participatory youth information services across regions.

In the longer term, Infotrip s ICM supported young people in becoming more confident, informed and active citizens. By linking information with participation and real-life experiences, the project helped young people see European opportunities not as distant or abstract, but as realistic tools for personal development, community engagement and democratic participation.

Overall, the initiative reinforced the role of youth information as a foundation for active citizenship and stronger, more inclusive local communities.

Did the project have any green focus?

Infotrip s ICM integrated sustainability principles both in its organisation and content. The project prioritised environmentally responsible planning by minimising printed materials and using digital communication tools for preparation, coordination and follow-up. Participants were encouraged to share materials electronically and reuse existing resources rather than producing new ones.

Travel and logistics were planned efficiently to reduce environmental impact, with shared transport and accommodation where possible. During the activity, organisers promoted responsible consumption, including waste reduction and conscious use of materials.

The green dimension was also reflected in the educational aspect of the project. Discussions and reflections highlighted the link between youth participation, European opportunities and sustainable development, encouraging participants to consider environmental responsibility as part of active citizenship.

Through these measures, the project aimed to raise awareness, model eco-friendly practices and support a more sustainable approach to youth information activities at local level.

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

Eurodesk’s visibility was ensured through strong institutional and practical involvement throughout the project.The activity was implemented with the active participation of Informačné centrá mladých (ICM) acting as Eurodesk multipliers, in close cooperation with the national Eurodesk coordinator and the National Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Eurodesk was explicitly presented as a key source of reliable European youth information during programme sessions, discussions and study visits. Its role was further reinforced through shared communication, visual materials and follow-up dissemination by participating ICMs at local level.

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category