PENDYW’s Transnational Partners Meeting
18-19 February in Kumanovo (North Macedonia)
The Transnational Partners Meeting of the project offered a valuable opportunity to review the achievements of the first project year. Together, partners carried out an in-depth evaluation of ongoing activities, planned the next mentoring programmes, prepared the upcoming compendium publication, and discussed upcoming team changes.
Mentoring programme
13-16 March
The direct target group of the mentoring programme were the youth and social workers working with disadvantaged youth. They come from various countries within Y-E-N member organizations, as well as from the training course conducted under the PENDYW project in December. The indirect target group includes participants of the local mini-projects that the mentees implemented after completing the mentoring programme.
It offered comprehensive support to the creation and implementation of the beneficiary youth work providers’ follow-up small-scale projects taking place in their local youth centre. Those projects, in turn, ensured a rippling effect, inspiring youth in the local communities.
The mentoring programme was structured to include a total of six group sessions, with the option for individual sessions if participants required additional support. During the programme’s three intensive days, two sessions are conducted daily.
Transnational Partners Meeting in Erfurt
17-18 June
All partners met in Erfurt to assess current progress and reflect upon the new advocacy and leadership curriculum created within the project, with trainers from the partner countries.
National Empowerment and Advocacy Training for youth Leaders in Strasbourg
15-18 September
Y-E-N organised a national training course in Strasbourg dedicated to leadership, empowerment, and advocacy. Young people determined to advance social justice and equality in their communities gathered to learn, exchange, and inspire one another.
The training enabled participants to:
- gain new tools for activism and youth participation,
- strengthen their knowledge of their rights and democratic engagement,
- design their own advocacy campaigns—particularly online,
- expand their networks.
A special focus was placed on neurodiversity and the rights of people with disabilities. Participants explored accessibility in youth work and the opportunities available for young people with diverse needs.
European Level Leadership Conference in Brussels
14-18 October
The European-level Leadership Conference brought together around 50 young participants, youth workers, policymakers, and civil society representatives. The event centred on promoting equality, non-discrimination, and inclusive youth work practices.
A key aim of the project was to empower young people from underrepresented communities by offering them platforms for democratic participation and influence. The young participants had previously been trained during national sessions organised by each partner, allowing them to actively contribute, voice their perspectives, and shape more inclusive youth policies and practices.
KA2 Funded by: the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union