As part of the Youth4Development project, two intensive trainings were organized with the aim of empowering young people to actively engage in the development of their communities through civic participation, advocacy campaigns, and direct cooperation with local institutions.
Youth for Social and Environmental Community Development
At the end of May, we organized a one-day training at the Metropolitan University, focusing on strengthening young people’s capacities to initiate actions aimed at social and environmental development at the community level. The training was structured into four thematic modules and delivered through interactive methods such as group work, simulations, debates, and experiential learning. The sessions were led by experts and facilitators with extensive experience in youth activism and community development.
The training brought together university students interested in deepening their understanding of social and environmental challenges, as well as academic assistants and staff who contributed to discussions and helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Participants gained knowledge about the principles of community development, the functioning of local institutions, and ways to launch civic initiatives. They also developed skills in critical thinking, campaign design, and leading youth-led actions.
Youth Leaders and Local Advocacy Campaigns
In early June, a second training was held to empower young people to design and implement local advocacy campaigns, fostering leadership and civic innovation. Through thematic workshops and hands-on activities, participants learned the fundamentals of local advocacy and community organizing, how to identify issues and map stakeholders, and how to build effective communication strategies, including public speaking and digital media engagement.
High school students gathered at the Think Innovative Hub in Niš and developed three local advocacy campaigns on the following important topics: environmental protection and recycling; the issue of stray dogs in Niš; the improvement of public transportation and the need for a smart bus app.
These activities were implemented within the framework of the Youth4Development – Youth for social and environmental development in Europe project. The Youth4Development project brings together five partners from different European countries, aiming to promote sustainable development and empower youth. The project is led by the organization CLNR from Romania, in partnership with Diesis Network, Youth Included, Hub Nicosia, and our organization, Young Ambassadors.
This international project will run until February 2026, with partners working together to empower young people, support social entrepreneurship, and strengthen cross-sector cooperation. Through knowledge exchange and sharing of good practices, the project will contribute to the social and economic progress of local communities and help create an enabling environment for young people to participate in processes that affect them.