The main project objective was to empower and promote the meaningful and impactful engagement of young people in decision-making processes at local, particularly rural, levels. The initiative was aimed at developing the professional capacities of youth workers, raising awareness about local self-governance and democratic institutions, as well as promoting women’s leadership and overcoming existing stereotypes in community life.
As part of the project, a four-day intensive training camp was organized for 25 selected youth workers representing various regions of Armenia and Yerevan. Utilizing non-formal education methodologies and educational games, the participants deepened their knowledge on the RA Electoral Code, the local self-governance system, and human rights. During the camp, the attendees also had exclusive meetings with female leaders from public and political spheres, who shared their success stories and professional experiences.
Subsequently, sector experts developed a specialized training manual for youth workers, which was published on the erit.am platform as an open educational resource. In the final phase of the project, the trained participants utilized their newly acquired knowledge and the developed manual to initiate local response actions, awareness campaigns, and mock city council sessions within their respective communities (Gyumri, Martuni, Nairi, Vedi, Yaghdan, Pambak, and Vanadzor).
The initiative had a significant impact on boosting youth civic activism at the local level. Beyond the direct participants, the community-based activities engaged more than 200 indirect beneficiaries. One of the most important and sustainable outcomes of the project was the formation of active youth groups locally, which led to the successful establishment of 5 new youth initiatives and non-governmental organizations.
The project is implemented by “We” Youth NGO of Lori Region. This activity is supported by the European Youth Foundation of The Council of Europe a unique foundation supporting activities developed with, for and by young people.
