From Exchange to Action: How One German Participant Took Youth Empowerment to the European Stage
Following her participation in the NextGen youth exchange in Wojnicz, Poland, one German participant significantly deepened her engagement in civic and youth-related initiatives. The project experience strengthened her interest in youth empowerment and provided practical tools for active participation, which she soon began applying in real contexts.
After returning home, she became actively involved in the work of several partner organisations connected with the exchange network. Her contribution extended beyond volunteering — she supported local youth activities, assisted in organising workshops, and collaborated in planning new projects aimed at developing young people's leadership and participation skills.
Her growing experience led to opportunities at the European level. She was invited to attend meetings and NGO conferences in Brussels that focused on youth participation and empowerment policies. There, she contributed to discussions on how to increase youth involvement in decision-making processes and shared her perspective on the challenges faced by young Europeans in accessing civic opportunities.
In addition to her international engagement, she became a visible voice for youth empowerment in her local community. Her activities and experiences were featured in a local television interview, where she spoke about the importance of youth participation, the benefits of international projects such as NextGen, and the role of non-formal education in developing confidence and leadership among young people.
Through her sustained involvement, she exemplified how Erasmus+ youth exchanges can generate long-term impact by equipping participants with the motivation, knowledge, and networks necessary to remain active in civic life. Her journey illustrates the link between local engagement, European cooperation, and public advocacy — turning the outcomes of a single exchange into continuous action for youth empowerment.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
