Crossing Borders: supporting rural youth work in the Balkans!
20 - 27 June 2010
Serbia and Kosovo

Project Summary

The main purpose of the study tour was to support rural youth work in the Balkans and to establish a stronger regional network of rural youth organisations. Over the past 5 years, several new organisations have come into contact with Rural Youth Europe in the Balkans with the aim of supporting youth in rural areas. These organisations are very dynamic and are using innovative methods to support local young people. More support is needed for these organisations in establishing their “roots”, strengthening their management structures and supporting new youth initiatives. Co-operation across borders is essential: by sharing experiences with similar youth organisations in the same region these organisations can learn from each other and face their challenges together. Building a Balkan network of rural youth organisations is one of the key aims of this activity.

The Balkan Study Tour will link to the 2010 EU Year of Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.

Objectives:

• To share experiences between rural youth organisations in the Balkans and other parts of Europe in combating social exclusion, poverty and other challenges in rural youth work.
• To exchange creative ideas, methods, and activities for innovative rural development in the Balkans and share best practice between rural youth organisations.
• To support the development of a Balkan network of rural youth organisations.
• To develop new rural youth initiatives and regional co-operation projects in the Balkans.
• To provide practical support in strengthening the leadership and management structures of rural youth organisations in the Balkans.
• To strengthen the network of rural youth organisations in Europe.

All working methods and activities of the study tour aimed at fostering intercultural learning and exchange between participants from different backgrounds. Participants met a range of experts and representatives from NGOs, government and the local community and were involved in workshops and different kinds of activities using non-formal education. Young people were involved at all times in the exchange of experiences, ideas and opinions and their contributions were vital for the whole project. All sessions provided opportunities for participants to develop their skills and knowledge as well as share their experiences. The free-time activities were also planned to give participants the chance to continue mutual communication and co-operation.

See photos from event here

Attachments:

Balkan Study Visit - participant's story.pdf

Balkan Study Visit - report.pdf