On Friday 6th August we held this year’s General Assembly. We reported on the past year, as well as looked to the future, which included electing a new board member! We would like to thank Birgit Kuslap, our outgoing group 4 representative, for her commitment, enthusiasm and dedication over the past two years, and we are delighted to welcome Patrīcija Prindule to the team.
Here is the breakdown of the new board:
Chairperson Linzi Stewart
Vice-Chairperson Niall Evans
Board Member group I Elen Williams
Board Member group II Martin Siemen
Board Member group III Iiristiina Heinonen
Board Member group IV Patrīcija Prindule
Special Interest Board Member Siobhan Gallagher
Although the majority of the board are familiar faces, we would like to properly introduce Patrīcija Prindule:
Sveiki! My name is Patrīcija Prindule and I’m a University student from Latvia. I’m going for my last year with Bachelor’s degree in Quality management.
I grew up on a small farm in North West Latvia – Māriņkalns, surrounded by relatives engaged in all kinds of rural professions. At the age of 9, I joined the local Latvian 4-H. The 4H club was the place where I learned that hard work matters.
What do you love about being a part of a rural youth organization?
One of the things I love the most about being part of a rural youth organization is that I’m able to do pretty much everything. For example, if I want to make my own business, I can do the start-up together with my organization. If I want to organize some event, I can go to the rural organization and they will help me out to organize it etc.
What is your best Rural Youth Europe memory?
Autumn seminar in Austria – campaign Embrace2erace. Loved to spread the idea of equality for all to the world.
Why did you want to become a member of the board?
I hope that being the Eastern Europe representative on the board, I will be able to help young rural youth organization member’s develop the skills and character they need to let their voices be heard.
What issue facing rural young people is the most important to you and what would you like to do to address it?
We are missing ideas on how to make rural life more interesting and exciting for youth when everything else is mostly closed because of COVID19. Exchanging my experience and ideas with others and reverse. Together finding the way, not an excuse!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I always sleep with my socks on!