At this year’s General Assembly we were proud to welcome another member to the Rural Youth Europe family. Introducing… the Rural Youth Association of Poland!
The Rural Youth Association (Związek Młodzieży Wiejskiej – ZMW) is an organisation dedicated to empowering and supporting young people living in rural areas. They are an organisation gathering young people from rural and small-town communities. Since 1996, the Rural Youth Association has been a full member of the European Council of Young Farmers. They are also a member of the Polish Council of Youth Organisations.
Mission:
The mission of the Rural Youth Association is to improve the quality of life and opportunities for young people in rural communities. We aim to foster their personal development, provide educational resources, and promote social and economic inclusion.
Goals:
- Youth Empowerment – we strive to empower rural youth by offering them opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our goal is to instil confidence, leadership skills and a sense of purpose among young individuals living in rural areas.
- Education and Skill Development – we are committed to enhancing the educational prospects of rural youth. This includes providing access to educational resources, vocational training, and scholarships to support their academic and career aspirations.
- Community Engagement – our goal is to encourage the active participation of young people in their communities. We strive to foster a sense of belonging and responsibility among youth by involving them in community development projects, volunteering, and civic activities.
- Economic Development – we support entrepreneurship and economic initiatives among rural youth. Our objective is to help them start and manage their businesses, promote sustainable farming practices, and explore opportunities for income generation in rural areas.
- Cultural Preservation – we value the preservation of rural culture and traditions by celebrating and protecting the cultural heritage of rural communities, ensuring that young people have a strong connection to their roots.
Activities:
To achieve our mission and goals we engage in a range of activities, including:
- Workshops and Training – The Rural Youth Association organises workshops and training sessions on leadership, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and various life skills to equip young people with knowledge and capabilities.
- Science Olympiads – we organise a nationwide Young Agricultural Producers Olympiad and Renewable Energy Sources Olympiad which identifies the most knowledgeable young individuals, thereby supporting ambitious individuals who are eager to acquire knowledge.
- Professional Development – we also organise international internships for students who have the opportunity to gain professional experience on an international stage.
- Summer and winter camps for children – these activities are for children from rural areas, for whom it is often the only opportunity to travel outside their place of residence. The participants have the possibility to see interesting places in Poland, explore, and admire the regional character of our country.
We believe that joining Rural Youth Europe will provide us with a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, learn from other rural youth organisations, and participate in international projects and events. This collaboration will help us expand our horizons, gain new perspectives, and bring innovative ideas back to our local communities, enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for young people in rural areas.
Take a look at their website here: www.zmw.pl