A message from Ketrin Kastehein

Dear members of Rural Youth Europe,

I am Ketrin Kastehein. Kastehein means dew grass. The tiny water droplets that form on grass blades in the early morning or late evening. It is not there always but you know it will be when the time is right.

When I first joined the board two years ago I had never imagined I would run for the chair position but here I am, now, when the time is right. It is time, when the organisation is blooming and for the next year the organisation needs a leader who will navigate through the operational challenges, growing team and several new projects.

I was nominated by Estonian 4H. The organisation where I first experienced youth work and youth empowerment. The organisation where I grew up and have the strongest friendships until this day.

Rural Youth Europe is an organisation which gives many opportunities to grass root members but also advocates on European level for rural youth and rural development. I have watched for the past two years as Spyros Papadatos together with the staff, board and member organisations have made a difference on a European level. Attending RYE events and more young people have shown me how important it is to be vocal about our needs, be the ones who advocate for ourselves and for the ones who are not able to it themselves yet.

Almost a month ago we came back from the European Rally 2025 under the name Planting Ideas, Cultivating Future hosted by the Slovenian Rural Youth Association. I want to express my gratitude to the local and international prep team led by Nina Kresnik and Rene Paskolo who dedicated a year to host one amazing Rally to 89 participants.

This Rally offered learning moments both to participants and organisers. The group was big and the weather was very hot, yet we all got to experience team effort, intercultural exchange and the power of youth participations.

Participants learned among other things activism and ways to speak up. Since this was my first event being the chairperson of the organisation, I was put to test. The participants protested against the curfew (which was set by the venue and not us). I had to give a statement about the situation and possible solutions we’d do as the prep team. That was during one of the sessions but the participants showcased their ability to put their learnings into practice. I hope they have come back to the organisations and share their knowledge and lead the change needed in your local, regional and national contexts.

Being part of the international prep team meant that we had the chance to develop and implement sessions to 89 participants. It was quite a challenge yet great experience leading people. We also helped in each other’s sessions — one minute you’re giving others instructions and the next you let others guide you through their sessions. This way we all can learn as facilitators too, since every facilitator comes with creative ideas on how they need help with the sessions and what methods to use.

Every year the event is the same but unique. Last year I was one of the main organisers. The theme was rural entrepreneurial mindset and people who attended last year told me during this Rally what they had been up to because of the experience in the Rally last year.

These moments show how crucial intercultural exchange and peer to peer learning is. It is something that pushes people forward and out of their shells. RYE changes lives, youth exchanges change lives.

With that being said, we are always looking for the hosts of next Rallies. In order to help fundraising, it is great to know, who is interested in hosting the events ahead a few years. Please contact RYE office if you are even a bit interested.

I wish you all a great end for the summer.