NextGen Youth: Empowering young changemakers to build stronger communities
2024
NextGen Youth: Empowering young changemakers to build stronger communities
From late August to early September, the Youth House in Timișoara transformed into a hub of energy and inspiration, by hosting the NextGen Youth Bootcamp.
Following a call for participants, the bootcamp brought together 27 members of informal groups of young people and 19 representatives from 9 emerging NGOs, providing them with the tools and knowledge to drive positive change in their communities. The activities of the bootcamp took place in Youth Info-centre, within the Youth House in Timișoara, a fresh space, where young people have access to safe, correct and principle-guided information. Imre Simon, the Deputy Director of ERYICA, participated in its opening back in November 2023.
The bootcamp was just the first step in the NextGen Youth program. In the coming months, participants received further support through mentorship, consulting, and financial grants to help them implement their projects.
So far, three informal groups have successfully gained legal entity status, transforming into NGOs. Additionally, several other groups are in the process of obtaining legal recognition. The established NGOs that participated in the bootcamp, have already started implementing projects and activities in their communities.
Informal groups will receive grants to implement local projects, while youth NGOs can secure grants to strengthen their organizational capacities.
The program will finish up in a final gathering in Bucharest in January 2025, where the young leaders will share their achievements and reflect on their journey.
The “NextGen Youth” project is implemented by the National Youth Foundation, with the support of ActionAid International and funded by the Disasters Emergency Committee.
