Description
The project addresses the need to encourage young people to become actively involved in policy-making and promote youth initiatives and volunteering. The project aims at improving youth policies through active involvement of young people. First, 20 meetings with local NGOs will be held to encourage young people from 9 Smolyan municipalities to join the project. Second, youth needs and views will be studied. Third, 3 5-day trainings will be organized on teamwork, communication and presentation skills, project development for the 2014-2020 programming period and development of municipal youth programmes. 162 young people from 10 municipalities will attend these trainings. Next, legal counseling will be provided to 30 people on NGO issues. Finally, the participants will present their proposals for a youth policy at a conference. The project will benefit young people in Smolyan region, NGOs, local authorities and the community as a whole.
Summary of project results
The project’s results were ensured through the following: - The overall capacity of both “Ecoworld Rodopi” Association and the participants from other NGOs has increased; - The practical knowledge acquired by the participants is of personal importance to them, as it helped increase their awareness of their responsibilities; - More young people now work as volunteers in the Ecoworld Rodopi Association; - Several NGOs were established with the support of the project; - On the regional level, now there is a growing interest in the processes in the NGO sector and in the establishment of new NGOs, which was achieved through the wide promotion of the project in the media; - All trainings within the project enhanced the organizational sustainability of the participating NGOs through improving the team work skills of their employees; - Preconditions for financial sustainability of NGOs were created through the implemented trainings, as their members acquired knowledge about opportunities for applying with youth projects and practical skills for developing project proposals; - Several NGOs were consulted on the legal possibilities for donations within the frame of the project; - The participants in the project created genuine friendships; - The project provided a positive impact on the development of Ecoworld Rodopi Association. The Association established partnerships for joint initiatives with youth and NGOs from Smolyan Region, improved its capacity and the activity of its members and volunteers, increased its financial sustainability, and improved its image in the community.
Summary of bilateral results