The EMPOWER+ project continues to expand its international visibility and strengthen its mission of empowering rural youth through active participation, democratic engagement, and dialogue with decision-makers.
Recently, representatives from LAG Napoca Porolissum disseminated the project during the European Youth Dialogue event held at the European Parliament. The event brought together young people, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss the future of youth participation and democratic involvement within local communities.
Bringing Rural Youth Voices to the European Level
Participating in such an important European event represented a valuable opportunity to present the goals and vision of the EMPOWER+ project to a wider audience. During the dissemination activity, the consortium highlighted the importance of creating stronger opportunities for young people living in rural areas, ensuring that their voices are heard and their ideas can actively contribute to shaping their communities.
Special attention was given to the Rural Youth Parliament model promoted by EMPOWER+, which aims to encourage civic engagement, participation in decision-making processes, and cooperation between youth and local authorities. The initiative demonstrates how young people can become active contributors to community development rather than passive beneficiaries of policies.
Strengthening Democratic Participation
The discussions held during the European Youth Dialogue reinforced the relevance of the EMPOWER+ mission within the broader European debate on youth empowerment and inclusion. Rural youth often face barriers related to access to opportunities, participation, and representation. Through activities such as this one, EMPOWER+ seeks to bridge these gaps and create meaningful spaces for dialogue and collaboration.
By sharing the project’s objectives and methodology at European level, the consortium also strengthened connections with stakeholders working in the field of youth participation, democratic engagement, and rural development.
Building Bridges Between Communities and Policymakers
One of the key messages promoted during the event was the importance of involving young people directly in policy discussions and community-building processes. Empowering rural youth means providing them not only with opportunities and skills, but also with platforms where they can express their perspectives, contribute ideas, and collaborate with decision-makers.
The EMPOWER+ project strongly believes that inclusive participation is essential for building resilient and sustainable rural communities across Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.
About EMPOWER+
EMPOWER+ Empowering Rural Youth: Establishing and Strengthening the Rural Youth Parliament in Sub-Saharan Africa is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building project focused on promoting youth participation, non-formal learning, democratic engagement, and international cooperation between European and African partners. The project supports the creation and strengthening of Rural Youth Parliaments as tools for community development and active citizenship.
