Empowering Youth Workers to Build Resilient Communities!

From 23 to 29 May 2024, Katerini, Greece, hosted a transformative training course, “Disasters: The Role of NGOs,” bringing together 22 dedicated youth workers from across Greece, Italy, Romania, Türkiye, and Serbia. Organized by EN.O. Greece and supported by Euromed EVE Italy, Asociatia ACT O’CLOCK, Uluslararası Gençlik Aktiviteleri Merkezi Derneği, and SFERA Srbija, this Erasmus+-funded initiative addressed the urgent need for skills and knowledge in disaster response and community resilience.

Over seven days, participants immersed themselves in a variety of hands-on workshops and interactive sessions. From CPR training and emergency response simulations to creating community disaster preparedness plans, this experience equipped youth workers with practical tools to empower their local communities. The sessions fostered essential skills such as crisis communication, mutual aid, and empathy for vulnerable groups during environmental and social crises. They also included community-oriented activities like beach clean-ups, showcasing the role of collective action in resilience building.

With the increasing frequency of natural disasters and climate crises, the capacity of NGOs to lead and support communities is more crucial than ever. This project not only strengthened the abilities of youth workers but also reinforced a network of motivated leaders ready to bring positive change across borders.

The follow-up phase will see these youth workers implementing their newfound skills in local projects, sharing best practices, and promoting community awareness on disaster preparedness. They will continue to collaborate across nations, driving forward-thinking solutions and inspiring collective action in times of need.

This project is a vital step towards nurturing resilient, empowered communities prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow. Stay tuned as these youth workers turn knowledge into action!