A few weeks after their participation in the advocacy presented to the European Parliament, the young people of MFREO of Vairao have taken a new step in their journey of civic engagement.
They were indeed received by Mr. High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia During a session dedicated to showcasing their Erasmus+ experiences and their involvement in European projects led by their institution, the young people presented a video documenting their youth participation mobility project in France as part of Erasmus+ KA154, as well as feedback on their professional internship in Fiji. This presentation highlighted the skills developed through these mobility experiences : intercultural openness, autonomy, self-confidence, discovery of other territorial and professional realities.
This meeting was also an opportunity to revisit a significant moment in their journey: their participation in the European festival " Youth Rural Voices for Europe ", organized at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. During the meeting « Youth Rural Voices for Europe » to the European ParliamentEach participating delegation presented the recommendations developed within its territory. In total, 31 proposals were debated and then put to a vote. 120 young people present in order to build a common European advocacy strategy. At the end of this democratic process, 9 recommendations were retained as priorities for rural European youthAmong them is a proposal put forward by the Polynesian delegation: the generalization of the traditional principle of the Rāhui (a temporary ban on using a space to promote the regeneration of natural resources) as a source of inspiration for environmental preservation and the sustainable management of natural resources. For them, this recognition illustrates the ability of young people from rural and island territories to contribute to European debates and to make their realities heard beyond their own territory.
Beyond mobility, this experience demonstrates that youth engagement can produce concrete results, from local communities to European institutions. It also underscores the importance of creating spaces where young people can propose, debate, and advocate for their ideas with decision-makers.
The meeting concluded with the official presentation of Erasmus+ participation certificates, recognizing the young people's commitment throughout this European and civic adventure. Through this experience, the young people of Vairao demonstrate that participation doesn't end with a single event or mobility period. It extends into their local communities, fosters dialogue with institutions, and contributes to...building an active citizenship, both local and European.
Among the recommendations adopted is a proposal to improve young people's access to mental health services, particularly in areas where geographical remoteness limits access to psychological support. This priority, identified by the young people themselves, is already opening up new perspectives. Following on from CONNECT-RA new European mobilization is being prepared for 2027It will bring together young people from island territories in order to build an advocacy campaign dedicated to mental health issues and the well-being of young people, by giving a voice to territories often far removed from major decision-making centers.
