Within the framework of the European project Connect-R, the Estonian partner Borderlands Leader LAG (Piiriveere Liider) organized a first local initiative dedicated to youth engagement in rural areas. The objective: to create a space for dialogue where young people can express their needs, identify obstacles to their participation, and above all transforming their observations into proposalsThis meeting is part of the dynamic of European objectives for youth: strengthening information and constructive dialogue, supporting rural youth, and developing spaces for participation accessible to all.
From the very first exchanges, the young people shared their experiences of participation and the people or leaders who encouraged them to get involved (student representatives, youth leaders, educational staff, etc.). One statistic stood out in the discussion: to the question "Would you like your opinion to be sought more often than it is today?", 85% participants responded YesThis result highlights a key point: the desire to contribute is definitely thereHowever, the current methods of consultation and participation are not always perceived as regular, appropriate, or motivating. The meeting was then structured around small group discussions to gather concrete ideas on:
- This makes a community more “welcoming” to young people, and this is what should change.
- Activities and formats that truly inspire participation
- the topics on which young people hesitate to express an opinion, often due to a lack of knowledge,
- and the necessary conditions to make participation simpler, more modern and more useful.
A cross-cutting lesson emerges: The more participation is encouraged, regular, and well-organized, the more legitimate young people feel. to express themselves, including on complex subjects. To move towards a solutions-oriented approach, participants worked in teams to design materials (posters or videos) presenting a local problem and a possible solution to amplify the voices of young people. Three key themes emerged:
- to facilitate young people's expression through reassuring and accessible mechanisms,
- strengthen the channels of dialogue between young people, schools and decision-makers,
- improve the practical conditions of participation in the territory (information, organization, relay, follow-up).
Among the proposals, the idea of a anonymous suggestion boxThis initiative, managed with the support of a youth worker and accompanied by follow-up, has been identified as particularly relevant for overcoming self-censorship and encouraging expression. This local action constitutes a first step: it initiates a debate that must continue over time.
The next major event of the Connect-R project will culminate in a meeting at European Parliament in Strasbourg, dedicated to writing a European advocacy for rural youthIn the meantime, participants in this meeting, like other young people in Estonia, are encouraged to continue exchanging ideas, sharing their perspectives, and formulating proposals. These contributions will directly inform the final advocacy document, ensuring that the realities and priorities of rural areas are brought to the European level.
