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SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus

Bridging Gaps: EGL’s Core Mission

At the heart of EGL’s mission is the aspiration to bridge the gap between European policies and local youth work practices. By offering a platform for exchange, learning, and development, EGL empowers local youth workers, municipalities, and NGOs with the tools and knowledge to incorporate European initiatives into their local contexts effectively.

“Europe Goes Local acts as a crucial intermediary, ensuring that the European dimension is not just a distant ideal but a tangible element within local youth work,” explains Judit Balogh, the EGL coordinator. This union and cooperation is aimed at enriching local practices while reinforcing the connection between municipalities and European institutions.

Voices from the Field: Impact and Perspectives

The mentorship program in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus (EECA) region is an example of EGL’s commitment to practical, on-the-ground improvements in youth work. Through targeted activities such as study visits, mentoring sessions, and project labs, EGL fosters an environment of continuous learning and adaptation.

EGL’s impact is reflected through the voices of its participants and stakeholders. Anna Yegoyan, a mentor from Armenia shares: “EGL has revolutionized our approach to youth work by integrating an international perspective into our local realities. This has not only broadened our understanding but also significantly enhanced the sustainability and reach of our youth work initiatives since it focuses mainly on the capacities of municipalities and not only youth work NGOs.”

Within the EGL mentoring programme the offer of opportunities is quite varying. ​​Participants had the chance to engage in study visits to EGL municipalities in countries like Croatia, where they could observe and learn from best practices in local youth work. These visits were complemented by training sessions focused on youth participation and the development of youth work in municipalities.

“The mentorship program was a revelation for us”, states Gulnar, an ex-mentee from Azerbaijan.

She continues: “It offered a unique opportunity to refine and recheck our strategies, learn from best practices across Europe, and, most importantly, understand the critical role of youth work in community development.“

Participants were encouraged to create their projects aimed at advancing the EGL agenda in their municipalities and regions and mainly enhancing the local youth work. These projects focused on hiring youth officers, preparing youth trainers, developing the local youth policies and implementing initiatives that could enhance local youth work.

The mentoring program significantly contributed to building the capacities of local municipalities and NGOs, enabling them to better understand and approach European programs like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Besides it’s a great opportunity to network, open the horizons and get inspired and inspire others.

EGL’s Methodology: A Closer Look

EGL’s approach is multifaceted, employing a variety of methods to achieve its objectives. Yearly conferences, thematic webinars, and interactive online platforms like Workvivo serve as the backbone of EGL’s strategy to disseminate information, encourage collaboration, and promote innovative practices within the youth work sector.

“Through EGL’s activities, we’ve been able to highlight successful projects financed by European programs like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps,” notes Judit Balogh. “The Workvivo as a platform have not only brought up the versatility and impact of European support but have also inspired local entities to pursue similar initiatives, fostering a vibrant network of youth work across the continent.”

Looking Ahead: EGL’s Vision for the Future

As the EGL mentoring programme for the EECA region is on its second edition in 2024, the anticipation within the community is growing. The Study Visit to Poland for 15 new mentees has just finished and the upcoming project LAB in Georgia symbolizes EGL’s ongoing commitment to innovation, offering new opportunities to develop such skills as project writing, project management and networking skills.

“The future of EGL is incredibly promising,” reflects a mentor from the program 2023 – Anna Yeghoyan. “With each new phase, we aim to deepen our engagement with local and national stakeholders, expand our reach, and continue to innovate in the ways we support and develop youth work across Europe.”

Meet some EGL municipalities from the East

In Georgia, Moldova and Armenia several municipalities are regularly involved in the network activities of the Europe Goes Local. Every year the network grows with few more partners from the Eastern Neighbourhood region.

In Conclusion: A Unified Vision for Youth Work

Europe Goes Local embodies a collective aspiration to elevate youth work locally with a link to a European stage. Through its comprehensive strategies and dedicated network of participants, EGL creates the way for a future where youth work is universally recognized for its essential role in enhancing the development, engagement, and empowerment of young people.

“As we look forward, the essence of EGL’s mission remains clear: to ensure that youth work, in all its forms, is supported, celebrated, and integrated into the fabric of our communities,” concludes Judit Belogh. “Together, we are building a framework for youth work that transcends borders and serves the diverse needs of young people across Europe.”