The development of youth work is impossible without the exchange of experiences and international cooperation. It is precisely these opportunities that make it possible to implement new approaches and strengthen the role of young people in communities.
Last week, a study visit organized by the Europe Goes Local program took place in Vaasa, Finland, with Alina Yanchuk, manager of the Vinnytsia Regional Development Agency, participating.
The visit’s program focused on studying the Finnish model of youth work: participants learned about the activities of youth services, approaches to ensuring youth well-being, the work of youth councils, and tools for engaging youth in decision-making at the local level.
The Ukrainian delegation, which included representatives from Sumy, Vinnytsia, and Zaporizhzhia, is already working on a joint action plan through the end of 2026. Ahead lie mentoring support, an experience-sharing meeting in June, and a final wrap-up event in December.
Participation in such programs opens up new opportunities for the development of youth policy at the local level, strengthens international cooperation, and enables the implementation of modern approaches to youth work.