Being active – for yourself, for others, and for the community: Under this motto, the local youth group of Generation Europe – The Academy in Telšiai, Lithuania, is making its mark. By setting up a new music room in their youth centre and organising an intercultural cooking event, they are putting self-organised participation into practice.
A central project for the group is the creation of a new music room at the Telšiai Youth Centre (Telšių jaunimo centras). Following the principle “from young people for young people”, they are creating a space where everyone can try out instruments and be creative. Such self-managed spaces are vital for enabling young people to pursue their interests and implement their own ideas.
Creating Spaces, Sharing Cultures
On 12 August, International Youth Day, the group showed just how lively their exchange can be. Together with volunteers from the European Solidarity Corps, they organised an Open Kitchen event. They invited the local community to discover different cultures – with culinary specialities and, of course, music. Activities like this not only foster intercultural dialogue but also strengthen social bonds in the region.
From Local Action to the European Idea
The activities in Telšiai are an excellent example of how the Generation Europe – The Academy network operates: it supports young people in carrying out tangible projects that are tailored to the community’s needs. Although these actions are locally rooted, they are part of a larger European context. The group works in a trilateral partnership with Mediencooperative Steinfurt e.V. from Germany and DUGA – the German-Ukrainian Community of Youth Work from Ukraine. This international exchange provides valuable inspiration and strengthens the awareness of being part of an active European civil society. Initiatives like the music room or the Open Kitchen are therefore living examples of Active Citizenship, showing how young people take responsibility for their environment.
Looking Ahead: A Bus Station Becomes a Stage
The group already has its next major event in sight: in October, they are planning a new edition of their community event “Dare/Išdrįsk”. This will build on the great success of their event during the European Action Week 2024. Once again, the young people plan to transform the city’s central bus station into an unusual public space for social exchange and community spirit. With music from young artists, table football, and karaoke, they aim to send a strong signal for a vibrant and open community.