International Initiatives for Cooperation
From 1st to 10th July 2025, 20 young people and youth leaders took part in a youth exchange as part of the European project “Strengthening Towns through Active Youth” (STAY). This exchange was the central mobility activity of the project, designed to address the depopulation of small European towns, where young people often perceive limited opportunities and migrate to larger urban centers.
The STAY project, a collaboration between partners from Italy (Comune di Ionadi, lead partner), Portugal (Fundao), Bulgaria (Association “International Initiatives for Cooperation), and Hungary (Vidéken Jó! Alapítvány), aims to empower young people by fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging active participation in their communities. It promotes social innovation and the strategic use of digital technologies, with a special focus on youth engagement in smaller, often overlooked local contexts.
The Jonadi Experience
The youth mobility took place in Jonadi, a small town in southern Italy, and specifically in the nearby village of Nao. This exchange represented the heart of the STAY initiative: an immersive experience based on non-formal education, intercultural dialogue, and European citizenship. Participants engaged in collaborative activities designed to bring vitality and attention to rural areas, with a strong emphasis on local involvement and international cooperation.
Through workshops, community projects, and cultural exchange, the youth discovered the potential of small towns as places for meaningful social change. They worked side-by-side with residents, engaged in creative revitalization activities, and experienced the authentic life and rhythm of a traditional Italian village.
