What happens when young changemakers from Europe and North Africa come together to share ideas, network, and dream up new projects? The answer: inspiration, new friendships, and real opportunities to make a difference!
That’s exactly what happened at Bridges Beyond 2025, a seminar held in Morocco in April 2025. Youth workers from across the region met to exchange experiences, create partnerships, and develop new volunteering projects under the European Solidarity Corps programme.
Let’s meet three of the participants and hear their stories:
🌿 Imen from Tunisia
Imen Ben Kacem, active in the Association de Volontariat, Echange Culturel et Action des Jeunes, joined the seminar to look for new collaborations.
“I wanted to find a lead organisation for our environmental team volunteering project in Tunisia. It was also my first time experiencing a Partnership Building Activity. I didn’t expect people to already know about my organisation – it was such a nice surprise to feel recognised and valued.”
By the end, Imen had exactly what she came for: a lead organisation for her project, plus exciting new partnerships with organisations in the Netherlands, Greece, Azerbaijan, and Albania.
⚽ Sami from Finland
Sami Karvonen, a project manager in Union Plaani sport club, was a newcomer to international youth work.
“For me, this was a way to enter the international youth community. I wanted to see how cross-border partnerships really work. The activities were clear and practical, and the atmosphere was so welcoming that I quickly felt part of the group.”
What surprised Sami most?
“How much confidence I gained in just a few days. I realised that even as a beginner, I had something valuable to contribute. That was huge for me.”
🌍 Marko from Ukraine (living in Poland)
Marko Boyko from Logos organisation already had lots of experience with the European Solidarity Corps, but never with partners from North Africa.
“That’s why this seminar was so exciting. I got to discover Moroccan culture, traditions, and perspectives. And the best part is, we’ve already started two collaborations — one in Morocco this September and another team volunteering project in Tunisia!”
💡 What Made the Seminar Special?
Across all three stories, some things stood out:
- The warm and open atmosphere – everyone felt welcome, from beginners to experienced youth workers.
- The practical learning – not just theory, but real-life examples and project planning.
- The cultural exchange – discovering new perspectives and traditions while building partnerships.
🌟 Why It Matters
For Imen, Sami, and Marko, Bridges Beyond 2025 wasn’t just a seminar – it was a turning point. They left with new skills, concrete project plans, and strong international connections.
Most importantly, they showed that youth cooperation is about more than paperwork or policy. It’s about people coming together, learning from each other, and creating projects that matter.
👉 If you’re curious about international youth opportunities, keep an eye on Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Who knows? The next opportunity might be your chance to build bridges — and your future — beyond borders.
