Searching for inspiration for the development of successful youth policies
In the framework of the ACORN project, we met with project partners in Idrija at the beginning of November for the purpose of research, exchanging good practices, and planning future activities. The ACORN project addresses key development challenges in European rural areas and focuses on the development of youth policies. With our partners, we went in search of the best approaches to youth activation, of which there is no shortage in Idrija and its surroundings.
Meeting with project partners after a year
The ACORN project (ACtivating yOung Rural developmeNt) aims to develop and implement new resources and mechanisms for rural development, including youth, in four European regions. The project focuses on the training and empowerment of young people in rural areas and encourages them to actively participate in decision-making processes for the development of rural communities.
We dedicated the first project year to the preparation of a research focused on analyzing the challenges and opportunities of engaging young people in the development of rural communities and added a collection of European good practices. The tools we have been developing throughout the year are already available on the project website and we will continue to supplement them in the future. The first three podcasts on youth engagement are also available. We invite you to listen!
In order to improve and develop tools that will help young people, youth organizations and youth workers, we met with our partners again in person after the first year of the project, this time in Idrija. We used the two-day meeting with partners from six organizations for discussions, inspiring study visits and planning future activities.
Exploring best practices in Idrija
Like most peripheral rural areas in Europe, the Municipality of Idrija is also facing the consequences of emigration and population aging. The Municipality of Idrija has been actively addressing and developing this issue for several years and supports programs that mitigate the negative effects of these trends.
One of the most well-received measures is found in the very center of Idrija. The City Room “Pr’ Golitu” is intended for all citizens, regardless of their age. It encourages socializing, strengthening knowledge, solidarity and weaves ties between residents who meet here. The space is designed on the basis of the principle of self-management of the space, is available free of charge to all residents, encourages spontaneous socializing, and was created on the model of a similar project in Germany.
The center of young people and youth organizations in Idrija is undoubtedly in the Youth Center Idrija, which we also visited with our partners. The director of the youth center, Jerca Korče, presented us with the activities that are regularly carried out in the center, successful projects such as MC Mobil, youth exchanges, hostel management and other activities that contribute to the strengthening of knowledge and the development of activities that improve the position of young people in the local environment.
In Idrija, we also took our partners to the Giser miners’ house, where we have been gradually restoring one of the last authentically preserved Idrija mining houses with domestic and international volunteers for several years. We are raising awareness of the importance of heritage buildings in Idrija and, at the same time, creating a dynamic community, strengthening knowledge and ties, and promoting volunteering.
Exploring the Region
One of the leading organizations in the field of youth policies in Slovenia is undoubtedly the Institute for Youth Policy, which has been developing a youth-friendly and inclusive environment in cooperation with the Municipality of Ajdovščina for many years. With programs such as Young-Friendly Municipality, which they started in Ajdovščina, or the Young Women and Men’s Club, new practices are being promoted throughout Slovenia and a positive attitude towards young people is being spread. The view of young people as a resource for future development and the strengthening of principles that contribute to a solidary and inclusive society are the foundation on which many activities in the municipality are based. Some good practices from the Municipality of Ajdovščina have already found their way around Slovenia. The Municipality of Idrija is also a holder of the Young-Friendly Municipality certificate, which it received for the successful implementation of measures in the field of youth policies.
At the end of our trip, we visited the Xcenter in Nova Gorica with our partners. The Xcenter is a space that brings together different areas and groups of people and acts as a creative accelerator, bringing together innovation, entrepreneurship, art, education, and research. Young people from the entire region, from kindergarten to employment, are most often included in their activities through the development of knowledge and skills through the concepts of do-it-yourself, do-it-together, learning-by-playing, etc. The Xcenter is also one of the main projects of the European Capital of Culture GO!Borderless 2025 and is thus a meeting place for young people from both sides of the border.
The ACORN project in the future
Study visits have helped us to weave many new ties in the region, find inspiration and encouragement to continue project activities.In the coming year, we will organize youth assemblies (ACORN Rural Youth Assemblys) in four partner regions (Roscommon, Idrija, Castile y Leon, Malta) within the framework of the project and prepare a guide for organizing similar events. At the ID20 Institute in cooperation with the Municipality of Idrija and the Idrija Youth Center, we plan to connect with the participatory budget for young people in the municipality. Our goal is to encourage young people to participate in decision-making and co-creation in their local environment and to offer solutions for other European regions as well.
Follow our activities and contribute to the development of rural areas together with us!
