Between 31 March and 7 April, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an international youth training course in Madrid, Spain. This experience brought together young changemakers from countries such as Tunisia, Portugal, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, and Ukraine, united by a shared ambition: to explore how meaningful participation can transform communities.
More than just a training, it was a journey of self-discovery, intercultural dialogue, and collective growth. Each day challenged us to rethink our role as active citizens in an increasingly complex world.
🎥 Watch the Experience
Day 1: First Connections, Breaking Barriers
The journey began with curiosity and excitement. Although we came from different cultures and backgrounds, the initial barriers quickly disappeared. Through open conversations and shared experiences, we started building trust and understanding.
What started as a group of strangers soon evolved into a community connected by common values and aspirations.
Day 2: Building Trust and Finding Common Ground
Through dynamic team-building activities, we discovered the importance of trust and collaboration. Despite our cultural differences, we found strong common ground, shared challenges, dreams, and motivations.
This day reminded us that diversity is not a barrier, but a powerful resource for innovation and unity.
Day 3: Redefining Community and Participation
What does it truly mean to participate in a community?
We explored this question deeply, realizing that participation goes beyond presence; it requires engagement, responsibility, and impact. It challenged us to think critically about our role in shaping inclusive and active societies.
Day 4: From Problems to Solutions
This day focused on identifying real issues affecting youth today, such as social exclusion and disengagement. Working in groups, we moved from analysis to action by designing practical solutions.
It was a powerful shift, from discussing problems to becoming part of the solution.
Day 5: Conflict as an Opportunity
Conflict is often seen as negative, but what if it could be constructive?
Through the Cooperation Lab, we learned how to transform conflict into dialogue and collaboration. This experience highlighted the importance of empathy, active listening, and mutual respect.
Day 6: Communication and Skill Sharing
We explored Nonviolent Communication, a powerful tool for expressing ideas with clarity and empathy.
Later, during the Bazaar of Competencies, participants shared their skills, knowledge, and experiences. It was a vibrant exchange that reinforced the idea that everyone has something valuable to offer.
Day 7: Reflection and Future Impact
The final day was emotional and inspiring. We reflected on our journey, shared our learnings, and discussed how we would apply them back home.
This wasn’t the end; it was the beginning of new initiatives, ideas, and collaborations.
A Moment of Solidarity in Barcelona
Beyond the training, I had the opportunity to join a demonstration in Barcelona supporting Palestine. It was a powerful moment of unity, where voices from different backgrounds came together for justice and peace.
As a Moroccan participant, this experience held deep personal meaning. I also had the chance to express my perspective in an interview with Al Ghad Channel, contributing to a global conversation on human rights.
Conclusion: More Than a Training
This experience in Madrid was not just a training—it was a turning point.
It strengthened my belief in the power of youth, collaboration, and active participation. It showed me that real change begins when individuals come together with a shared purpose.
No matter where we come from, we all have the ability to contribute, inspire, and lead.
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