YoPA project kicks off with a successful meeting in Amsterdam

Lisbon, September 29, 2023 – The YoPA (Youth-centred Participatory Action) project officially commenced with a highly productive and engaging in-person meeting held from September 25-28, 2023 in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Led by esteemed Prof Dr Mai Chin A Paw, the kick-off meeting brought together 23 participants from Portugal, The Netherlands, South Africa, Denmark, and Nigeria (via videoconference).

The primary objective of the meeting was to lay the groundwork for the development of the intervention protocol. To achieve this goal, a series of workshops focused on co-creation were organized to encourage active participation and collaboration among all project partners. Through these workshops, delegates had the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen their networks.

Prof Dr Mai Chin A Paw’s leadership during the event played a pivotal role in guiding discussions to ensure that every participant’s input was valued. Her wealth of expertise and experience in youth-centred participatory action research provided invaluable insights that set a strong foundation for future project activities.

With representatives from five different countries present physically or virtually via videoconference, the YoPA project kick-off meeting fostered cross-cultural dialogue and international cooperation. The diversity within the group enriched discussions and facilitated a broader perspective on youth-related challenges across various regions.

The YoPA project is driven by an ambitious vision to empower young people through participatory action research methods that prioritize their voices and experiences. By involving youth at every stage of decision-making processes, YoPA aims to generate tangible solutions that address their unique needs and aspirations.

The successful kick-off meeting serves as an encouraging milestone for the YoPA project as it sets forth on its mission to create positive change for young people worldwide. Over the course of its implementation, YoPA will continue to engage stakeholders, conduct research, and develop evidence-based interventions that promote youth empowerment and well-being.

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