I had the incredible opportunity to visit DYPALL Network in Portimão, Portugal. As someone deeply involved in youth participation and cultural engagement, I’ve been following DYPALL’s work for a long time, and this visit felt like a great opportunity.
Main Objectives:
– Learn about DYPALL’s methodologies for engaging young people in decision-making processes
– Exchange experiences on best practices in youth participation at the local level
– Explore innovative digital tools for democratic engagement and civic education
– Discuss potential collaborations between our networks for future joint projects
Monday:
I arrived in Portimão on Sunday evening, and at 9 AM on Monday, I officially started my week at DYPALL Network. The morning began with a tour of their space, where I got to see the heart of their operations. After that, we had an introductory meeting where I learned more about their approach to youth participation and how they work with municipalities to build structures that actually involve young people in decision-making. I was particularly interested in their work on participatory budgeting and how young people are being included in local governance.
Tuesday:
Tuesday was all about digital tools and best practices. We spent the day discussing the role of digital engagement in youth participation which is something I was eager to learn more about, as digital transformation is shaping how young people interact with civic initiatives. DYPALL’s team introduced me to interactive platforms they use to train young leaders, including gamification techniques for civic education. One of the highlights of the day was testing out a youth participation simulation tool, which helps young people understand governance structures in a hands-on way.
Wednesday:
In the morning, I had the chance to visit a local youth council that works closely with DYPALL to create policies that reflect the needs and priorities of young people in the region. Seeing how young representatives are actively shaping their communities was truly inspiring. Later in the afternoon, we prepared for the upcoming public event by discussing how to effectively communicate youth participation efforts to wider audiences. We also explored how storytelling and visual communication can be used to make youth-driven initiatives more visible and impactful.
Thursday:
Thursday was a special day as DYPALL hosted an event on youth participation and democratic engagement. The evening event brought together youth organizations, local policymakers, and members of the community to discuss how to build stronger youth-led initiatives. I had the opportunity to present my work and share insights from my own experiences, which led to some fantastic discussions about future collaborations. After the event, we had a networking session where I met some truly inspiring individuals who are reshaping their communities through activism and creative engagement.
Friday:
On the last day, we wrapped up with a final discussion on next steps and future collaborations. Over a relaxed lunch with the DYPALL team, we reflected on everything we had learned over the past few days and brainstormed ways to keep the momentum going. I left Portimão feeling incredibly inspired, with new ideas, valuable insights, and a strong belief in the power of youth engagement to drive meaningful change.
This exchange was a transformative experience, and I am deeply grateful to DYPALL Network for their generosity, expertise, and passion.
