The NextGen Changemakers project, co-funded by the Visegrad Fund, brought youth people together from Czechia, Poland and Ukranie with one shared mission: to ignite positive change in their communities through grassroots initiatives and youth-led projects. Spanning two phases held in Prerov, Czech Republic and Lviv, Ukraine. This dynamic initiative focused on equipping participants with the practical skills, tools, and confidence needed to become active agents of transformation in their local contexts.
The first part of the project took place in Prerov from 18 to 21 July 2025, where participants immersed themselves in interactive workshops focused on idea generation, project structuring, and proposal development. Through a series of practical exercises, young changemakers identified pressing issues in their communities and translated them into actionable project concepts. Expert-led sessions guided participants through essential project design elements such as goal setting, stakeholder mapping, and sustainable planning.
Highlights of the Prerov workshop included:
- Brainstorming labs to spark creative thinking and community analysis.
- Case study discussions featuring impactful youth-led projects from the region.
- Project writing sessions where groups developed real proposals with personalized feedback from experienced trainers.
- A vibrant debate on youth activism, prompting critical reflection on the role of young people in democratic societies.
- A stakeholder simulation, giving participants a chance to experience different perspectives in project implementation.
The second mobility took place in Lviv, Ukraine, from 12 to 15 September 2025, where participants reconvened to build on their initial concepts and explore the realities of turning ideas into funded, implemented initiatives. This phase centered around funding strategies, budgeting, and real-world engagement with policy-makers and project leaders.
Key components of the Lviv programme included:
- Funding opportunity workshops covering EU, Visegrad Fund, and local grant schemes.
- A panel discussion with project leaders, sharing candid insights on challenges and best practices.
- Hands-on budgeting exercises for small-scale projects.
- A visit to Lviv Town Hall, including direct dialogue with local council members and discussions on youth policy and cooperation.
- Networking sessions with NGO professionals and public officials, fostering cross-sector collaboration.
One of the most impactful aspects of the project was the opportunity for participants to present their proposals and receive constructive feedback not only from peers and trainers but also from stakeholders and funders. Following the mobilities, project teams from participating countries will continue to support the youth in refining and submitting their proposals to real grant programs for potential implementation.
Thanks to the support of the Visegrad Fund, NextGen Changemakers has empowered a new wave of youth leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive meaningful change in their communities. Through transnational cooperation and experiential learning, the project has planted seeds of long-term impact, demonstrating the power of youth engagement in shaping more democratic, inclusive, and vibrant societies across Europe.
