#Digivocacy

Digivocacy

In April of this year, through the Youthfully Yours SK organization, I had the opportunity to participate, along with another Slovak participant, in a week-long training course in the picturesque city of Genoa on Italy's northwestern coast. The project focused on e-participation and various digital skills related to the active involvement of EU citizens in European democracy and decision-making processes. Thanks to the pleasant and open approach of the main coordinator, Gabi, we enriched ourselves with valuable skills and invaluable experiences during and outside the program over 5 days of non-formal education. We learned how we can participate in the decision-making of public authorities online, both in Slovakia and across the entire Union. During workshops focused on collaboration within the groups we were divided into during various parts of the program, we had the opportunity to improve our communication skills in English, as well as our ability to work effectively in a team. We learned a lot of interesting information, for example, about the requirements for establishing a non-profit organization and a political party in the individual participating countries of the project.

I can only provide positive feedback on the project's execution and organization. We were accommodated in a nice and modern hostel near the main train station, which relieved us of further travel within Genoa, and we were also just a few minutes' walk from the city center. The food was more reminiscent of an all-inclusive holiday, as we were served generous breakfasts directly at the hostel, and a pleasant restaurant near the port provided our lunches and dinners. Pizza, pasta, seafood, salads. Few will complain about Italian cuisine. I also appreciate the choice of the project's location; I really enjoyed Genoa. The city breathes history and a pleasant atmosphere; at times, I felt like I was in a romantic movie.

The sending organization provided us with all the necessary information and assistance before participating in the project. Their representative, Saška, was very kind and always available to us for questions, potential problems, and also diligently monitored our stay and the training's progress. Our communication was seamless, and I believe I will have the opportunity in the future to participate in other interesting projects under the auspices of this organization and gain new experiences and adventures.