TÜRKIYE
Bosnia and Herzegovina
North Macedonia
Portugal
Cyprus
Cyprus/Belgium
Mariana Matoso is a project coordinator at CGE e.V., in Germany. After completing her European Solidarity Corps volunteering service at CGE, she joined the team. She is a licensed Community Psychologist specialized in Protection of Children and Youth at Risk. Has been a coordinator of a youth center in Portugal, utilizing non-formal education as the main methodology for engagement of youth, families, schools and communities. She has 10 years of experience in youth work, as a summer camp leader, a volunteer in orphanages, an intern in child protection services, an educator in various settings such as artistic workshops for school-age children, parental skills trainings, engagement of teachers with various non-formal educational tools, and a counselor for children and youth with internalizing and externalizing problems. She is also a researcher for a Portuguese university, working on evaluating a skill-building program with youth workers in institutionalized foster care. Mariana also has experience in project management, coordination, and implementation of local and international activities with young people and youth workers and expertise in designing educational programs. Besides being a licensed pedagogical trainer, she is also an Erasmus+ trainer and facilitator.
Asif khan is the founder and Director of Centre for Capacity Building & Empowerment in Sweden. He also worked as a project manager responsible for youth & EU affairs for Malmö ideella in Sweden. Asif is a key member of Lemon Network, France, and Active Youth in Denmark. He is European union Climate pact ambassador since 2023. With more than 12 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Asif specializes in youth & refugee empowerment, migrant and refugee integration, interfaith conflict resolution, election observation, climate change, and crises in South Asia and the Mediterranean. He had led more than 30 projects as a trainer & YE youth exchange facilitator of EU projects. He is certified in Conflict Resolution & Interfaith Conflict Analysis by the United States Institute of Peace, Washington. He is also certified by OSCE in election observation & international election standards certification by Council of Europe. Asif holds a Masters in International Relations and a B.A. in International Migration and Ethnic Relations from Malmö University in Sweden.
Born in Faro, the southest city of Portugal, right by the ocean, after finishing a degree in Psychology I decided to be an EVS volunteer and my life totally changed, after my first contact with Non-formal Education. I started working in the Non-formal Education area, always with the thought that it is a powerful tool that should be more used and recognized.
At the moment I work as freelance trainer and coordinator of international projects and have experience with Non-formal Education methods and tools being actively involved in international training and education since 2010 as an active participant under the Youth in Action / Erasmus+ programme, as a training course attendant, ex-EVS volunteer, youth exchanges group leader, EVS mentor, EVS coordinator and trainer/facilitator.
“Be Stupid” is a rule that stayed with me since my first training long, long time ago and that I try to implement both in my trainings and my life. Being stupid in the sense of totally letting yourself go, embracing what you experience.
Marija is an experienced project manager, trainer, and facilitator with a demonstrated history of working in the civil society sector for more than 10 years. Youth worker and activist from North Macedonia, with extensive experience in creating learning opportunities within non-formal education and youth work for diverse groups of learners, advocating for direct involvement of youth in decision-making processes at every level, and supporting youth participation through inclusive policies. She loves working on empowering young people and helping them develop into changemakers.
Former president of the National Youth Council of Macedonia, the biggest youth representative body in the country.
Strong professional with a Master’s degree focused in Law from University ‘St. Kiril and Metodij’ in Skopje, scholarship at the Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) at Columbia University in New York, and the summer school on post-conflict development and stability at the Woolf Institute in Cambridge.
Dragana Jovanovska is an experienced trainer and educator working with youth and adults, both on national and international level. They are passionate about human rights education, youth participation, education, intercultural dialogue and organisational development.
Dragana is working as a Programme manager in the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU) and is the former Executive director of Center for Intercultural Dialogue (CID).
When not saving the world, Dragana loves to cuddle with animals (doggos – yes please ^_^), watch random series, or play board games with friends.
Valbona Makovci holds a BA Degree with first-grade honours in International Relations and Diplomacy from the American College of Thessaloniki and is currently pursuing her Master degree in International Education Management at the University of Ludwigsburg Germany and Helwan University in Cairo.
Previously she has worked in the development and civil society sector with a focus on education in numerous organizations and international development agencies operating in Kosovo some of which include the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Save the Children, OSCE Kosovo, USAID and Peer Educators Network (PEN) local NGO which focuses on youth empowerment and social inclusion of marginalized groups in Kosovo.
She currently works at the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BiBB) in the international BILT project in collaboration with UNESCO/UNEVOC
I identify as youth worker, project manager and young enthusiast. Being on the field around people, working with them, and motivating them to take action and create a better society is what motivated me years ago and what makes me continue working on the youth field. During the past years I have traveled a lot and worked with young people with different backgrounds, which has given me the opportunity to think in a more open-minded way and develop both personally and professionally. As youth worker, project manager and trainer my goal is to give to more young people the opportunity to be part of the non-formal education world and take actions for a better tomorrow.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world” a wise man once said. This incredible wisdom motivated me to become my best version, an enthusiastic, dedicated activist, project coordinator and a person always willing to empower young people to become active citizens who can effect meaningful change in their communities.
What truly defines me is my unwavering belief in the transformative power of youth. In the process of education, while I was getting the bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Family Studies, I extensively studied the mental health of young people, so I’m good at recognizing the critical role it plays in shaping their overall well-being and future prospects. Witnessing the resilience and passion young people exhibit in the face of adversity has profoundly shaped my outlook on life. Their drive to make a positive impact in their communities inspires me every day, serving as a constant reminder of the great potential that lies within each individual. My ability to empathize and connect with young people allows me to establish trust and build meaningful relationships. So, that way, by creating a safe and inclusive environment, I always strive to foster open communication and promote personal growth.
My motivation for working with young people stems from a deep-rooted belief in the potential of young minds and the transformative power they possess. I have personally experienced the path of creating myself as a person through informal education and a variety of trainings, volunteer activities and initiatives within the local youth center, so for sure this helped me become a person full of understanding the unique challenges young people face in today’s rapidly changing world, committed to providing the necessary support and guidance to help them navigate these complexities successfully. That’s why my main goal is to stay determined helping young minds to flourish, helping them to develop into resilient, compassionate, and socially conscious leaders who can shape a brighter tomorrow for all of us.
A driven corporate lawyer who can successfully identify and carry out priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced setting. Supporting the company with paperwork and compliance tasks related to external and internal conventions. Learns new areas of law quickly, A strong leader who works well under pressure, and understands the complexities of the legal system. Possess excellent interpersonal, organizational and management skills. Strategist, planner, advisor, and implementer with a high level of discipline and organization.
Hey there! My name is Andrea Malena, 29 y/o, and I am one of the many Italians living in Brussels. I work in the field of the EU institutions but I have been always – and still I am – very active in the youth sector as well, contributing to many projects and organizations devoted to active citizenship, sustainability and culture. I like to facilitate group activities with young people and work in multicultural environments. I love team-sports, music and hiking in the nature, as they share the same basic principles: connecting, tuning, and understanding each other; finding a common way through; enjoying the ride together.
I’m Dea Bakashvili, an advocate for marginalized youth empowerment, social impact and international development. With extensive global and national experience in project management and cross-cultural collaboration, I work to create meaningful and equal opportunities for young people, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
I have secured multiple international grants and led impactful initiatives, including EU-funded programs for LGBTQI+ refugees, the E-mpACT Toolkit for inclusive e-education and key policy contributions like the Luxor Declaration 2024. As a fellow of the Youth Community Journalism Initiative, I have researched Russia’s influence to Georgia’s EU integration through geopolitical tensions and destructive outcomes of new anti-democratic legislation.
I am an active member of international networks such as EU4Youth Alumni, MigraVoice Community by Media Diversity Institute, IFM-SEI and several national organizations in Georgia, focusing on advancing equal opportunities for all. Beyond this, I’ve organized high-level startup competitions and social impact events in collaboration with global leaders, bridging local initiatives with international ecosystems.
Currently, I am building a platform to empower youth involvement in urban governance in Georgia to fight against the discriminatory “”Foreign Agents Law,”” which undermines NGOs and limits opportunities for youth. My goal is to inspire change and help young people reach their full potential especially by creating platforms where their voices can be heard.
I am a dedicated young person with a strong passion for youth work, education, and community. Through years of volunteering, organizing workshops, and leading initiatives, I have gained experience in non-formal education, human rights, and community engagement. My journey started at the Youth Club of Budva, where I discovered my enthusiasm for volunteering and project coordination. Collaborating with NGOs has shaped my skills in facilitation, media literacy, and youth work. I am particularly dedicated to topics like mental health, medicine, gender equality and reproductive health. What drives me is the opportunity to create safe spaces for learning, encourage critical thinking, and foster meaningful discussions. Being part of PET is a privilege, and I am excited to contribute, learn, and grow alongside like-minded individuals. I look forward to expanding my expertise while making a positive impact.
I am a medical doctor in training to become a paediatric surgeon. I am also a huge advocate of public health and non-formal education enthusiast! I love to work with young people and together come up with ideas that are changing the world that we live in step by step and are affecting the lives of others beyond our comprehension. I enjoy discussions and exchanges with different people, learning from others but also sharing my own thoughts on different aspects that affect the youth in our times.
I have participated in more than 30 events as a trainer with more than 300 hours of training experience and I really hope to see that number grow as I grow as a person and trainer and together with other non-formal education enthusiasts create meaningful activities to advocate for human rights, equality, understanding and acceptance.
My name is Paulina, 26 years old from Poland. IT and education enthusiast with professional experience in both IT industry and non-formal education field.
I am particularly interested in socio-ecological transformation and sustainable development. I have been working on designing and developing prototypes of
digital solutions that can help with climate change. My goal is to integrate this experience and interest in the field into youth work. I would like to
encourage young people to explore connections between sustainability, technology and other areas.
“Experienced trainer, youth worker and passionate advocate for social change. With over two decades of expertise spanning diverse domains, she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Holding a master’s in political science, Aga’s deep understanding of political and educational trends fuels her work in interculturality, diversity, inclusion, human rights, and global education.
Aga has facilitated numerous international training courses, engaging with diverse target groups across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Her leadership development work focuses on empowering individuals to effect positive change in their communities. Additionally, Aga has a special focus on addressing everyday violence and microaggressions, promoting awareness and fostering inclusive environments. A prolific writer, she has authored publications and developed engaging e-learning courses.
I’m Maria Habash, a pharmacy student at the University of Jordan with a passion for youth empowerment, public health, and non-formal education. I’ve held leadership roles in IPSF and JPSA, chaired the Eastern Mediterranean Pharmaceutical Symposium, and been involved in several local Jordanian volunteer organizations. I’m also participating in the North-South Centre’s long-term training course on Global Education and Sustainable Development. These experiences have strengthened my skills in leadership, training, and event management, and I’m excited to contribute to YEU PET and continue supporting youth initiatives.
Hello, I’m Tavares! I’m passionate about youth empowerment, student rights, and queer activism, and I love working to make spaces more inclusive for all young people!
I am dedicated to promoting the inclusion of LGBTQI+ young people and fostering youth participation in decision-making processes.
My journey in youth advocacy began with the largest queer youth organization in Portugal, rede ex aequo, where I took on roles such as trainer, board member, and later, president. I then did a master’s in international studies, where I focused on trans rights across Europe.
Currently, I am an advisory panelist for IGLYO, the world’s largest network for LGBTQI+ young people and students, and a member of the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU)’s pool of trainers, working to strengthen student representation across Europe. I recently joined the pool of trainers of the Council of Europe.
I love addressing human rights with young people through fun and experiential methodologies. I believe arts and games have the power to make education engaging, accessible, and impactful!
For the past five years, I have been actively engaged in the field of youth development as an independent trainer and youth facilitator. Being involved in YEU’s trainer pool and other networks has enriched my perspective and allowed me to build strong professional relationships across public, nonprofit, and private sectors. I am deeply enthusiastic about knowledge-sharing and crafting meaningful educational experiences. Driven by dedication and a sense of purpose, I am proud to actively support and engage in civil society.
I am a passionate youth worker and communications enthusiast dedicated to empowering young people through non-formal education, intercultural dialogue, and digital storytelling. My work focuses on youth participation, gender equality, human rights, mobility programs, and digital communications, all with the aim of fostering inclusion and social impact.
What motivates me is the power of education and media to create meaningful change. My journey has been shaped by hands-on experience in international youth work, leading workshops, facilitating capacity-building programs, and leveraging digital platforms to amplify youth voices. Milestones such as working with diverse communities, representing youth in global forums, and driving digital engagement strategies have reinforced my commitment to equipping youth with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive and make a difference.
I am Andrea Antonio Orlandi, 24, Sicilian. Graduated in Linguistics, always passionate about Human Rights Activism and Advocacy, since ever. Youth worker particularly interested in rural development, queer representation and humanitarian action. I speak 7 languages, I’m a pro at travelling and finding cheap flights, and I am a non-formal education enthusiast. As a Salto Youth-certified trainer and facilitator, I have been in the field for the past 3 years, initially as a participant, to later on join YEU’s initiatives not only as a participant but also as a facilitator and moderator, then becoming a project coordinator for two organizations in the Motherland aimed at rural youth and rural areas development, to then founding and being the President of my own NGO, Trinaqueeria, which protects, represents, and strives for queer recognition and rights. My main area of work is Erasmus+, through KA1 and KA2 projects, but soon expanding to ESC and CERV, for and with which I have already worked and to which participated myself (ESC, twice). Erasmus+ has changed my life and continues to change it. Thanks to it, I have been able to pursue my dreams of raising my voice for what’s right even as a small town non-binary person. I am proud, I possess a well-rounded skill set, I know youth workers and associations from all around the world, I have refined my training skills, and I have been able to pass my privileges on to other young people thanks to Erasmus+, and I will be forever grateful.
The feeling and desire for a more righteous society appeared in me ten years ago, and that is the main thing that encouraged me on the path of personal development, learning, and the creation of a better environment for my peers and me. My first activist steps were in the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights.
Through my activist life and later professional work, I had the opportunity to collaborate with many organizations, dealing with topics that were not popular but were necessary to tackle. During high school, I promoted human rights, reconciliation, and peacebuilding. It was then that I gained my first experience in project work. These experiences, in a way, put me on a path that took me to enroll in the Faculty of Political Science. Along with my studies, I engaged in organizations that encouraged me to go further and evolve my skills in politics, education, youth engagement, reporting within projects, media activism, journalism, film, and others.
This path I chose allows me to share my experience and knowledge with many young people from the whole country and make significant changes. The desire for education took me to international youth work, where I work with organizations that deal with issues of youth, community development, and inclusion. Its important to note that YEU was and still is a major part of my engagement in the international youth work.
Nine years ago, I got my first formal employment. Then I was given a chance to work on the development and implementation of programs related to youth education, non-formal education activities, youth engagement, and youth policies. Through my work at the SHL Foundation, I gained some of the most important professional experiences. Now I am working in IOM – UN Migrations.
Tamara is an aspiring young pedagogist currently researching the role of creativity in education. She is a PhD candidate at Faculty of Philosophy University of Belgrade and have been involved in multiple projects, ranging from organising and holding workshops on mental health to developing an outdoor game for teenagers. She’s volunteered at many different facilities, including creative centers and a foster home. She loves working with people, travelling and experiencing new cultures.
“More than 10 years of being actively involved in youth work as a leader of the local Youth club, trainer, mentor, and facilitator in various contexts in Montenegro and the UK helped me understand the role of young people in society and their inner worlds of hopes, insecurities, and vulnerabilities. My background in Psychology, combined with my experience of MA studies in Youth and Community work in the UK, gave me a broad perspective and inspiration for advocating for better positions for young people and different services that should be offered.
So far, I established and run the Youth club within the Municipality of Budva for seven years. I have also made a tremendous contribution advocating for better legal frames in Montenegrin youth policy and youth work, linking the role of Youth clubs in society, and preventing gender-based violence and revenge pornography.
I truly believe that young people are every country’s biggest social capital, and the role of youth workers is to support them as they transition to adulthood and facilitate their full potential.
Enthusiastic and driven professional with a background in Law and a passion for social impact. Seeking opportunities to leverage my training skills in promoting understanding, diversity, and inclusion, with a focus on youth empowerment, conflict management, group dynamics, and social entrepreneurship.
Social, passionate, and ambitious professional with a proven track record in project coordination, research assistance, and leadership roles. Adept at networking, public speaking, and fostering meaningful connections. Fluent in Arabic, English, and Dutch.
I’m an activist, youth worker and project manager. My biggest motivation are young people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and explore the otherness. Having the opportunity to travel and exchange knowledge and opinions with young people from different realities made me more open-minded and gave me the perspective of the world I have today. I have extensive experience in youth work, project management, facilitating youth exchanges and designing workshops for young people. I was the co-author of a number of publications for youth workers.
Hello! My name is Jasmina, I come from Budva, Montenegro. I’m a youth activist, educator, and cultural coordinator with a background in Japanese studies and a passion for bringing people together.
With years of experience in NGOs and international programs like MIRAI, I’ve led workshops, coordinated events, and advocated for education and cultural exchange. My studies shaped my creative and strategic approach to activism, helping me connect ideas across disciplines, and highlighting my leadership skills. I love to say that activism was responsible for 50% of my personality and I essentially believe it. The people I’ve met, and things I’ve learnt are irreplaceable for me and hold deep value in my life.
I love building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities for young people to learn and grow, and, especially, providing a safe space for everyone. Whether through teaching, organizing, participating, or through meaningful projects, I’m always looking for ways to make a positive impact.
I’ve always found myself drawn to working with youth, and honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else. There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing young people grow, find their voice, and step into leadership roles. Whether it’s through training, mentorship, or simply creating spaces where they feel heard, I’ve made it my mission to be part of that journey.My passion for HR and understanding human behavior plays a big role in this too. I love figuring out what drives people, what makes them tick, and how they can bring out their best. It’s not just about hiring or performance metrics—it’s about people, their stories, and their potential. That’s what keeps me motivated.
One of the biggest turning points for me was being part of the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program. It wasn’t just an experience; it was a transformation. I gained skills in community building, engagement, and leadership that helped me take my work to another level. It also reinforced my belief that real change happens when people come together, exchange ideas, and take action.
As a PET trainer in YEU, I see my role as more than just delivering training. I see myself as someone who can help shape a society where young people feel empowered, included, and capable of making a difference. That’s why I’ve traveled to different regions, meeting young people from all walks of life, giving training, organizing events, and doing whatever I can to bring opportunities closer to them.
At the end of the day, what truly drives me is the idea that every person has something unique to offer the world. If I can help them see that in themselves, even in the smallest way, then I know I’m doing something meaningful.
I am a cultural educator and migration scientist. YEU has been with me since I was 18. I am convinced that we can achieve more together than alone and I am thrilled by the exchange I have experienced not only at YEU. Now I am highly motivated to make these experiences possible for others as a facilitator.
My milestone is my own youth exchange Interculturalog which took place in Slovenia in 2022. Now I am very happy to experience new milestones as a PET member.
I’m Janana Ahmadli, a passionate changemaker dedicated to youth empowerment, conflict resolution, and international development. Since 2017, my journey in youth work has reinforced my belief in the power of small actions to create lasting impact. I am driven by a deep commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities for vulnerable communities and thrive in roles that require strategic thinking, program development, and cross-sector collaboration. Through various local and international initiatives, I have led and co-led programs that equip disadvantaged youth with essential skills and foster community engagement. Currently, as a Project Advisor, I contribute to initiatives that enhance the economic and social participation of vulnerable communities in the Caucasus. My professional path has allowed me to collaborate with international organizations such as the UN and GIZ, further strengthening my expertise in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. Henri Poincaré’s idea that small causes can lead to significant effects deeply resonates with me—just like the butterfly effect, I believe that every effort, no matter how small, has the potential to drive meaningful change.
I am passionate about empowering youth and creating inclusive environments that foster growth and positive change. With a background in business administration and cultural studies, I have developed skills in project management, youth engagement, and facilitation through my work with civil society organizations and initiatives promoting peace and social justice.
I have been working in the youth work field since 2001 as a freelance trainer and youth worker. Being a member of different network organization’s pools of experts
gave me chance to extend my vision and widen my personal network for cooperation in
all public, civic and private sectors. Sharing information and designing learning is my
passion. I am very motivated and happy to be active in civil society.
Panagiotis, also known as Pete, studied Political Sciences and he lives in Belgium (originally from Cyprus). Pete has been active in the sector since 2010 (then member of YEU Cyprus) both as educator and trainer, while later working in various INGYOs (Policy and Advocacy). Personally and professionally, he pays a lot of attention around education and civic engagement, while focusing a lot on inclusion and diversity within and beyond civil society organisations. As part of his work, he has been highly engaged in educational processes linked to Gender Mainstreaming, Accessibility, Digital Education and LGBTQI+ rights.
I am a dedicated trainer and youth worker with a passion for non-formal education, human rights, and storytelling. As an Education Specialist at Toplum Gönüllüleri Vakfı (TOG) since 2023, I design, implement, coordinate and evaluate training programs that support young people in empowering themselves.
My journey in youth work began when I started volunteering at my local youth center, where I discovered the transformative power of non-formal education. This experience led me to co-found a grassroots youth organization (Toy Youth Association) with my fellow volunteers and later colleagues. Later I got to work as a youth worker at the Ali İsmail Korkmaz Foundation in Hatay. Eventually, I transitioned into freelance training, collaborating with various civil society organizations especially youth organizations.
In 2021, I participated in the Council of Europe’s Training of Trainers in Human Rights Education with Young People, which deepened my expertise in the field. Storytelling is another passion of mine, and I love integrating creative methods into trainings. I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to implement storytelling or art into trainings or find learning spaces where I can improve my craft and enhance the experience of the next participants I’m going to work with.
I am a change-driven educator focused on bringing participatory approaches and experiential learning to the forefront of modern education.
– As a senior trainer, I mentor educators in using advanced didactic techniques to enhance learner engagement, both online and offline.
– I design innovative training programs that meet today’s educational needs and offer consulting to foster skills development in emerging trainers.
– With proven expertise in international team leadership, I provide strategic insights on project planning, goal setting, and continuous improvement.
– Backed by a law degree and fluent in six languages, I bring precision, adaptability, and a broad perspective to each project.