As part of the Youth Ambassadors of Non-Formal Learning – Phase 2 (YAMNFL2) project, a vibrant group of young ambassadors from across Europe gathered in Thessaloniki from May 12–17, 2025, for a study visit that redefined their views on education, inclusion, and civic engagement. Hosted by the United Societies of Balkans (USB), the visit provided a dynamic platform to witness how non-formal learning (NFL) can drive youth empowerment, social innovation, and employability.
This initiative brought together young changemakers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Italy, and Greece sharing a common goal to learn, connect, and collaborate on solutions for youth challenges through non-traditional educational methods.
The Purpose: Bridging Learning with Real-World Impact
The study visit was designed to:
- Explore the implementation of non-formal education in youth work;
- Visit local social enterprises and NGOs as models of best practice;
- Create opportunities for international networking and knowledge exchange;
- Discover innovative youth support mechanisms for learning, activism, and professional growth.
From engaging workshops to real-world immersion, participants left Thessaloniki with more than just ideas. They carried home new skills, contacts, and a shared commitment to fostering positive change in their communities.
A Tour Through Thessaloniki’s Social Innovation Scene
Throughout the visit, participants had the chance to engage directly with a range of local organisations and initiatives, including:
- Irida Women’s Centre
- Odyssea Youth Center
- InContACT
- Stimmuli for Social Change
- ActionAid Youth Center
- Move-it NGO
These institutions demonstrated how the NFL can be harnessed to support vulnerable groups, develop life skills, and promote employability, especially among women, migrants, and youth.
Participant Voices: Stories of Growth and Inspiration
Dimitris-Lavrentis Vardakis (Greece)
‘’The most meaningful part of the study visit was the opportunity to engage directly with local social enterprises and organizations such as Irida Women’s Centre, Odyssea Youth Center, and ActionAid Youth Center. Meeting passionate individuals who are successfully applying NFL methods in their professional and personal lives was truly inspiring. It highlighted how NFL can empower young people and create a tangible social impact.
The study visit also emphasized how essential cooperation is between civil society groups, youth professionals, and businesses. I gained practical insights into how NFL can be integrated into initiatives supporting youth employability, self-development, and civic engagement. NFL is a powerful tool for inclusion, empowerment, and community change.
I recommend joining a similar activity to anyone! It’s an incredible experience that expands your horizons, equips you with fresh insights, and connects you with a network of passionate people. It’s an opportunity to exchange ideas and leave with new energy, tools, and motivation to create impact in your field.’’
Iman Dilberović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
‘’The most meaningful part of the study visit in Thessaloniki was the opportunity to connect with inspiring young people from different countries who all shared a common interest in youth work and social impact. Being part of such a diverse group helped me reflect on the similarities we face as young people across Europe, and the creative ways we can approach those challenges together. The welcoming atmosphere and open-minded discussions made it easy to exchange ideas and build strong personal and professional connections. These moments of intercultural dialogue left a lasting impression on me and reminded me of the power of cooperation and empathy.
The visit provided me with valuable insights into how youth organisations in different European countries operate and collaborate. I gained practical skills through interactive workshops, especially in areas like CV writing, teamwork, and designing non-formal educational activities. These skills are not only useful for my personal and professional development, but they will also help me in my work as a youth worker and volunteer back home. I returned with new tools, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose to implement positive change in my community.
Even though I had previous experience with non-formal learning, this visit gave me a deeper understanding of how powerful it can be in empowering young people. It strengthened my belief that participation in such educational formats fosters creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. I now see non-formal education not just as a method, but as a vital approach for active citizenship and youth empowerment. It motivated me to advocate even more for these types of opportunities within my own local and regional networks.
To anyone thinking of participating in a project like this, I would say go for it without hesitation. It’s a life-changing experience that helps you grow in ways you might not expect.
You’ll learn, explore, make friendships that cross borders, and most importantly, come back inspired to contribute to your own community. This kind of project shows you that you’re not alone in your efforts, and that a network of passionate young people is out there working for a better future.’’
Bobana Milić (Montenegro)
‘’The most meaningful part of the study visit was connecting with new people through workshops and visits to NGOs. Listening to their experiences, inspiring journeys, and personal stories was truly enriching. For just five days, I significantly improved my communication, language, and group management skills.
This experience completely reshaped my perspective on non-formal learning, as I gained valuable insights that can’t be found online or in traditional resources.
I would strongly encourage anyone interested in broadening their horizons to take part in similar programs — it’s a powerful way to grow and discover your true potential.’’
Miljana Kajo (Albania)
‘’One of the most meaningful parts of this experience for me was visiting IncontACT organisation. It felt like the pure form of what non-formal education is all about. The session was led by a former teacher in formal education, and it was a genuine space for sharing, connection, and reflection. Through art and meditation, we get to express ourselves freely and explore how much we each matter, both individually and as part of a bigger community.
Another moment I won’t forget was joining a workshop that wasn’t originally on the program. It was held for Romani Resistance Day, and it opened my eyes to things I didn’t know before. What made it extra special was that we were fully involved in a real workshop in the city of Thessaloniki, not just watching, but truly participating with the locals.
Visiting the different centers and seeing their work was inspiring. It was very insightful for me that these organisations, even though they focus on different issues, work together as one supportive system. It showed me how deeply connected our challenges are and how important it is to collaborate.
This whole visit gave me a new way of looking at non-formal education, not just as an alternative method, but as a powerful tool for real, lasting change. I saw it well, in places like the Women’s Center and Odyssea Youth Center, where they’ve been helping women and migrants gain skills, find better job opportunities, and slowly build a new life. I’ve come to believe that even small, steady efforts can lead to big, meaningful changes.
To anyone thinking about joining activities like this, I’d say don’t think twice. It’s a privilege to be part of these experiences and to have valuable knowledge handed to you. You’ll give and receive so many meaningful things. You’ll see new realities that spark inspiration, meet beautiful souls from whom you’ll learn and share positive energy, and most of all, you’ll discover the power of difference and the beauty of embracing it. Importantly, you’ll gain a new understanding of non-formal education and how you can use it to continue making a difference in your community and beyond.’’
Francesca Atzeni (Italy)
“The most significant part of this experience was the opportunity to learn and observe firsthand, in a tangible way, some realities that are symbols of positive change in Greece, and in particular in Thessaloniki. These realities offer numerous opportunities, not only in terms of training but also of volunteering.
During these four days, I learned a lot, and I returned to Italy inspired by the desire to take action. In my hometown, there is still a lot to do, but this experience has given me a glimmer of hope. I learned new techniques to facilitate dialogue and involve people in group activities, which are also useful in resolving conflicts that can arise even among people united around common projects. Before this journey, I did not have a clear vision of what non-formal education really meant or of its impact on society.
Thanks to this opportunity, I was able to delve deeper into non-formal education and witness it firsthand. To those considering participating in a similar activity, I say: go, let yourself be inspired, and absorb everything you can, not only from the visits that you will make, but also from the people you’ll meet along the way. Each one, with their story, experiences, and testimonies, will contribute to making your trip even more meaningful and enriching.”
Olympia Triantafyllou (Greece)
‘’Words fail to fully express what this Study Visit has meant to me, both as an active member of this society and as a growing individual.
To begin with, its educational aspect broadened my knowledge of non-formal education and its benefits. To elaborate, we visited many NGOs ( Odyssea, Irida Women’s Centre, Move It, in contACT, stimmuli, ActionAid) that not only heartily welcomed us but also helped us perceive the fact that the community’s improvement can be achieved unconventionally. They highlighted the importance of inclusiveness and open-mindedness as factors that contribute to empowerment. Hence, we were given inspiration, and simultaneously, we advanced our employability skills.
But the Study Visit’s effect on me wasn’t just about expanding my knowledge. To specify it triggered my self-reflection. Every participant shared their stories, which helped us to really connect with each other and grow emotionally together. In some workshops, we talked about identity and its connection with non-formal education in a manner that encouraged us to comprehend the human’s endless evolution and its fluidity.
Personally, to a person who is thinking about joining similar activities, I would suggest that they stop thinking and apply immediately! Every minute of it was worth it.”
Tarik Čolić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
‘’The most significant part of this study visit in Thessaloniki was the opportunity to meet and interact with people from different nations and the local NGO staff. The encounters allowed me to have a clearer view of how young people’s activities and civil society function in Europe. I found the information-intensive workshops particularly enjoyable, informative, and practical because I acquired useful skills, including how to build a strong and effective CV, which I will leverage in my working life for sure.
Even though I had some experience with the NFL, the visit changed my viewpoint on that once more; today, I see it as a viable platform for gaining knowledge, empowerment, and community. To anyone who is thinking of pursuing an activity similar to this, I would recommend it with all my heart. It’s not only an experience that opens your eyes but also motivates you to do something in your community.’’
Nicola Piccioni (Italy)
‘’One of the most meaningful parts of this study visit was the unexpected bond that formed during the games we played together. What seemed like simple group activities turned into profound conversations about youth, identity, and the challenges we all face in different corners of the world. Each idea that was shared was new to me and I found myself constantly inspired by the diversity of perspectives around me.
One of the highlights of the visit was exploring various NGOs in Thessaloniki. Each one had its own story and its way of empowering youth. Through these visits, I saw how cities can become fertile ground for youth development when space, trust, and resources are made available. It made me think deeply about my community: what we have, what we’re missing, and how we might begin to create spaces that are more inclusive, more inspiring, and more ours.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this kind of experience to anyone, not only for the themes we explored, but for the community we built along the way. The facilitators created a space where I felt truly safe to be myself, and the participants brought so much warmth, honesty, and fun. We laughed, we debated, we dreamed, and in this mix, we created something beautiful we can bring home with us.’’
The Bigger Picture: Why NFL Matters
Non-formal learning has long been recognized by European youth policies as a key driver of inclusion, self-confidence, and employability. The YAMNFL2 project actively promotes its recognition and integration across Western Balkan and EU countries.
By providing first-hand experiences in grassroots initiatives, this study visit allowed participants to see how theory meets practice, and how local efforts can contribute to regional and global goals in youth development.
Collaboration Across Borders
The study visit proved that when young people from different cultures come together, magic happens, not just in the learning process, but in the spirit of solidarity, empathy, and shared action.
From deep conversations to spontaneous city explorations, the ambassadors built bonds that go far beyond project deliverables. These relationships now serve as the foundation of future cooperation and cross-border youth initiatives.
This study visit was not just a trip to another city; it was a journey of transformation, empowerment, and connection. It reminded everyone involved that education doesn’t only happen in classrooms, and that sometimes, the most important lessons are learned by stepping out into the world and engaging with others.
The YAMNFL2 project continues to show that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
