Individual
Charents 5, 1102 Vagharshapat, Armenia
A practice of processes and methods
After participating in EGL 2025, as a Vagharshapat municipality staff member, I aimed to strengthen and modernize youth work in Vagharshapat by turning leadership learning into concrete, community-based action. The purpose of my practice was to make youth work more visible and impactful.
First, I addressed the visibility of youth services by creating engaging digital reels, making opportunities more accessible and relatable for young people.
To empower young people directly, I organized a leadership and youth law camp focused on civic awareness, rights education, and active participation and decision-making. In addition,
Finally, working toward the ESC Quality Label aimed to raise quality standards and expand international cooperation.
Overall, the practice sought to build a connected youth ecosystem where young people are informed, engaged, and recognized as active contributors to community development.
In 2025, I had the opportunity to participate in the SALTO Youth EGL Programme, an experience that marked an important step in both my personal and professional development. What began as a learning journey gradually became a space for reflection, exchange, and growth.
Through study visits to Greece and Moldova, I engaged in meaningful conversations on issues that are deeply relevant to young people today. These were not only conversations about challenges, but also about responsibility for the role we, as young individuals, play in shaping more inclusive and resilient communities.
The programme encouraged a shift in perspective. It challenged me to move beyond familiar frameworks, to think more critically, and to approach ideas with greater intention. It was not about immediate answers, but about learning to ask better questions and to recognize possibilities where there once seemed to be limitations.
Equally significant were the people I met along the way. Coming from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, each participant contributed a distinct viewpoint. Our exchanges were thoughtful and enriching, and over time, they developed into meaningful connections grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose.
Returning to my community, I felt a clear sense of responsibility to translate this experience into action.
I organized a youth camp focused on leadership and youth law to strengthen awareness and encourage more active participation among young people. The initiative created a space for dialogue, learning, and self-expression, essential elements in fostering engaged and informed youth.
In cooperation with Ejmiatsin Youth House, we also developed digital content addressing youth work and related topics. Through these efforts, we sought to reach a wider audience and to encourage greater involvement in community and civic life.
At the same time, we initiated efforts to advocate for the introduction of youth workers within the municipality, as well as the inclusion of international long-term volunteers at Ejmiatsin Youth House. These initiatives are intended to contribute to more sustainable structures for youth development and to strengthen the overall ecosystem of youth engagement at the local level.
This journey reinforced a simple but important understanding: when young people are provided with the right environment, support, and opportunities, they are fully capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities, not only as participants but as active agents of change. Sincerely, Siranush Gevorgyan
The implementation of this practice led to visible and measurable improvements in youth engagement, institutional development, and cooperation at the local level.
First, the digital reels significantly increased the visibility of youth services. More young people became aware of available programs, and engagement on social media platforms increased. As a result, participation in youth activities grew, and youth work became more recognizable within the community.
Second, the leadership and youth law camp strengthened participants’ knowledge, confidence, and civic awareness. Young people demonstrated greater willingness to express their opinions, take initiative, and engage in decision-making processes within their community.
Overall, the practice resulted in a more connected youth ecosystem: communication improved, youth participation increased, and institutional capacity was strengthened. The combined effect was a shift from passive involvement toward active youth engagement and more professional local youth work practices.
Youth work policy