The “Youth Council of Oreokastro” project was a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering young people and promoting their active participation in democratic life and decision-making processes at the local level. Through the establishment of a Local Youth Council and the development of an e-consultation platform, the project sought to strengthen youth voices, with particular focus on young people from rural areas and those with fewer opportunities. At the same time, it contributed to enhancing cooperation between youth, local authorities, and civil society, fostering a more inclusive and participatory model of local governance.
During its implementation, a wide range of activities was carried out to encourage dialogue and collaboration. Focus groups and consultation meetings enabled young people to express their needs, concerns, and ideas, while also participating in exchanges of good practices with established Youth Councils. Furthermore, structured dialogue meetings were organized with local authorities and policymakers, allowing young participants to actively contribute to the development of policies that directly affected their lives. These activities supported the development of key competences such as active citizenship, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Special emphasis was also placed on the use of digital tools, including e-consultation and e-voting, which enhanced participants’ digital skills and expanded their opportunities to engage in democratic processes. The project resulted in the creation of a sustainable participation mechanism through the Local Youth Council, while also producing valuable outputs such as a practical guideline for establishing Youth Councils. Its results were used as good practices and served as inspiration for other municipalities, contributing to the wider promotion of youth participation at local, national, and European levels.