"Since 2006 the European Union has a new Youth programme called Youth in Action. It is designed for young people from 15-28 and aims to inspire a sense of active citizenship, solidarity and tolerance among young Europeans. It offers different types of programmes and workshops about exchange, non-formal learning, intercultural dialogue etc.
On 1st of January 2011 Switzerland joined the Youth in Action programme as a new member on the basis of a bilateral agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation. This gives Swiss Citizens working with young people the opportunity to participate in the workshops and trainings offered.

The first Youth in Action Training in Switzerland was held in Solothurn from 9th-17th of April 2011 and focussed on Leadership and Empowerment. As one of the organizers of the study trips this summer, IFIL gave me the possibility to participate in the training and learn more about my leadership and organizational competences. The main points of the training programme were self-empowerment, empowerment of the others, project management and leadership qualities. Our international trainer team motivated us to learn more about these topics in a non-formal way. Instead of holding speeches or presentations, they often made us work in groups and used different methods, such as open discussions, role-plays, learning games etc. Besides the practical things we learnt in the training, the social aspect was of enormous importance. It was very interesting to meet all the other participants, people working with youngsters from all over Europe. It was nice to see how well everybody worked together. Once more this was a proof that intercultural learning is getting more and more important in our globalized world, and that it can be lots of FUN!!

Now, one week after the training, I feel happy about all the people I met, the things I learnt and the experiences I made during this intense week in Solothurn. I want to thank all the participants, the trainers, the National Agency (ch Stiftung) and IFIL for giving me this opportunity. I will surely apply some of the things I learnt for the organization and realization of the study trip to Mexico. And I am already looking forward to two unforgettable weeks in Mexico which will offer our participants a great intercultural learning experience. See you soon!"
 

Bianca Hunkeler is the co-organizer of this year's IFIL study trip to Mexico