Active thinking with Leen

My first experience of participation was in primary school. I was allowed to go to a meeting on environment at school (MOS). I remember that only two people per primary school were allowed to go there. "What an honour!", I thought. It really left an impression. 

Sharing your opinion and standing up for yourself is not always obvious. In my city, I chaired the youth council through which we tried to influence policy. In hindsight, I didn't consciously do enough of that at the time. 

I then volunteered abroad via the European Solidarity Corps. During my volunteer work, we gave presentations for schools to promote international experiences. That way, we wanted to inspire young people to do the same. What has really been a lesson for me is that you are never as open-minded as you think. In a foreign country, you learn so many things. You push your boundaries and you get to know yourself really well. It's a super fun time and you meet so many people. 

Participation for me is ... active young people thinking about a better society. Everyone should have a voice and look at the world with an open mind. You should not only defend your own interest groups, but also try to represent other voices.

This story was originally published in JINT vzw's SCOOP #07, as part of the article Listening, thinking, speaking and doing: three young people on how they make themselves heard in society.

Updated on An Déardaoin, 08/12/2022