“From a Small Village to European Opportunities”

Volunteering and youth participation completely changed my life and helped me discover opportunities that I never imagined were possible for a young person growing up in a rural area of Cyprus.

I was born and raised in Agros Village, a small rural community with limited access to educational activities and youth opportunities. As a young person, it was not always easy to find information or activities that could help me develop personally and professionally. Everything started to change when I became a member of the Agros Youth Club.

Through the Youth Club, I gained access to accurate information about youth programmes at both national and European level. This support helped me develop important soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and intercultural understanding. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to become more active and involved in society.

One of the most valuable experiences for me was participating in several Youth Exchanges through the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes. These projects allowed me to travel abroad, meet young people from different countries, learn about new cultures, and exchange ideas and experiences. Every project helped me grow both personally and socially, while also motivating me to become a more active citizen.

A very important role in my development was played by the Youth Multicentre in Agros, which is a Eurodesk Multiplier. Through the centre, I discovered many opportunities for young people using the Opportunity Finder platform. The guidance and support I received encouraged me to participate in international activities and explore new possibilities for my future.

How have youth opportunities contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life? 

“Participating in youth programmes completely changed my perspective on life. Growing up in a rural area sometimes made me feel that opportunities were limited, but through the Agros Youth Club and the Youth Multicentre, I realised that there are many possibilities for young people who are willing to participate and learn. Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges helped me improve my communication and teamwork skills, become more independent, and feel more confident speaking with people from different cultures. These experiences also motivated me to become more active in my local community and support other young people to discover similar opportunities.”

Why do you believe youth participation and volunteering are important? 

“I believe youth participation and volunteering are extremely important because they help young people develop skills that cannot always be learned in school. They also encourage solidarity, active citizenship, and cooperation between people from different backgrounds and cultures. Young people gain experiences that help them both personally and professionally, while communities also benefit from their energy, ideas, and involvement.”
What message would you like to share with other young people from rural areas? 

“I would like to encourage young people from rural areas not to be afraid to explore opportunities beyond their village or community. Even if access to information can sometimes be difficult, organisations such as Youth Clubs, Eurodesk centres, and youth organisations can open many doors. Participating in youth projects can truly change your life, help you grow, and show you that your background does not limit your future.”

Updated on Wednesday, 10/06/2026