YAMAG, the Voice of Youth

My name is Nicola Strappazzon, and I am from Italy, specifically from the province of Vicenza. Over the past two years, I have served as an assistant project manager for the YAMAG project, co-funded by the European Union and part of the Erasmus+ programme. The project brings together local public administrations and third-sector organisations from Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Romania. My involvement with YAMAG began during a civil service experience, a year-long programme for young people aged 18 to 29 to contribute to their communities by serving in local organisations. The civil service placement I chose was at the Eurodesk point, which also serves as the Youth Information Office (Informagiovani - Infoeuropa) of the Municipality of Bassano del Grappa, a service closely linked to youth policies. During this time I began a collaboration with the office as an internal operator, supporting every phase of the project, which unfolded and developed over 24 months. 

Each phase of the project was coordinated by one of the partners, while the Municipality of Bassano del Grappa, as the lead organisation, was responsible for overseeing the proper implementation of the planned activities. The YAMAG project is dedicated to fostering a more active and meaningful role for young people in shaping their communities and societies. It seeks to promote civic and democratic participation among youth, not only at the local level but also across Europe, recognising the importance of empowering young voices in broader decision-making processes. 

By actively listening to their concerns and embracing their innovative perspectives, the project aspires to build stronger, more meaningful connections between youth and institutions, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering mutual collaboration for a better future.

As the project draws to a close, it is evident that YAMAG has been an opportunity not only for me on a professional level but also for all the parties involved. 

In a rapidly evolving society, where the engagement of younger generations in the life of their country is increasingly at risk, gaining a clear understanding of the dynamics at play and the actions required to bridge existing gaps, both on the part of institutions and their representatives as well as the youth themselves, offers a glimmer of hope. 

The project presented a powerful example of municipalities and organisations from different European states coming together to listen to voices, voices that are growing fainter. The sense of apparent powerlessness echoes in the shared narratives of young people: their actions and their inaction are both a call for help, representation and understanding. They are crucial to building solid foundations and securing a sustainable future for society. They are the future. In this context, YAMAG has acted as a spark, igniting an engine that could concretize tangible impacts in the near horizon, inspiring people, Institutions and the new generation in engaging in initiatives with the same goals, to carry forward the same vital message.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026