Pool of European Young Journalists (Edition 2022) - Get to know the project and the authors behind the content
The European Commission, with the support of Eurodesk, aimed to engage young people in the design of the European Year of Youth 2022.
In view of this, a Pool of European Young Journalists had been set up, which aimed at giving young people a voice as storytellers. The young journalists were responsible for writing articles, creating videos and podcasts on themes of interest to young people and related to the European Year of Youth.
They chose the topics themselves and developed the content alone or as part of a team. The European Commission did not influence their position which was the responsibility of the respective authors.
The pool was also given the opportunity to cover main European events happening during the European Year of Youth and report back from the ground.
Curious about who was behind the first content edition 2022? Have a look at their bios below.
Agnė Jankauskaitė
“I'm Agnė, a secondary-education student from Lithuania. And I would like to channel my next educational steps towards Journalism studies.”
Aleesha Wiegandt
“I am a 21-year-old Politics and French student from Cork, Ireland, currently living in Lille, France. I have over five years experience as a committed volunteer and youth worker with YMCA Ireland, Comhairle na nÓg and EIL Ireland. I have also chaired the Suicide Awareness and Mental Health Society in University College Cork for a year after sitting as Public Relations Officer on the Committee the year prior.”
Anna Marek
“I'm up for all possible challenges, adding the right dose of humour to them. I am primarily interested in talking to young people who introduce real changes.”
Austėja Dumčiūtė
“I am Austėja Dumčiūtė from Klaipėda, Lithuania. Probably the best definition of me would be that I don't know how to say NO. And that is why I am trying to climb out of my comfort zone in every step I can. I love to talk, I enjoy being in the center of attention, and the Lithuanian saying “Don't give to eat, give to talk” also fits me very well. I live near the Baltic sea and I love the sea, I love the sun and probably because of that I am full of positive thinking and passion.”
Harry McCann
“I am a 23 years old Irish award-winning entrepreneur and journalist working to empower youth across the globe. I am also the founder of the first Digital Youth Council, a not-for-profit organisation that works to give young people a voice in STEM and education, and ambassador for the #SaferInternet4EU campaign launched by Commissioner Mariya Gabriel. I am currently studying a Masters in Politic Communications at Dublin City University (DCU).”
Kacper Król
“My name is Kacper, I’m 23 years old and I’m a graduate of Journalism and Social Communication. For now, I’m studying Media productions and International and EU law in University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska in Lublin. During three years I have been working in the Radio Centrum newsroom, where I have been a reporter and publisher.”
Leonie Kirstein
“Being a part of the European Pool of Young Journalists allows me to make my voice heard and work towards a better future because I really believe in the importance of spaces where participation of young people in Europe is encouraged.”
Lorenzo Tecleme
“I am a student, activist, and journalist. I have written about climate policy and foreign affairs for several Italian media (Repubblica, Jacobin Italia, theWise) and was one of the correspondents of the newspaper Domani in Cop26, the UN Conference on climate change. I have always been very interested in the subject of the climate crisis.”
Mai Ly Le
“I am Mai Ly, 17 years old and I come from Darmstadt, Germany. At my school, I have founded a school newspaper and enjoy standing up for students’ rights as head girl. In my freetime, I play the violin, dance acrobatic Rock’n’Roll and read a lot.”
Maria Bajorek
“I am a young journalist from Poland. I am keen on media world since two years. I have already experience writing in three youth newspapers and I am also creating a social project about media and disinformation. I am responsible for making podcasts and writing articles. This project won a prize for the best educational project in Poland in 2021. I am volunteering in at the local community level and I am also passionate about all topics related to politics, media and leadership.”
Paulina Tura
“My name is Paulina. My passion is traveling, sailing, culture, and meeting new people. I am very curious and I love gaining new knowledge. I work for education, the local community, and supporting self-development. I am mostly interested in topics related to travel, ecology, education, culture, and their impact on people.”
