A few weeks ago, YMCA Europe joined the National Championship of the VEX Robotics Competition, organised by our Belgian partner FuturesUs. What we witnessed went far beyond a robotics contest. There were intense matches, coding under pressure and last-minute technical adjustments. But more importantly, there was teamwork. Young people coordinating strategy. Testing ideas. Solving problems…
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February 25th, YMCA Europe participated in the stakeholder dialogue of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) at the European Parliament, contributing to the discussion on the future of the Erasmus+ 2028–2034 programme, with a particular focus on volunteering. Jessica Woitalla represented our network, bringing forward the experience of YMCAs across Europe in delivering non-formal…
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YMCA Europe visited H20 Esports Campus in Purmerend (Netherlands) to better understand how gaming and creative technology can be intentionally structured as pathways toward skills development and youth empowerment. H20 operates as a Creative Tech and Gaming Campus where esports competitions coexist with training environments in streaming, content creation, game development, robotics and AI-related learning.…
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YMCA Europe met with Digital Twinners (InformAR and TwaanLab), to explore how immersive technologies and digital twin solutions could support the development of its Digital Hub network across Europe. The exchange focused on practical applications rather than technology trends. Digital twins created through platforms such as Matterport can allow YMCA locations to be virtually accessible…
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On 24 February 2026, YMCA participated in the Brussels dialogue Pathways Forward: Talent on the Move, focused on labour mobility, youth migration and skills shortages across Europe, organised by the Migration Youth & Children Platform. A clear reality framed the discussion: Europe faces structural labour gaps, while many young migrants and refugees remain excluded from…
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You are preparing a session, you care about the topic, you want it to matter. And you ask yourself: Will this land? There is a quiet moment every youth worker knows. OASIS was created for that moment. Not as another manual. Not as another theoretical framework. But as something that genuinely supports the everyday reality…
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The full scale war was declared four years ago affecting communities across Ukraine, followed by actions that continues having dramatic effects across the region, all neighbouring countries and the rest of Europe. Darkness, displacement and fear returned again to the heart of our continent causing sorrow among millions of people which lives changed drastically like…
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Over three inspiring days at Greenhill, Northern Ireland, YMCA leaders, staff, and volunteers came together for Digital in Action — a dynamic event hosted by YMCA Ireland in collaboration with YMCA Europe. The focus was clear: harness digital equity and innovation to strengthen youth engagement, deepen community impact, and future-proof the YMCA movement. Day One:…
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The 2026 EU funding programmes are now officially open, this is not simply another funding cycle, but is a strategic moment that will determine programme continuity, staff capacity, partnerships, and long-term development. To support organisations in navigating this landscape, we have compiled a clear overview of the key calls, deadlines, and eligibility conditions (linked below).…
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YMCA Setúbal is inviting young people from around the world to join its International Summer Camp Counsellor Programme in 2026, taking place at YMCA Camp Alambre, located in the heart of Portugal’s stunning Arrábida Natural Park. This programme offers a unique opportunity to work with children and young people while living in nature, developing leadership…
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