Written by Gresë Sermaxhaj
Youth Time has brought the atmosphere that has prevailed in six-day training held in Belgrade, Serbia with media and information experts, but no one can describe it better than the participants.
Therefore, in this article, four wonderful young people join their voices and share their impressions and the things they learned from this training.
These were among 50 participants, of more than 20 nationalities, who gathered in the Serbian capital from August 27 to September 1 to learn and discuss media and information in these times.
The topics discussed were; Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the media and social networks, the work of journalists, communication methods, rumors, as well as freedom of expression and its limits. This event was also accompanied by interactive panels and a visit to the BETA news agency.
As all participants affirm, this activity empowered and inspired these young people. As through this event, the young people not only better understood the importance of media in their lives, but also created friendships during this difficult time when we are all facing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Young people who can bring change
Thanks to this program, 20-year-old Jana Vítová from the Czech Republic heard about Hegel for the first time.
From her past experience in Isla, she already knew she would meet wonderful people at this event.
"That's actually what happened," she claims.
"In addition, I learned something very powerful, which I think should have been mentioned at the beginning of our discussions. It's about Hegel's philosophy and that you always have to have two different sides before you create something new."
So, if we ask her how she got into this activity, her answer includes Hegel's philosophy.
"I had a great time and felt very inspired, but I also had moments when I was sad and angry. In the end, I can pull my feelings together and achieve something new - I am finally strong and ready to make a difference," she adds happily.
Vítová is not the only one who rates the program and the benefits derived from it so highly.
23-year-old Olivera Mitić, from Smederevo, Serbia, also thinks the program was extremely good - starting from the organizers, speakers to the participants.
“It was a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by passionate people in a field that interests me a lot. I learned a lot during this week, and the fact that this event was organized in Belgrade - the city where I have lived for the last few years - gives me hope that such activities will come to the Balkans.”
“I think we really need these activities,” says Mitić, a journalist and literary critic.
Appreciation of each other
Thanks to this activity, 29-year-old Anna Demina, who lives in Petersburg, Russia, came to Serbia for the first time.
“The most important thing is the people. Events like this are not only about sharing experiences, but also about finding company. Thanks to the organizers, everything was perfect.”
Demina believes that the participants created a calm and good-humored atmosphere.
"Since this was a valuable experience, I hope I can be part of other activities as well."
Another participant, Christopher Sebastian, also emphasizes the importance of participants.
"This event was very fulfilling for me. All the participants were wonderful, and the speakers were knowledgeable in the field. The organizers were very supportive," says Sebastian, who is a media theorist.
Even though he didn't come with clear expectations, he nevertheless created better connections than he could have foreseen.
"I am very grateful to the Youth Time International Movement," he says in conclusion.
After seeing and witnessing how these participants benefited from this activity, we are reminded of something that michael berg, Youth Time International Movement (YTIM), had said before the rally was held.
"We aim to create environments that are comfortable enough, and hopefully will enable others to gain the knowledge to accept and embrace differences," he said.
And today, almost two weeks after this training, we can add something like this:
The YTIM training in Belgrade created new friendships and new professional and personal connections. If we consider the successes of the trainings past, it seems there was simply no other option.
About YOU
YTIM is a non-profit and non-political organization, founded in Prague, Czech Republic in 2010 by three passionate young people from the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Russia, who had in mind the urgent need to create an initiative for a brighter future in various spheres.
YTIM believes that the need for social change is urgent throughout the world and that it is precisely young people who can play the most active role in creating a global community towards achieving a bright future for all.
This training was held thanks to the support received from Erasmus+.