Young changemakers take a stand at ‘Stand Up – Speak Out’ workshop!

By Alexia Fekka

How do you usually spend your Saturday afternoon? Scrolling through social media? Watching Netflix? What if you could use that time to spark change instead?

Recently, a group of young activists and aspiring changemakers from across Cyprus did just that! They gathered in Limassol for ‘Stand Up – Speak Out: A Workshop for Changemakers’—an inspiring and interactive event designed to equip young people with the skills and confidence to take action on causes they care about.

The workshop was organised by the informal groups CurioCity, Between Us Cyprus, and Polychoros Voroklinis (NGO), in partnership with United Youth of Cyprus (UYC) under the European youth project “Participation Beyond Voting II.” This initiative is part of the Erasmus+ Key Action 1 Youth Participation Activities project (2023-1-CY02-KA154-YOU-000150187).

Led by non-formal education trainers and facilitators Doxia Mina and Pantelitsa Eleftheriou, the workshop provided a space for young people aged 16-30 to explore their passions, develop advocacy skills, and strategise ways to create sustainable impact. Through a mix of technical training, strategic thinking exercises and discussions on civic engagement, participants learned how to transform their interests into effective, actionable efforts.

From identifying personal values to amplifying their voices and measuring real change, they engaged in hands-on activities designed to strengthen their role as active citizens.

The energy in the room was electric, proving that young people in Cyprus are ready to stand up, speak out and make a difference!

A space for learning, connection and action

The workshop highlighted how both individual and collective actions can drive change, addressing pressing issues – including the current situation in Cyprus – and fostering connections between different communities. By the end of the event, participants left with a deeper understanding of their role as changemakers and a clearer path to meaningful civic engagement.

“Co-organising the workshop for changemakers has been an incredible journey,” said Maria Erotokritou, one of the organisers and founders of United Youth of Cyprus. “I loved seeing young people attend their first workshop and hearing them ask when the next one will be. It really showed that the event was a success. It was inspiring to see how they believe in their ability to make a change and understand the positive ripple effect their actions can have in our communities. We hope to help them have an even bigger impact and bring their ideas to life.”

Engaging activities, thought-provoking discussions

Participants took part in a variety of interactive activities that encouraged collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. Discussions explored the history of activism, famous activists and their role in advocacy movements. Attendees also shared their favourite activists and the reasons behind their choices, sparking thoughtful exchanges on leadership and inspiration.

An icebreaker game helped participants connect through fun questions, fostering a sense of community. One of the highlights of the workshop was the “challenge” activity, where groups completed a series of creative and interactive tasks – including composing a song about the workshop, choreographing a fun dance to accompany it and taking a photo with a local community member.

These activities not only promoted teamwork and creativity but also made the day fun and memorable.

The diverse activities gave participants an exciting opportunity to forge new friendships, exchange ideas and build relationships across different backgrounds. The workshop proved to be a dynamic space for cultivating understanding, encouraging collaboration, and empowering young changemakers to take meaningful steps toward a better future.

A step toward positive change

Overall, the workshop was an inspiring and transformative experience! Participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, artistic expression and meaningful connections – all of which motivated them to take action. ‘Stand Up – Speak Out’ fostered dialogue, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to building a brighter future – not just in Cyprus, but globally.

Alexia Fekka was a participant in the workshop