SAYP 2024–2025: Advancing Youth Inclusion Across the Eastern Partnership
With funding from the Swedish Institute (SI) and in partnership with Armenian Progressive Youth (APY), Fryshuset delivered the SAYP programme in 2024–2025 with participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Ukraine.
The programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations in the Eastern Partnership countries to develop and implement innovative solutions to youth inclusion. It provides participants with tools to facilitate youth participation in diverse settings and practices. In a rapidly changing world, it is important to recognise evolving forms of youth engagement and the motivations that drive young people to participate.
Programme Impact
The SAYP 2024–2025 cohort reported strong outcomes in both individual development and organisational capacity building:
- 70% of participants reported that their knowledge about inclusive leadership increased to a very large extent as a result of the programme.
- 70% agreed to a large extent that they now have the tools to practice inclusive leadership in their organisations and communities.
- 100% of participants reported that they now have tools for personal development, self-knowledge, and self-reflection.
Participants’ Voices
Participants reflected on their experience with strong personal and professional insights:
“It was truly inspiring for personal development mostly, which will lead organisational efficiency. Also, networking part was very important connecting with like-minded individuals working on the same topic.”
“I think I learned more about my role in this life as a professional, and within my organisation. I am more self-confident now and can lead the younger generations to achieve their goals in their life path.”
“One of my most important takeaways from the program is the value of inclusive leadership – understanding how to lead with empathy, involve diverse voices, and create space for meaningful youth participation. I also gained practical tools for team-building and learned how to better connect local challenges with global goals like the SDGs. Most importantly, I realised the importance of self-awareness and leading from within before trying to create change around me.”
What Comes Next
Building on the strong results and positive feedback from the 2024–2025 cycle, Fryshuset and its partners have applied for and successfully secured funding to continue the programme. The programme is now moving forward with a second SAYP cycle, further strengthening inclusive leadership capacities and expanding the network of young professionals across the Eastern Partnership region.