From 3 to 7 March, 26 young people and trainers are participating in a study session titled “Youth in Leadership Today: The Pathway Forward” at the European Youth Centre Budapest. The study session, organised to empower young individuals within Student Christian Movements, focuses on fostering inclusive, fair, and socially just leadership, while deepening their appreciation for ecumenism.
The study session aims to enhance collaboration between national organisations and World Student Christian Federation – Europe (WSCF-E) as an umbrella organisation. Additionally, it seeks to improve participants' self-awareness, intercultural competence, and intersectional knowledge. A key focus is promoting shared decision-making to facilitate knowledge transfer and fostering a sense of belonging to the organisation through heritage sharing, helping participants develop a common identity.
This study session offers a unique opportunity for young leaders to enhance their skills, connect with peers, and contribute to a more inclusive and just world. Participants Henriette and Evelyn expressed their appreciation for the setting, stating: "We are here again, hosted by the European Youth Centre Budapest, which adds more spirit and meaning to what we do. The environment created in the youth centers here in Budapest and Strasbourg is truly meaningful and bring added value to the youth activities by just being ready to host us in youthful environment. Each corner of the building gives the feeling that we are where we belong.”
They also highlighted the unexpected yet enriching experience of sharing the space with another youth activity: “Even though we are in a study session related to leadership involving Christian youth movements, we are here at a time when another study session with World Organisation of Scout Movement – European Support Centre (WOSM) is taking place in parallel. This space offers us the opportunity to meet other young people, share, engage, and network even though we did not expect it. Isn't it a unique and desirable space for youth in general?"
