The Importance of Policy Making and Media Advocacy – From Rural to Plural, Romania - 2025 Erasmus+ Training Course

Blog post written by Lara Bajada Young

Thanks to the incredible support of TDM2000 Malta, I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ training course “From Rural to Plural - The Importance of Policy Making and Media Advocacy”, held in Romania. This experience was not only professionally enriching but also personally transformative, deepening my understanding of how youth policymaking and media advocacy can create real impact in our communities.

Representing TDM2000 Malta and bringing with me the knowledge and insights gained through my work with FAA – Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, I joined a diverse group of participants from across Europe to explore how policy frameworks and media tools can be used to amplify youth voices – particularly those of rural youth who are often overlooked in broader social and political conversations. I also took part in the project with the aim of further expanding my knowledge, which I intend to apply in my ongoing work with FAA. The training offered a comprehensive overview of advocacy strategies, policymaking processes, and the power of storytelling in influencing public discourse and institutional change.

The sessions covered a wide range of topics, from analysing youth participation in decision-making structures to crafting compelling messages and campaigns through both traditional and digital media. It was eye-opening to learn how coordinated media advocacy efforts can lead to more inclusive policies and how youth can play an active role in shaping their own futures.

Beyond the content, what truly made the experience special was the strong intercultural exchange. Being surrounded by passionate youth workers, students, and NGO representatives from so many different backgrounds was both energising and inspiring. Together, we shared experiences, discussed challenges specific to our countries, and developed a collective sense of purpose around strengthening rural communities through inclusive youth engagement.

This training has already sparked new ideas and renewed motivation in my ongoing work. As a first step, I am working with FAA to gather insights from the local community. We are currently inviting people to participate in a short survey aimed at understanding perspectives on living in Malta, with a particular focus on the potential need for a carrying capacity assessment – a concept discussed during the training that really resonated with me in the Maltese context.

I would like to sincerely thank TDM2000 Malta for making this opportunity possible and for continuing to invest in the development of young people, both locally and internationally. Their ongoing support ensures that youth like myself can take part in such valuable learning experiences and return home equipped with new knowledge, ideas, and connections that can help drive positive change in our communities.

Special thanks also go to Active Development Association (ADA) and the European Youth Village team, whose hospitality and excellent coordination made the programme even more impactful.

While I proudly brought with me the knowledge and experience gained through my work with FAA, I am deeply grateful to TDM2000 Malta, whose commitment to creating opportunities for Maltese youth provided the foundation that made this journey possible.