Launch of MedNYouth, the youth council of the network

With MedNYouth, the Mediterranean New Chance Network takes another step forward in amplifying the voice of young people.

During the MedNC network's annual conference in Rome, the 16 youth representatives inaugurated the very first youth council in the Mediterranean bringing together specifically young people from Second Chance Schools and integration schemes, called MedNYouth. They took the floor to share their ideas and concerns with the audience, before presenting the council's first objective.

The MedNYouth has been launched

During the network's annual conference in Rome in October 2024, the youth inaugurated the MedNYouth, the first youth council composed of members from Second Chance Schools and insertion programs across the Mediterranean. On this day, the youth took the floor to share their ideas and concerns with the audience.

The Youth Council, named MedNYouth by its representatives, was created in September 2024, following several meetings of the network’s focal points within the advocacy working group. This council is fully integrated into the MedNC network's 2024 advocacy strategy. Discussions regarding its creation began earlier in the year with the advocacy working group.

This council is essential for amplifying the voice of young people, responding to their expectations, and actively including them in decisions that affect them. It provides a platform for youth facing educational challenges, who are too often excluded from decision-making circles. With the MedNYouth Council, the Mediterranean New Chance Network takes a further step toward amplifying the voice of young people within the network and equipping them with the tools to act for a sustainable and inclusive future.

This council includes young people from the member organizations of the MedNC network, representing a variety of countries. The following structures are represented in the council:

• E2C Rafiq Tunisia

• Réseau des écoles de la Deuxième Chance France

• SELA Jordan

• Associação para a Educação de Segunda Oportunidade Portugal

• CNOS-FAP Italy

• Réseau des associations de la seconde chance (Fondation Anaouat) Morocco

• Al-Jisr Morocco

• Heure Joyeuse Morocco

Graphic visualisation of the launch of MedNYouth © Giulia David

Nour (France, 20 years old) - He emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship, believing that it is essential to equip young people with the necessary skills to navigate this field, thus enhancing their resilience and creativity.

Nezir (from Macedonia, living in Italy, 16 years old) - He speaks about the importance of inclusion and the right to citizenship for young people of foreign origin, highlighting the need for respect and a sense of belonging in society. For example, he feels Italian with foreign origins and would like to be able to say “this is my country” when referring to Italy.

Nisreen (Jordan, 25 years old) - Having chosen a career in heritage restoration, she prefers vocational paths over university studies.

Oliver (from the Dominican Republic, living in Italy, 17 years old) - He is training to become a carpenter. He wants to address equality of rights and respect for minorities, believing that every young person should have the opportunity to make their voice heard and contribute positively to society.

Ayman (Italy, 16 years old) - Ayman studies at the Salesian school in Bologna. He is training to become a plumber. He is concerned about climate change, especially after floods in Bologna. He calls for a collective effort to invest in renewable energy, but most importantly, to change mentalities.

Leticia (Portugal, 18 years old) - She was skeptical before joining 2nd Chance School and was afraid. After joining, she changed her mind as she found an environment that encouraged her to grow intellectually and emotionally. In her school, assemblies are organized to discuss issues and think together about solutions. A space where the problems of young people are heard and addressed. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive education and the promotion of spaces like 2nd Chance Schools.

The actions undertaken by the youth representatives

This presentation of MedNYouth was the first platform for the youth to express themselves in front of an audience of decision-makers and project managers who implement programs that concern them. One of the first actions undertaken by MedNYouth was to conduct a consultation with young people from the various programs represented within the council. Between November and December 2024, 99 young people were consulted. This initiative was led by the 16 youth representatives of MedNYouth, with the support of their trainers. In April 2025, the representatives will launch a video campaign to share the interviews they conducted with public figures on these topics.

These ideas will serve as a springboard for the future actions of MedNYouth to truly reflect the needs and priorities of young people in Second Chance Schools and insertion projects across the Mediterranean region.