Participant Reflections from "Protect Your Future with Disaster Awareness"

When young people from six different countries come together to learn, share, and grow, the impact often goes far beyond the goals of a single project. During the "Protect Your Future with Disaster Awareness" project held in Riga, Latvia (May 12–19, 2024), participants not only gained critical knowledge about natural disaster preparedness and response, but also experienced profound personal growth and intercultural connection.

Here, two participants—Begzada from Italy and Furkan from Turkey—share their experiences, reflecting the spirit and depth of the project’s impact.

Begzada, Italy: “It was about solidarity across borders.”

Begzada, a participant from Italy, came to Riga eager to learn about disaster preparedness—but left with something even more meaningful.

“This project was not only about learning how to respond to disasters. It was about building real connections with others and understanding the importance of solidarity across borders.”

Throughout the week, Begzada actively participated in workshops on emergency communication and climate-related disaster response. But what struck her most was the collaborative spirit of the group.

“We were from different places—Spain, Turkey, Latvia, Portugal, Bulgaria—and yet we shared the same fears and hopes for the future. We all want to protect our communities and make a difference. That realization was powerful.”

For Begzada, the project became a transformative experience that reinforced her belief in international cooperation, especially in the face of global challenges like climate change and natural disasters.

“What I’ll take home is not just information, but a renewed sense of purpose—and friendships that remind me we’re not alone in this work.”

Furkan, Turkey: “This experience gave me confidence.”

For Furkan from Turkey, Latvia marked his first time traveling outside Turkey. As someone with limited opportunities, he joined the project with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

“I had never traveled abroad before. This experience gave me both practical knowledge and the confidence to believe in my role in my community.”

Furkan particularly connected with the hands-on simulations and peer-led sessions on first aid and community disaster response. Despite a language barrier at times, he quickly found ways to contribute and communicate.

“At first, I was nervous about participating in group discussions, but the environment was supportive. Everyone was patient, and soon I found my voice.”

What made the biggest difference for Furkan was the encouragement he received from fellow participants and facilitators. Being recognized for his contributions helped reshape how he saw himself.

“I learned that I don’t have to wait for someone else to lead change. I can take initiative, even in small ways. And now I want to organize a workshop in my own neighborhood.”

The Power of Youth Voices

Begzada and Furkan’s stories are just two examples among many. The project created a space where participants were not only educated on disaster preparedness but also empowered to see themselves as changemakers. By encouraging open dialogue, cross-cultural collaboration, and inclusive participation, "Protect Your Future with Disaster Awareness" helped young people discover both their capacity and responsibility to contribute to a more resilient future.

As these participants return to their countries, they carry with them more than new knowledge—they carry inspiration, confidence, and a network of peers across Europe who share a common goal: to build safer, stronger communities prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.