What is Youth Action Lab?
Youth Action Lab is a 2-week summer school and grassroots opportunity program that brings together young changemakers from Moldova and Germany to take action on climate, community, and culture.
We aim to collaboratively identify the key challenges related to socio-ecological transformation and youth engagement within your region or community. While the concept of a "polycrisis"—the interconnected political, social, and environmental crises—is frequently discussed, we seek to understand its tangible impact at the local level.
How are these overlapping crises affecting young people and communities?
Where do you observe the specific consequences of the climate crisis in your region?
What barriers hinder young people and communities from becoming actively involved?
And what has been your experience in motivating others to take meaningful action?
We will explore these and other pressing questions together over the coming weeks, as we work toward a shared understanding and collective solutions.
Project Goals
- Opportunity for people to become more active in their communities and initiate their projects
- Build cross-border connections between Moldova and Germany
- Explore creative and collective ways to respond to climate challenges
- Take part in a learning space to exchange, reflect, and act—locally and sustainably
Through a mix of hands-on workshops, creative exploration, and community-building, participants will explore how art, activism, and collaboration can lead to meaningful, small-scale change.
What to Expect?
Our two-week Summer school in Moldova is all about learning through hands-on experience. We’ll spend time in both the city and the countryside, combining field trips, hands-on experiences, and creative group activities. We'll stay and live mostly in the village of Hîrtop, get to know the local communities and initiatives, participate in workshops and discussions, and then head back to Chișinău for the last two days to share what we've discovered.
You’ll be working side by side with artists, activists, and local changemakers, diving into activities like:
- Collective discussions on Moldova’s climate policy and adaptation strategies
- Workshop on environmental justice through a gender lens
- Interactive sessions on climate storytelling, visual mapping, and collective memory
- Seminars and workshops on grassroots activism, protest tools, and creative campaigning
- Practical training on how to build and fund your own small-scale community project
After the summer school, three selected projects will receive mentorship and funding for real-world implementation.
Who Can Apply?
We’re looking for 16 participants, ideally:
- Aged 18–27, from or located in Moldova or Germany
- Highly motivated individuals, or members of initiatives (eco, urban, activist, cultural, media, etc.)
- With a strong interest in community, climate, and creative practices
- With a good level of spoken English (working language of the program)
No formal experience in activism or art is needed—just curiosity, openness, and the drive to act.
We especially encourage you to apply if you live outside of capital cities or urban centers.
What’s Covered?
- Free participation in the full program
- Covered travel, accommodation, and meals
- Access to mentors, tools, and workshop materials
- A chance to get financial support for your project
Key Dates
Application Deadline: 30 June 2025
Program Dates: 28 July – 10 August 2025 (TBC)
How to Apply?
Fill out the application form before 30 June 2025.
We’ll get back to you by the first days of July.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to info@coopera.io
