News from our Members: Umbrella’s International Training Course in Georgia Vihmavari, one of DYPALL Network’s members, recently implemented the international koolituskursus “Alternative Forms of Participation for Rural Youth” as part of their project. The activity took place from 8 to 16 April in Bakuriani, Georgia, bringing together youth workers from across Europe to strengthen skills, share experiences, and develop practical tools for rural youth engagement. The training course focused on alternative ways of participation, providing participants with innovative approaches to involve young people meaningfully at the local level. Through interactive workshops, peer learning, and group discussions, youth workers explored methods to foster active engagement and strengthen participatory structures in rural contexts. Beyond the educational sessions, the project also included cultural evenings and creative activities. Participants collaborated on the production of videos promoting alternative means of participation for rural youth, turning ideas into visible and accessible actions. These resources highlight concrete participatory mechanisms, including: Be Part Platform – Video: https://youtu.be/cEGmD7qf3C0 Advisory Council on Youth – Video: https://youtu.be/nS6rmZxaSN0 Youth Delegate to Congress – Video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FDtMHlC-Lv0 In addition, the partners developed a project booklet compiling practices and experiences from four countries, which is now available online and can be used as a reference for youth workers and organisations working with rural youth:Booklet: https://cutt.ly/SteqZZMB The training course involved 24 participants from nine Council of Europe countries: Armenia, Cyprus, Georgia, Ukraine, Türkiye, Portugal, Spain, Moldova, and Luxembourg, strengthening international cooperation and mutual learning among youth work professionals. The international activity was co-financed by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe and Renovabis.