ZAEV Academy for Young Leaders 23-24
24 January - International Day of Education
Winter Module to mark the International Day of Education on 24 January, declared by the United Nations General Assembly, which will be realized by encouraging creative thinking among young people using analysis of research projects based on scientific methods. Through this activity, young people will be educated on how to use scientific methods through the formulation, testing and validation of a hypothesis, and to have applicable results from the research project. It will be an activity with an interdisciplinary character, which envisages an inclusive approach in the formation of the teams that will be participants in the “ZAEV Academy for Young Leaders from the Western Balkans”.
12 August - International Youth Day
Summer Module will start with the celebration of the International Youth Day on 12 August declared by the United Nations General Assembly, through a series of activities. The above activities will be aimed at motivating young people to be more actively involved in all areas of social life and to be encouraged in making vital decisions. Activities that young people should take for their future, to ensure their better positioning in society.
These days will be observed through the following activities:
Leadership workshops focusing on the development of essential leadership skills, including effective communication, decision-making, and problem-solving.
- Inviting leaders from diverse fields as guest speakers or facilitators to share their expertise on ethical leadership, social responsibility, and addressing leadership challenges;
- Developing interactive workshops incorporating group discussions, case studies, and practical activities;
- Providing participants with relevant learning materials or online resources to enhance their productivity during the workshops;
- Organizing follow-up sessions after the workshops where participants can continue sharing experiences and seek additional professional advice.
Establishing mentoring programs that offer young leaders opportunities for professional networking and discussions with experienced professionals who provide guidance and advice for building their professional lives.
- Identifying professionals and/or leaders willing to engage as mentors and provide constructive guidance and support to young leaders;
- Implementing a mentorship application process where young leaders can express their interests, goals, and areas of focus for mentoring;
- Matching mentors and young leaders based on their areas of expertise, interests, and compatibility;
- Establishing clear guidelines and expectations for the mentoring program, including the frequency of meetings, preferred methods of communication, and duration of mentoring relationships;
- Facilitating initial meetings between mentors and young leaders to establish professional relationships and set mentoring goals;
- Providing ongoing support to mentors and young leaders, offering resources to ensure a productive mentoring experience;
- Evaluating feedback from mentors and young leaders to assess the effectiveness of the program and make adjustments as needed;
- Implementing a reverse mentorship component where mentors can learn from young leaders, fostering mutual learning and knowledge exchange;
- Organizing periodic professional networking events where mentors and young leaders can expand their opportunities for future advancement.
Initiating "Social Impact Projects" where participants are tasked with identifying social challenges in their communities and developing projects that bring about positive change.
- Facilitating brainstorming sessions to help participants identify social challenges in their communities;
- Appointing mentors/advisors to guide participants through the project development and execution phases;
- Providing training or workshops on project management, budgeting, and community engagement to equip participants with necessary skills;
- Recognizing successful projects with applied social impact through awards, grants, or public recognition, further motivating and inspiring participants;
- Establishing partnerships with investors or philanthropic organizations to provide additional funding and mentoring opportunities for outstanding projects with demonstrated social impact;
- Encouraging cross-border cooperation by supporting participants in forming international teams to address social challenges that extend beyond their local communities.
Organizing public speaking competitions where young leaders can showcase their communication skills and present their ideas on socially important topics.
- Conducting coaching sessions on public speaking skills, including voice modulation, body language, and persuasive communication techniques;
- Organizing preliminary rounds to select finalists who will compete in the final event;
- Creating opportunities for interactive audience involvement through question-and-answer sessions or interactive voting;
- Recognizing and awarding distinguished speakers with awards, certificates, or opportunities for further development of their speaking skills.
Collaborating with international organizations to create exchange programs that enable young leaders to visit and learn from different countries, cultures, and leadership models.
- Incorporating immersive experiences, such as visits to local businesses, organizations, or government institutions, to provide participants with insights into diverse leadership practices and challenges;
- Including a project-based component during the exchange program, where participants collaborate with local communities or organizations to address specific social challenges. This engagement facilitates dialogue and knowledge sharing with local leaders, professionals, and community members, encouraging cultural exchange and learning;
- Implementing a "Buddy system" where participants connect with colleagues in the host country, promoting cultural awareness, diversity, and fostering lasting international friendships.
