How can young people counter the depopulation of small villages? Certainly, the Back to the Village project sought concrete answers during the youth exchange held in Munilla, Spain. The meeting took place between late March and early April, involving young people ready to bet on the future of rural areas.
First of all, the initiative allowed participants to immerse themselves in the local reality of the Rioja region. This was not just theory, but a direct experience to understand how to regenerate territories at risk of exodus. To delve deeper into the goals, click here: Back to the Village.
Activities carried out in Spain
During the days of the exchange, young people used non-formal education methodologies. In fact, the heart of the activity in Munilla was the dialogue between different European cultures united by the same issue: the fragility of rural areas. Participants collaborated to transform small villages into centers of opportunity.
For example, during the exchange, the following were carried out:
- Creative workshops: to devise innovative and sustainable solutions for the territory.
- Resource mapping: analysis of the strengths of the village of Munilla.
- Exchange of best practices: comparing how other European countries manage the return to the land.
However, the challenge does not end with the exchange. In addition, participants acquired fundamental digital and social skills to promote their home villages once back home.
Impact and return to the future
In short, the experience in Munilla proved that the future of villages depends on the energy of the youth. Currently, the participants are part of a European network that continues to work for rural sustainability. Polygonal, as a project partner, confirms its commitment to supporting these international mobilities.
Certainly, experiencing the village means giving it new life. Therefore, we will continue to promote the “Back to the Village” model to enhance European roots through innovation. Follow our updates to discover the next steps on this path toward rural regeneration.
