Youngsters On the Air 2011: Connecting Youth through the Airwaves

In the summer of 2011, the Zamolxes Foundation, in close collaboration with the YO9KXR Radioclub, embarked on a pioneering journey to bridge cultural divides and empower young people through the fascinating world of radio amateurism. From July 27th to August 3rd, the "Youngsters On the Air" (YOTA) project transformed the city of Câmpina, Romania, into a vibrant hub of international cooperation, technical discovery, and non-formal education.

Supported by the European Commission's "Youth in Action" program (Action 1.1 - Youth Exchanges), this initiative was built on the core themes of radio communication, education through sport, and immersive outdoor activities.

A Melting Pot of Cultures and Ideas

The project brought together a diverse cohort of 45 participants representing nine partner countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Holland, Poland, Slovenia, and Romania. For seven intensive days, these young leaders shared their lives, their traditions, and their visions for a more connected Europe.

The journey began with the goal of fostering tolerance and solidarity. Through the lens of intercultural exchange, participants were encouraged to look beyond national borders and celebrate the diversity that makes the European community unique. The curriculum was meticulously designed using non-formal education tools, ensuring that learning was both active and deeply personal. Daily activities included:

• Intercultural Presentations: Where each nation shared its heritage through food, music, and stories.
• Thematic Workshops: Focusing on the technical and social aspects of radio communication.
• Group Exercises & Debates: Challenging participants to think critically about communication in the digital age.

Technical Mastery and Outdoor Spirit

At the heart of YOTA 2011 was the thrill of the airwaves. Radio amateurism served as the primary vehicle for learning, teaching participants not just technical skills, but also the importance of discipline, patience, and global citizenship.

One of the highlights was the Field-Day event, where the technical met the tactical. Participants took their equipment into the natural landscapes around Câmpina, setting up stations under the open sky and making connections with other radio operators across the world. This "education through sport" philosophy encouraged atittudinal development and physical resilience, proving that learning knows no walls.

The project also reached out to the local community through Open Cafe sessions. These meetings allowed the international participants to interact with the youth of Câmpina, sharing their experiences and inspiring local teenagers to pursue their own paths of volunteering and international exploration.

Quantifiable Success and Attitudinal Shifts

The impact of "Youngsters On the Air" 2011 was both tangible and transformative. As the exchange drew to a close, the results spoke for themselves through a variety of high-quality outputs:

Measuring Our Impact

• A Cinematic Record: 100 DVDs were produced, containing a comprehensive documentary movie and a curated collection of photos capturing the project's milestones.
• Visual Chronicles: A selection of 25 large-scale photo collages (comprising over 125 individual images) was exhibited at the Zamolxes Foundation Radioclub, serving as a permanent inspiration for future members.
• The Diary of Experiences: 50 brochures were published, documenting the daily activities, workshop outcomes, and personal reflections from the field.
• The Global Guestbook: An official register was established where visiting radio amateurs from around the world signed their names and unique "call signs," symbolizing the project's reach into the global amateur radio community.

Growth Beyond Numbers

More importantly than the physical artifacts were the shifts in mindset for the 45 participants. They returned to their home countries with:

• A deeper sense of respect and solidarity for cultural diversity.
• Improved assertive behavior and a heightened capacity for mutual understanding.
• A renewed passion for the spirit of volunteering.
• Mastery of lateral and parallel thinking techniques to fuel their creative problem-solving.
• A sharpened entrepreneurial spirit and a proactive approach to their future careers.

Preserve the Heritage: Official Documentation

We believe in the power of shared knowledge. To learn more about how the YOTA 2011 project was structured, you can download the PDF below.

Download the YOTA 2011 Project PDF

[!NOTE] This project was financed with European Commission support through the “Youth in Action” programme. This publication reflects only the author’s opinion, and the Commission is not responsible for any eventual use of the information contained herein.