Design Thinking Workshop

Final Youth Empowerment Proposal to the Community Council of Pissouri

Based on the Cities4YOUth Project Research & Design Thinking Workshop

📅 Workshop Date: Saturday, 5 July 2025
📍 Location: Pissouri Multicultural Center

🔍 Background

This proposal gathers insights from community research, youth focus groups, and a co-creation design thinking workshop. More than 500 young people, local organizations, and business owners contributed. Full research reports are available online:

• Youth Research (12–30 years)

• Entrepreneur Survey (more than 25 entrepreneurs)

• Oxford Debate & Youth Dialogues (more than 120 persons in total)

🧭 Strategic Proposals for Youth Empowerment

1. 🏠 Creation of a Youth Center in Pissouri

Young people across all age groups expressed the urgent need for a safe, inclusive space. A Youth Center co-designed with local youth should include:

• Creative spaces (music, art, digital media)

• Study corners with Wi-Fi

• Chill-out zones and graffiti walls

Proposal: Use the space above the Community Café, managed by NGO ACPELIA.

• Frequency: 2+ activities per week

• Staff: On-site youth worker daily

• Annual Budget: €5,000–€7,000 (covered by Community Council)

2. 🗳️ Establishment of the Pissouri Youth Council

Purpose: Amplify the youth voice in decision-making and planning.

Structure (10–15 members):

• 1–2 school students

• 2 from NGOs

• 2 from cultural associations

• 2 from sports clubs

• 2–3 via open call

• 1 Community Council liaison

Operations:

• Monthly meetings

• Thematic working groups (e.g., environment, culture)

• €1,000–€2,000 annual fund for youth-led actions

3. 🚌 Improve Mobility for Youth

• Extend weekend bus hours

• Create bike lanes and safe pathways

• Promote shared transportation for youth events

• Prioritize safety for young women at night

4. 🚀 Boost Youth Entrepreneurship

• Create a Youth Entrepreneurship Hub for mentoring, job prep workshops, and idea incubation

• Offer internships and startup support

• Provide tax incentives to businesses employing youth

5. 🎉 Monthly Youth-Driven Events

• Open mic nights, movie screenings, eco actions, game nights

• Events planned and delivered by youth

• Community Council to fund recurring youth-led initiatives

6. 📱 Modernize Communication with Youth

• Use Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp – not just Facebook

• Launch "Youth of Pissouri" social media accounts

• Place QR codes in key community areas

• Publish monthly event calendars online

7. 🧠 Support Mental Health & Well-being

• Assign a youth psychologist (shared with schools)

• Offer emotional intelligence workshops

• Run peer-support groups and awareness campaigns

8. 🏀 Upgrade Youth-Friendly Public Spaces

• Improve sports fields, build a skatepark

• Add safe lighting in parks and courts

• Create outdoor gyms, creative graffiti spaces

9. 🧭 Recognize Volunteer Contribution

• Launch a "Youth Passport" with points for volunteering

• Offer certificates, access to scholarships, and Erasmus+ priority

10. 📊 Ensure Ongoing Youth Participation

• Conduct yearly youth surveys

• Set up digital platforms for youth feedback

• Publicly display how youth input shapes community policy

🌟 Conclusion

The youth of Pissouri are not indifferent – they are eager, capable, and full of ideas. The key is to offer them visible, consistent, and meaningful opportunities. With trust, collaboration, and support, Pissouri can become a model village for youth participation in rural areas.