Interview with Svenja Quitsch from Youth Future Project, a registered association (September 2014)
- What does Youth Future Project do exactly?
As a youth network of the “Right Livelihood Award” we connect the award winners with young people who are looking for inspiration and who would like to work for a sustainable future. Through conferences, seminars or workshops we develop a dialogue at eye level with the young people who are not only in the target group but are also protagonists themselves at the same time. Our association is mainly run by volunteers who are often still in education or training.
- How long have you been with Youth Future Project and what do you enjoy most about your work there?
I have actively been a part of our association for four years. At first I just volunteered alongside my studies but for the last year I have been a full-time member of staff. Most of all, I like working together with our patron, the Right Livelihood Award Foundation in Stockholm, and with the award winners who set important examples for us young people. Also every day there are new challenges which make my work unbelievably varied.
- To what extent do you think your work influences society and in particular those who are involved with Youth Future Project?
The fundamental idea of the Youth Future Project is based on the principle “by young people for young people”. Through meeting with the laureates of the “Alternative NobelPrizes” and an integral project base, we promote the future responsibility of young people and train them to become ambassadors of change.
My personal tasks mainly comprise the general club organisation and range from bookkeeping and scheduling to team management and project coordination. At first this may sound a bit dry. However, the Youth Future Project is recognised as a platform that enables young people to implement their own ideas and make our society more sustainable. Through my work these young people can keep their options open to fully concentrate on their projects and achieve maximum impact with them.
- How did you learn about PerMondo?
A colleague found it through some internet research.
- Why did you need the translation?
PerMondo supports us with a variety of activities. For the most part it is with the translation of texts for our website. But even with the production of print publications, for example “Changing (Dis-)Course: thoughts about the future by young Europeans”, we work together with PerMondo.
- What would you say to the volunteer translators?
The commitment of the volunteer translators is an incredible asset to our team. With your language skills and professional training it is possible for us to constantly work bilingually. As an international active youth movement that relies on voluntary commitment, you help us to network with youth from all over the world and communicate with them.
Thank you Svenja!
Translator: Claire Piller
