The source

The most fun part was seeing your idea become a reality! It was so cool to create something for young people in Ystad. It wasn't just an exhibition but a hangout for young people, which I thought was really cool!

Melanie Hall, Project Manager for JEANNE

La Source targeted young people between the ages of 13 and 25 and the project's purpose was to highlight and support young people's initiatives and opportunities to influence their everyday lives and leisure time. Through La Source, young people in the municipalities of Simrishamn, Sjöbo, Tomelilla and Ystad were given the opportunity to apply for up to SEK 25,000 in support to realize a project idea that they dreamed of implementing.

The overall goal of the project was to take advantage of young people's commitment and let them create their own sub-projects to feel involved in the development of the place where they live.

A youth coach was hired to help the young people. The youth coach held ongoing project training sessions for the young people, who learned more about the EU and where the money came from, but also about project management.

A youth board (U-LAG) with eight members was recruited and trained. The U-LAG's task was to inspire and support other young people who wanted to implement their project ideas and to decide which sub-projects would be granted funding.

The opportunities with La Source were marketed through visits to schools, in contact with associations and youth organizations, and through the dissemination of marketing materials and information via social media.

Unfortunately, the pandemic had a negative impact on the project. Partly because it was more difficult to reach out, but also because the young organizers had to deal with the restrictions that existed, and which were constantly changing. Therefore, the project was extended by 12 months.

U-LAG processed 24 project applications, of which 15 sub-projects were approved and implemented. In total, 62 young project leaders have implemented 128 activities that were visited by 619 people. A total of SEK 251,694 has been paid out in support of the projects. 2,635 hours have been spent on voluntary work for a value of SEK 597,700.

La Source received a lot of attention in the media, especially its sub-project. The sub-project Young influencers in rural areas received the most attention, including nationally. It was mentioned on both TV4 Nyhetsmorgon and in Aftonbladet.

All 15 sub-projects are presented in more detail in a separate brochure, read it by clicking on the image below.

LAG board's justification for car accident

Taking advantage of young people's commitment and drive by educating and supporting young people in running sub-projects contributes to increasing young people's participation and influence and to including young people in the development of the area. The project also contributes to increasing the quality and range of leisure activities in the area through the sub-projects that are implemented. The project is considered to be well in line with the local development strategy.