As 2024 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on all that we’ve accomplished this year at Views International. It’s been a year full of hard work, challenges, and growth—especially on the administrative side, which you might already know is the backbone of any successful project. From generating ideas, finding the right partners, and securing funding, to dealing with the unexpected hurdles that always arise, every project requires a huge amount of behind-the-scenes effort.
Some periods are particularly intense, such as January through March and August through October, when we’re focused on writing applications, submitting reports, and managing the final details of completed projects. February and March were especially busy for us, juggling project applications, final reports, and running local activities like Dinners in the Dark, as well as coordinating the move of our ESC apartment to a new location and preparing for a new volunteer’s arrival. It’s been a year of hustle!
But in spite of the busy times, there’s so much to celebrate. Thanks to an increase in EU funding, we’ve been able to grow our team—now with four members (three full-time and one part-time). This growth has brought fresh perspectives, new ideas, and increased capacity, allowing us to approach our projects with more confidence and creativity. The best part? We’re no longer just colleagues, but a real team that supports and relies on each other, making the work both more enjoyable and effective.
Our partnership with the Board of Administrators has also been key in maintaining strong communication with our members and partners. Their guidance has been invaluable, helping us stay aligned with our shared mission and ensuring we all stay connected to the VIEWS International spirit.
A Year of Growth and Connection
2024 has been a year focused on expanding our reach and deepening our impact. We’ve worked hard to diversify our partnerships and connect with even more young people, especially those from underrepresented communities. A few highlights include:
- Study Visits: We had the pleasure of organizing two study visits this year: one in Romania in January and November, and another to the Azores (San Miguel Island) in May. These visits have been instrumental in strengthening our international network and providing valuable learning experiences for everyone involved.
- Partnership Building: We also hosted two important partnership-building activities: one in Spain (May) and another in Albania (July). These activities have allowed us to establish meaningful collaborations and explore new ways to support youth in different parts of Europe.
- Hosting ESC Volunteers: Another highlight was hosting two incredible ESC volunteers in Liège. Patricia from Romania worked on our Views Project while Kinga supported the Sainte Marguerite project. This year, we also achieved a major milestone: for the first time, we were able to extend an ESC project to a full 12 months, thanks to the availability and flexibility of EU subsidies. This has allowed the volunteers to immerse themselves even more deeply in their work, fostering personal growth and community impact.
Creating Connections and Tools for the Future
A central theme of 2024 has been building connections—whether through shared projects, networking events, or developing tools that empower youth workers across Europe. Two projects in particular stand out:
- The Big Thing: This strategic partnership allowed us to prepare seven young people with visual impairments to become youth facilitators through the Training of Trainers (TOT) method. We’ve documented their experiences in a series of podcast episodes, which you can listen to on our website and dedicated platforms.
- Inclusion for All: This mobility project for youth workers is still ongoing, and we’re excited to share that the guidelines we’ve been working on will be published in 2025. The goal of this project is to equip youth workers with the tools and knowledge they need to be more inclusive and effective in their work.
Additionally, our online language tandems, which we launched back in 2020, continue to thrive. If you’re looking to improve your skills in English, French, Spanish, German, or Russian, these ongoing sessions are a great opportunity to learn and connect with others across Europe.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
So, what’s next? While 2024 was a year of growth and consolidation, we’re already looking ahead to 2025 with great excitement. One of the most exciting things on the horizon is the launch of VIEWS Talks—a new concept where young people, partners, and well-wishers can connect online to discuss shared projects, ideas, and challenges. The monthly meetings will kick off in January, and we can’t wait for you to join the conversation!
We’ll also continue to share updates and resources through our social media and website. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us to stay up-to-date on all our activities and initiatives.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Before I sign off, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has made this year possible. My colleagues—Giulia, our Communications and Junior Project Officer; Sara, our Project Officer; and Landry, our Assistant Project Manager—have been a constant source of support, inspiration, and dedication. I am incredibly grateful for the team we’ve built together.
And of course, none of our activities would be possible without the unwavering support of our local volunteers. Carine, Angélique, Ahmet, Philippe, Mircea, Lori, Carmen, Yassin, Or, Pierre, Laure, Alex, Emi, Sit, Anna Rita, Francisco, Beatrice, and many others—you are the heart of what we do. Your energy, skills, and enthusiasm make everything we do possible, and we are deeply thankful for all the ways you contribute.
I also want to thank our members, partners, and Board members—Sylvie, Elif, Michael, and Adil—whose guidance and partnership have been instrumental in keeping us on track and moving forward.
Wrapping Up
As we head into the holiday season, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have been part of our journey this year. Your support, collaboration, and shared commitment make everything we do meaningful. I wish you all a restful holiday season and a bright, hopeful start to 2025.
Thank you for being part of the VIEWS family.
Warm regards,
Anca David
