The International Desk of Bonaire is looking for young people aged 20 to 28 to represent Bonaire in the European project: Overseas Countries and Territories Youth Network (OCT YN).
The OCT YN project is a European Union initiative aimed at promoting cooperation between young people from Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). This international group consists of young people from Bonaire, Curaçao, Aruba, St. Maarten, Saba, Statia and 7 other islands worldwide that belong to the European Union.
As a Bonaire representative of OCT YN, young people have the opportunity to represent their island in Brussels, Belgium. During this unique occasion, they will expand their network with young people from other islands from around the world.
Last year, during the first year of OCT YN, Bonaire was well represented by two young people. Mitch de Palm works at the Instituto pa Deporte Boneriano (Indebon) as a policy advisor for the Sport department of the Directorate for Society and Care. As a representative, he has learned that structural and positive change occurs in local and international cooperation. Michélin Padmore was also a representative of Bonaire last year. Michélin is an intern at the Ministry of Economic Affairs. According to Michelin, this experience opened her eyes.
The aim is that more Bonairians will register this year. If you’re between 20 and 28, we want to motivate you to enlist. If you know anyone between 20 and 28, get them motivated to get involved.
The European Commission has launched a call for proposals for a new programme to improve the quality of education and training for young people. Registration is open until 22 May. Following an interview round, the representatives of OCT YN for Bonaire for the year 2023/2024 will be announced.