Research Act Impact (RAI) – Youth Exchange

How can young people better understand the social and environmental challenges affecting their communities? What happens when youth become researchers of their own realities and how can their research translate into real, systemic change?

Research, Act, Impact (RAI) is a youth exchange bringing together young people from Romania, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary and Italy to explore socio-environmental justice through Youth-led Participatory Action Research (YPAR).

Throughout the programme, rather than looking at socio-environmental challenges as unchangeable facts, participants will learn to see them as products of systemic decisions, learning how to investigate issues that affect them directly, while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to transform their findings into meaningful action. Through collaborative learning and international exchange, they will gain new perspectives on the challenges faced by young people across Europe.

During the exchange, participants will explore the full YPAR process, from identifying research topics and collecting data to analysing results and designing action plans. Working in international teams, they will strengthen democratic competences, practice collective decision-making and learn how research can support advocacy and social change.

By the end of the programme, they will have developed practical research skills, deeper awareness of socio-environmental issues and concrete ideas for action. More importantly, they will leave with stronger connections across Europe and a shared sense of empowerment to create positive change in their communities.