Unique Opportunity for Young People from Aruba to Connect with the European Union
ORANJESTAD — The Overseas Countries and Territories Youth Network (OCT Youth Network) offers young people a unique opportunity to spend a year exploring the partnership between the countries and territories in the Dutch Caribbean and the European Union, learning more about European institutions, and connecting with other young people from the overseas countries and territories.
What is the OCT Youth Network?
The OCT Youth Network consists of 25 young people between the ages of 20 and 28 from the 13 countries and territories associated with the European Union: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Greenland, New Caledonia, Saba, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and Wallis and Futuna.
Each edition brings together a diverse group of young people for a one-year exchange program. Participants connect and with representatives of European institutions, helping them gain a better understanding of the OCT-EU partnership. In addition, young people have the opportunity to participate in a study trip to Brussels and a series of online activities. From a youth perspective, they can also contribute to the further development of the partnership by participating in high-level events, such as the OCT-EU Forum.
The network reflects the diversity of the overseas countries and territories and brings together young people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, areas of interest, and socioeconomic knowledge. Launched for the first time in 2022, the network aims to strengthen ties between young people from these territories and the European Union and to increase youth participation and engagement within the OCT-EU partnership.
The objectives of the network are to:
- Connect young people from the 13 overseas countries and territories with one another, as well as with representatives and leaders of the European Union.
- Contribute to the OCT-EU partnership from a youth perspective.
- Increase understanding of the European Union and its institutions in the Dutch Caribbean territories.
- Connect with other youth initiatives at the regional and national levels, as well as with the European Union and its Member States.
What does the network do?
Members of the OCT Youth Network participate in a year-long learning and development program that includes:
- A one-week study trip to Brussels, where participants learn about how European institutions operate.
- Online webinars to further develop their knowledge and skills.
- Networking events with other young people and relevant stakeholders.
- Facilitated dialogue sessions with political leaders and representatives of the European Union.
Participants also take part in major international events, such as the OCT-EU Forum, to strengthen the voice of young people from the overseas countries and territories.
Throughout the program, members have the opportunity to learn more about the OCT-EU partnership and connect with key stakeholders from both the European Union and the overseas countries and territories. They meet and network with a diverse range of young people, EU leaders, and other stakeholders, allowing them to expand their personal and professional networks and broaden their horizons.
In addition, they actively contribute to the development of the network by participating in various activities and helping determine which priorities and topics deserve attention from a youth perspective.
In short, members of the OCT Youth Network learn, discuss, collaborate, and actively participate in activities and initiatives. In doing so, they bring a fresh and valuable youth perspective to the OCT-EU partnership.
The Minister of Kingdom Relations, Youth and Education invites young people in the Aruban community who are interested in this unique opportunity to apply and further enrich their knowledge and experience.
Applications can be submitted through the following link:
For more information, you may also contact the Ministry of Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth, Innovation and Sport.
