April brought another wave of energy and initiative from our EU Jeel Connectors, who organised events across Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Egypt — tackling everything from women’s entrepreneurship and climate action to digital teaching, financial literacy, and youth health and energy justice. Here’s a closer look at April’s activities.

Algeria 

In Algiers, Connectors Naima Boukhiar, Nassim Berdaoui, and Chaima Annane organised “From Student to Founder,” an inspirational talk and workshop focused on women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. The initiative created a space for dialogue between women and youth around transforming challenges into professional success stories, using creative expression and visual arts as tools for empowerment and awareness. Participants were also introduced to Erasmus+ opportunities related to youth exchanges, training courses, and mobility.

Online, Connectors Chaima Anane and Naila Lamia Betouche organised “Green Her Way: Women Building Sustainable Futures,” a panel highlighting the contributions of women entrepreneurs and innovators in sustainability and climate action. Participants explored EU-funded opportunities supporting women-led innovation, including Women TechEU, WE-RISE, the EIC Women Leadership Programme, and Empowering Women in Agrifood, followed by an interactive discussion on peer learning and women’s leadership in the green transition.

Also online, Connector Ferdi Riadh Hamza organised “From Business Idea to Financial Strategy: A Practical Online Workshop,” supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in understanding the financing journey from idea development to funding readiness. The workshop introduced participants to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, explored startup financing pathways, and highlighted EU-supported opportunities such as Erasmus+ and EU4Business.

Libya 

In Shahat, Connector Fatimah Mohammed Husayn organised “Culture: A Bridge for Diversity and Inclusion,” promoting cultural understanding and social cohesion among women from diverse backgrounds, including women with disabilities. The event featured interactive discussions on culture’s role in challenging stereotypes and strengthening community cohesion, while introducing EU-funded opportunities including Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), and the European Youth Portal.

In Tripoli, Connector Lina Ben Amer organised “Seeds of Change (Local Action, Global Goals),” a workshop raising awareness about sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals through interactive learning. Participants explored the SDGs in the Libyan context, created awareness posters promoting sustainable practices, and were introduced to Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and SALTO Youth Resource Centres.

Morocco 

Online, Connector Houda El Arroud organised “Effective Teaching in the Modern World: Mastering Online Teaching – Tools and Techniques for Teachers,” supporting teachers in strengthening their digital skills and enhancing online learning experiences. The workshop combined discussions on the challenges of online teaching with practical demonstrations of digital tools, while introducing EU opportunities for educators including Erasmus+ Key Action 1 (KA1), Erasmus+ Teacher Academies, the Digital Education Action Plan, and eTwinning.

Tunisia 

In Jendouba, Connector Malak Ayadi organised “Cinéma et Débat | Shared Screens, Shared Values,” using cinema as a platform to promote dialogue, critical thinking, and intercultural exchange among young people. The programme combined presentations on EU youth and cultural opportunities with a screening of “La Vie, en Gros,” followed by an interactive debate, and introduced participants to Erasmus+ pathways for academic mobility, volunteering, and youth exchanges.

Also in Jendouba, Connectors Hamza Hamdi, Emna Chorfi, and Tesnime Khemiri organised “Run for Green Future,” a one-day initiative combining sport, youth engagement, and awareness of EU opportunities. The day opened with an interactive session on EU-supported opportunities in sport, entrepreneurship, mobility, and youth engagement, followed by a 12 km mini-marathon bringing together young participants from across the region, capped off with an awards ceremony.

Lebanon 

Online, Connector Luna Al Achkar organised “EU Opportunities for Youth Like You! – Let’s Talk EU Programmes and Youth Initiatives,” bringing together around 60 participants. Through presentations, a roundtable, and an open Q&A, participants explored EU-supported programmes including Interreg NEXT MED and Lebanon Innovate, project examples such as MEDAIGENCY and STORM, and opportunities for youth engagement in entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, and regional cooperation.

Egypt 

In Cairo, from April 15 to 18, Connectors Randa Khaled, Karim Ehab, Maysara Ezzedine, Nada Hazem, and Nour Hazem organised “Just Transition Lab: Youth, Health & Energy Justice in the EU-MENA Context,” a multi-day training programme exploring energy transition, climate justice, and the EU’s role in the region. Participants examined EU frameworks including the European Green Deal, Just Transition Mechanism, Global Gateway, and NDICI, alongside issues such as false climate solutions, environmental health, and social justice — while developing practical ideas for policy, awareness campaigns, and research, and learning about Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and the LIFE Programme.