From 14th – 17th May 2025, the “Beyond Tokenism: Youth Leading Inclusion” project held a transformative study visit in St. Maarten, hosted by the Caribbean Education and Culture Foundation (CECF). Participants engaged with local organisations including the University of St. Martin, Freegan Food Foundation, Leaders for Change, Equipex, Freedom Fighters SXM, and St. Maarten Academy to explore real-life approaches to youth inclusion, social entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
Through direct dialogue, volunteering, and hands-on learning, the group examined how tokenism can be identified and overcome.
The visit offered deep insight into the challenges of building inclusive communities and highlighted practical strategies rooted in respect, intersectionality, and genuine youth participation. The experience reinforced the importance of moving beyond symbolic representation and toward sustainable, inclusive practices across Europe and its outermost regions.
Check the PDF document below for a detailed report of the activity.
Beyond Tokenism: Youth Leading Inclusion is a European youth project that empowers young people to recognize, challenge, and move beyond symbolic representation in participation spaces. Through international exchanges, training, and local activities, it promotes genuine inclusion by equipping youth workers and young leaders with tools to foster intersectional, participatory, and meaningful engagement in their communities.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.