Informal education: Milena’s superpower to unlock young people’s potential
When we think of ‘superpowers’, we tend to think of superheroes on the screen. But in real life, superpowers are not special effects, but the influence we have on others. For example, Milena Morari helps young people to learn, develop, and believe in themselves through informal education.
Milena is 23 years old. She has always been interested in education. Everyone in her family is involved in education in one way or another. Milena’s passion for teaching is in her genes.
In 10th grade, she discovered an interest in working with young people. “That’s when I took part in a summer school for the first time. I liked everything about it. Later, I even worked at a youth centre for a while,” Milena recalls.
When she entered 12th grade, she decided to focus on preparing for her bachelor’s degree and gave up her other activities. But the break didn’t last long. When she started studying at university in Chisinau, Milena found her way back to the field of informal education.
‘We develop not only knowledge, but also values, attitudes, and skills’
Milena studied at the Faculty of Journalism and Communication. At the same time, she received an offer to work as communications coordinator for the National Network of Local Youth Councils of Moldova. “I agreed because I love working with young people and informal education. After a while, I became secretary general of the network. Later, I ran to be head of the network. I enjoyed being part of this community, and I knew I could contribute to its development,” she says.
The network brings together local, district, and municipal youth councils from across the country. The main goal of the organisation is to involve young people in the decision-making process, help them make their voices heard, and contribute to solving the problems that they face. At the same time, the network facilitates cooperation between young people and local authorities so that their participation leads to concrete and sustainable change.
“One of the main pillars of our activity is informal education. In addition to coordinating the work of the councils, we also provide support to their members. We are there for young people whenever they need thematic training or any other assistance. We approach their development comprehensively, helping them to acquire knowledge and skills, develop certain values and attitudes,” explains Milena.
‘Communication with young people from the councils never ends’
As head of the network, Milena has many responsibilities. She ensures that the structure works properly and that the four-person secretariat works effectively. In addition, she is involved in implementing projects, finding new partners, and developing opportunities for young people. “Every day, I communicate with young people from the councils. Communication with them never ends. We discuss things on the phone, through messages, they come to our office or events, or we visit their locations. I try to be as close to them as possible. I understand that this is important to them: they like to feel significant, to feel that they are seen.”
Sometimes she works at educational events for young people. She teaches a wide range of topics, from the functioning and management of councils to project writing, non-violent communication, and combating disinformation.
Most of these trainings are part of projects that the network implements with the support of grants from the European Union. Milena says the support of national and international partners is extremely important for the network – it allows it to organise events regularly and at a higher level.
“First and foremost, we try to organise training sessions that are relevant to their interests. If the topic is engaging, they will come and try to get as much out of the event as possible,” says Milena. “In addition, we try to combine different methods of informal education and avoid PowerPoint presentations whenever possible, because young people find them boring.”
What Milena likes most about teaching is interacting with young people. She loves communicating with them and is happy when they leave with new perspectives and knowledge. She also really enjoys seeing young people from different regions meet again at the network training sessions, make friends, and form connections. “It’s wonderful to see them happy every time.”
‘I want to bring something new’
Milena’s love of education and the youth sector motivated her to continue her studies at the Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in ‘Innovation and Leadership in Education through Information Technology’.
“This research fits well with my work because we are learning to integrate information technology into education. Often, when we are given the task of developing a digital product, I think about how I can create it and apply it in my work with young people. For example, I once created a game and used it in a training session.”
Milena is currently working on her master’s thesis titled ‘The role of non-governmental organisations in the development of digital competences in adults’. She chose this topic because she wanted to combine her studies with her work. “In addition, I want to bring something new to this field. One of my ideas is to develop a programme that could help grow digital competences in youth workers,” explains Milena.
She is confident that her research will help her get closer to youth workers, understand their real needs, and, ultimately, motivate them to stay close to young people.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to combine studying with work because it takes a lot of energy, and I’m the kind of person who wants to do everything to a high standard. It is good that classes are often held online. So, I often listen to lectures on my headphones, right in the office.”
‘Today’s youth will greatly change Moldovan society’
Milena argues that informal education is especially important for young people in Moldova, as it compensates for what formal education does not cover.
“Informal education makes you more open and empathetic to others and changes the way you look at the world, as it is based not only on knowledge but also on values. It shapes how you perceive events and what attitudes you have in different situations. Of course, knowledge is important; we cannot deny its significance, but it is equally important to understand how to use it.”
She believes that informal education significantly contributes to the development of leadership skills among young people. Once young people start getting involved in various activities, they become more responsible for what is happening in their communities. “We often discuss with our colleagues that through our activities, we are also contributing to the formation of future NGO workers. We have examples of young people who, after gaining experience in councils, start working either in youth organisations or with us – and that’s wonderful.”
Milena notes that young people who are very active now will become extremely competent in many areas. The experience they gain they will apply later in everyday life, in the professional sphere, and in relationships with others. “In ten years, today’s young people will greatly change Moldovan society.”
Milena’s advice to teenagers: start actively participating in the community’s life right now: “There’s no need to lose time. Every change starts with us, and it must start today, because young people have enormous potential. Young people have phenomenal ideas that sometimes inspire us, so they should do everything they consider important.”
What’s your superpower?
Milena Morari proves that superpowers do exist and that each of us can find and develop them. Have you ever thought about what your superpower might be?
To learn more about Milena’s superpowers, watch this video.
Author: Cristina Platas
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