Monia Wisniewska is a youth worker and leader through and through. In her work with AJS in Spain, she is showing how innovative thinking can rejuvenate rural areas, making them attractive and sustainable for young people
Through this interview, we get an intimate glimpse into her world, where tradition meets innovation, and community development is driven by youthful energy and a profound sense of purpose. It is about the power of local action fuelled by a global perspective
Monia’s Path to Leadership:
Monia, could you walk us through what inspired you to take on this leadership role in your community? "My inspiration came from witnessing the struggles and untapped potential within my community. I grew up here, and it’s a place I deeply love. I wanted to find a way to use our local strengths to create opportunities that could sustain not just the current generation but future ones too."
Challenges Along the Way:
What specific obstacles did you encounter in your journey? "Navigating the scarce resources was and is a major hurdle. Another significant challenge was the initial scepticism from locals when introducing new concepts or technologies that deviated from traditional practices. It required building trust and showing real, tangible benefits that these new ideas could bring."
Unlocking Rural Opportunities:
Can you share a successful initiative that you’ve led? "One of our standout projects was the introduction of a digital marketplace for local artisans. This platform allowed them to reach beyond our local borders to a national, even international, customer base. It not only preserved our traditional crafts but also adapted them to the modern market, increasing local income and pride."
Staying Motivated and Visionary:
How do you keep pushing forward despite setbacks? "The key for me has been the young people themselves—seeing the direct impact of our efforts on people’s lives gives me a profound sense of achievement and responsibility. Also, I actively seek feedback and engage in continuous dialogue with young people and community members to ensure our projects truly reflect their needs and aspirations."
Community Impact and Engagement:
What changes have you seen in the community since you started? "There’s been a noticeable shift in how the community views entrepreneurship and innovation. More young people are engaging in local businesses, and there’s a renewed interest in staying in or returning to the area. But also there are challenges. In Spain for example, rural newcomers are often seen as a threat to local traditions and way of living. Despite that, all rural areas suffer from de-population and migration to urban regions. In fact, in many rural areas those two communities live next to each other but not together. Frequently, while the local (youth) leaders tend to protect their cultural heritage, many traditions are seen from outside as primitive or just as a touristic attraction. The initiatives proposed and organised by rural newcomers tend to be more modern and progressive and thus seen by local population as strange and unwelcome. As we say in Spain: you do things not because they are necessarily good, but because things were done this way for ages. It is a pity because the strength resides in the union, and while there is mistrust and non-acceptance on both sides, the community loses opportunities.”
Are those youth leaders really so different?
Yes, but at the same time, they have many factors in common. Let me focus on five shared areas:
Encouraging Future Leaders:
What advice do you have for young people who want to make a difference in their rural communities? "My advice would be to start small and focus on what you know best. Utilise your unique insights into the community’s needs and couple them with sustainable, innovative solutions. Building community trust and involvement is crucial—make sure the projects are not just for the community but with the community.
European rural youth leaders, whether local or newcomers, play a crucial role in shaping the future of their communities. Their unique blend of resilience, community commitment, and innovative spirit allows them to effectively address the challenges and leverage the opportunities of rural life.
While their backgrounds and perspectives may differ, the common goal of creating sustainable development and improving the quality of life in rural areas unites them. By coming together and embracing both tradition and modernity, these young rural leaders can create a stronger, more cohesive community. It is time for rural youth leaders to take a seat at the same table, recognise their shared values, and collaborate towards overcoming depopulation and enhancing local services. Through unity and cooperation, they can ensure that their rural communities thrive and remain vibrant for future generations."
Looking Ahead:
As Monia continues to champion youth leadership and rural innovation, we can all learn from her example of how dedication, combined with a deep understanding of one’s community, can foster significant change.
Connect with Monia via Asociación Jóvenes Solidarios | (ajovenes.es)
