To create a space where young people could share their success stories, exchange ideas for the future, and encourage one another. Right from the start, interactive activities were organized, allowing participants to network and present their projects. It wasn't just about showcasing ideas, but also about learning from each other. This was all supported and guided by the dedicated GenC team, who provided valuable advice on implementing social innovations.
Positive Change Knows No Age
An impressive story was shared by Timea Sele from Triesen, Liechtenstein. She is involved in the "Chess in School" project, which helps children in Liechtenstein enhance their concentration and logical thinking in a playful way. Timea reflected on the weekend:
"The weekend was simply amazing! Meeting so many interesting personalities, all driven to make a difference, deeply impressed and motivated me. I’m excited to see what these people will achieve and change with their project ideas. For me, it was a fantastic opportunity to connect with 39 new role models and the organizers, all people who inspire me to pursue my ideas and advocate for my projects and opinions."
Another inspiring story was from Felix, a young man who is tackling global waste issues. He initiated litter collection campaigns on social media, which have now garnered 3 million followers on TikTok. His initiative, “Planet Mattes,” is a powerful example of how social media can be used to drive positive change.
Failure as Part of Success
A unique aspect of this weekend was the evening reflection sessions around the campfire. On one of these nights, there was a discussion about the topic of failure, leading to an incredibly genuine and profound storytelling session.
Under the clear starry sky, the young changemakers shared their personal stories of failure. With impressive openness, they spoke about how setbacks had shaped them and ultimately led to success. It was inspiring to see how each person bravely shared the highs and lows of their work, as well as personal experiences, without worrying about judgment or opinions.
Roundtable at Eye Level
The weekend’s highlight was a roundtable with Andreas Falkensteiner, co-founder of Falkensteiner Hotels. This roundtable gave participants the chance to engage in an intergenerational exchange and ask questions on equal terms. Andreas Falkensteiner also shared his remarkable success story: at the age of just 17, he took over the management and expansion of Falkensteiner Hotels with his brother Erich following their father's death. His insights and experiences were invaluable to the young changemakers, who received firsthand advice and openly discussed their projects and goals in small groups.
The Future Can Only Be Built Together
With this weekend, Ashoka once again demonstrated how important it is to connect young people and give them the space to realize their ideas for the future. The participants returned not only inspired but also motivated—ready to turn their visions into reality. With the understanding that failure is part of the journey, they will continue to work on their projects and may soon spark the next major change.
This gathering of over 40 young changemakers with unique stories showed that each individual, with their own resources, can create something that benefits society as a whole. Because that’s exactly what it means to be a changemaker.
Author: Aljeen Hasan, journalist, author, and participant in Ashoka Generation Changemaker 2024 from Austria.