In January, the YoPA Amsterdam team kickstarted the 2025 co-creation process by welcoming new participants into the Action Team.
The group, guided by facilitators from Amsterdam UMC, Jesse Vargas and Leto Demetriadou, learned about the research that was conducted by previous participants, and shared their own perspectives on these findings.
Through member-checking, we can continuously develop insights that are relevant to the local context together with our adolescent co-researchers! đź’ˇ
As the project wraps up an incredible first year of interventions, it is thrilling to celebrate the milestones achieved with youth, communities, and partners across all sites. From co-creating vibrant activity-friendly neighbourhoods to sparking meaningful dialogues, it’s been an inspiring journey that has taught everyone a lot.
Watch now the 2nd official YoPA video:
Here’s to progress, partnership, and greater impact in 2025 and beyond! 🧡
On December 4th, 2024, the Soweto Youth Council (ages 12-17) gathered at the Jabulani Safe-Hub for a special end-of-year event hosted by the YoPA team.
The event was a heartfelt farewell, thanking the youth for their incredible participation in co-creating the project. Certificates of participation were handed out along with thoughtful gifts, and everyone enjoyed refreshments in a warm, celebratory atmosphere.
The youth expressed their gratitude, sharing how much they valued their involvement and how the project has become meaningful for their community’s future.
A big thank you to the Soweto Youth Council for their dedication and to our host partner, Jabulani Safe-Hub, for making this day memorable!
The YoPA project was thrilled to be present in the International Society for Physical Activity and Health’s Congress (ISPAH) 2024 in Paris. The PhD student from Denmark, Line Madsen, delivered an engaging presentation during the symposium “What Works and What Doesn’t? Discussing Ways to Co-Create Activity-Promoting Neighborhoods with Youth.” Reflecting on her experience, Line shared, “I was so happy to represent YoPA at the ISPAH conference, especially to take part in the discussions with the audience, who were very engaged in uncovering ‘what works and what doesn’t’ in co-creation.”
YoPA senior researchers Dr. Charlotte Pawlowski and Dr. Jasper Schipperijn, from the University of Southern Denmark and Dr. Teatske Altenburg from Amsterdam UMC also took part in this meaningful exchange.
The symposium brought valuable insights on fostering effective youth engagement in active urban spaces and navigating co-creation’s unique challenges. The YoPA team shared their experiences and gathered ideas from global leaders to apply to our future initiatives.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and enriched the discussions! 🌍 #ISPAH2024 #YoPA
On July 13th, the YoPA team in Soweto, South Africa, had the privilege of joining a vibrant community event at the Jabulani Safe Hub. This gathering brought together approximately 80 community members and key stakeholders, providing a meaningful platform for direct engagement with YoPA. Vongani Maluleke and Lethukuthula Ndwandwe were representing the project at the event 🚀
This initiative was designed not only as an informative and open feedback session but as an opportunity for participants to ask questions, share insights, and express their perspectives on YoPA’s work in promoting youth-driven urban transformation and active, healthy lifestyles. The community’s positive response highlighted the importance of these conversations in enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated! 🧡
