October 1st, 2026

What helps implementing the co-creation process — and what can get in the way?

A new YoPA study published in Health Promotion International explores this question by examining the first phase of the YoPA co-creation process across Denmark, Nigeria, South Africa and the Netherlands.

Led by Maria Fernanda Souza, one of YoPA’s PhD students at Universidade Lusófona, Portugal, and co-authored by YoPA and external researchers, the study analysed 22 semi-structured interviews with facilitators, researchers and external stakeholders, together with 61 logbooks documenting Phase One co-creation sessions.

The data were analysed using the novel PROSECO process-evaluation framework, followed by the development of exploratory Context–Mechanism–Outcome (CMO) configurations to understand the mechanisms shaping those barriers and facilitators.

The findings highlight the importance of group dynamics, partnerships, contextual influences, and resources and support. They also show how creating psychologically safe spaces, fostering horizontal communication and adapting activities to young people’s needs can support meaningful participation — while complex concepts, limited resources and contextual challenges can make the process more difficult.

The study offers practical insights for researchers and practitioners working with young people through co-creation, while also contributing to the development and application of the PROSECO process-evaluation framework.

👉 Read the full open-access paper in Health Promotion International

February 25th, 2026

In preparation for the after-school physical activity program, as part of the co-created intervention, four teachers from Ido-Osun High School (Ido-Osun, Osun State, Nigeria) participated in a training session on December 2, 2025.

The training provided an overview of the project’s progress, outlined plans for the forthcoming after-school program, and reviewed the implementation protocol, including teachers’ roles and responsibilities.

This capacity-building session aimed to ensure that teachers were adequately equipped to support student engagement, maintain program standards, promote inclusive use of space, and facilitate a safe and structured learning environment throughout the intervention.

The session also created space for teachers to seek clarification, share expectations, and discuss practical strategies for effective program delivery, thereby strengthening their preparedness for implementation. In addition, the curriculum for weeks one and two of the program was introduced and discussed to enhance teachers’ understanding of the planned activities.

YoPA Nigeria is shaping its impact with local stakeholders! Stay tuned for more.

January 27th, 2026

The YoPA spin-off in Portugal reached two important milestones with the visits of local decision-makers, reinforcing institutional support for a youth-led process of co-creation and community transformation.

On 29 December 2025, Paula Simões, President of the Parish Council of Algueirão-Mem Martins, visited CIAPA during a dedicated YoPA session. On this occasion, young participants presented the YoPA project in Portugal and its international dimension, sharing their journey, methodology, and impact. The presentation highlighted how YoPA empowers teenagers to analyse their local context, identify needs, and co-create solutions with real potential for change. This session created a valuable moment of dialogue between young people and local leadership, strengthening mutual understanding and trust.

A second key moment took place on 26 January 2026, with the presentation of YoPA to Francisco Duarte, Councillor of the Sintra Municipal Council, attended by Paula Simões, President of the Parish Council of Algueirão- Mem Martins. During this session, the young people presented the outcomes of the co-creation process and reflected on the work developed throughout the second phase of the project.

The session was followed by a visit to the space selected by the teenagers for renovation, allowing local authorities to better understand the vision and potential impact of the proposed intervention. This visit marked an important step in consolidating institutional support, with Francisco Duarte becoming a new stakeholder in supporting the project and its implementation.

These visits represent a strong recognition of young people as active contributors to local development. By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration with decision-makers, YoPA continues to demonstrate how meaningful youth participation can influence local decision-making and lead to concrete, community-based change.

Learn more about the YoPA spin-off in Portugal on this page.

January 13th, 2026

The YoPA Project was featured in the Innovation News Network platform on December 19th, 2025.

Innovation News Network is a news platform dedicated to research, emerging science, policy and innovation topics around the world, since 2020. They feature projects and news that cover relevant areas of innovation, from organisations, policymakers and researchers.

A comprehensive article about YoPA was published, telling the general public about the project’s goals, impact and more.

Read the full article here.

December 30th, 2025

A great way to close the year for YoPA 🎉

We are pleased to share a new article from the YoPA project, led by PhD student Line Madsen and co-authored by Birgitte Westerskov Dalgas and Charlotte Pak, based on the Danish part of our EU-funded work.

The study explores adolescents’ experiences of taking part in a long-term co-creation process in leisure clubs in Aalborg. It contributes to the growing body of research on youth participation and co-creation in public health—showing how meaningful involvement can shape more relevant and sustainable health-promoting initiatives.

📄 Read the article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/02673843.2025.2608769?needAccess=true

Wishing our partners, collaborators, and supporters a great start to the new year!