On the last week of July 2025, FEMYSO hosted a dynamic 5-day training aimed at empowering Muslim Youth across Europe to strengthen the governance and long-term impact of their organisations, gathering 35 participants across the Council of Europe Member States to Verona, Italy.
The training focused on enhancing the participants’ skills and operational capacity, enabling them to lead their organisations more effectively and sustainably by providing comprehensive training sessions across five key areas – strategic planning, human resources, marketing/branding, finances, fundraising and equipping the participants with the tools necessary to create sustainable organisational structures and develop a strategic plan which address both short- and long-term goals.
With the approach of non-formal education, the training combined workshops, case studies, group discussions, and strategy development exercises, encouraging participants to apply their learning in actionable plans and practical contexts. The participants had also the opportunity to explore the rich history of Verona, savour Italian delicacies and network with the representatives of local Muslim organisations such as FEMYSO’s member organisation Giovani Musulmani d’Italia (GMI).
This immersive experience not only equipped participants with essential skills but also fostered a collaborative environment where they could exchange ideas and build connections that will support their organisations’ sustainable growth and follow up projects.
Testimonials:
The Organisational Sustainability training was an inspiring and empowering event. I had the opportunity to learn from experts on how to build a sustainable future for my organisation in a planned and strategic way. It was empowering because we were given actual tools to use in our own organisation and the constant open dialogue gave us a broader perspective on what we can achieve. As Muslim youth in Europe, having these insightful sessions helped us regain strength in our community and hope for our future.
Batul K. (Italy)
The FEMYSO training week provided me and my fellow board members with practical tools to take back and apply within our organisation. It encouraged us to reflect on our internal processes, while also helping us design interventions that strengthen our work towards long-term organisational sustainability. Beyond the valuable knowledge gained, we also had the opportunity to meet inspiring leaders from across Europe and benefited greatly from the exchange of advice and best practices.
Anass C. (Netherland)
The FEMYSO training in Verona was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The atmosphere was full of positive energy, the instructors were fantastic, and I gained valuable knowledge especially about finances, which I see as key for the success of Muslims. I was proud to represent Sandžak, a mostly Muslim region in Serbia that few people know about. I loved the balance between dunya and akhirah, and I made friends I truly love for the sake of Allah.
Rumejsa D. (Serbia)
Participating in the Organisational Sustainability training shaped me as a leader and sharpened my vision for long-term impact. The program challenged me to rethink how goals are set and communicated. I learned to use the SMART framework to make sustainability objectives clear, measurable, and inspiring for the whole team. This experience strengthened both my strategic thinking and my ability to motivate others, helping me grow into a leader who drives meaningful, lasting change.
Hamse A. (Finland)
The International Activity was co-funded by the European Youth Foundation.
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