Eirinn Braniff and Grace Cotton travel to Budapest for the Study Session hosted by Rural Youth Europe

The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) were delighted to send Eirinn Braniff (Ballywalter YFC) and Grace Cotton (Crumlin YFC) to Budapest in Hungary for the Spring Study Session hosted by Rural Youth Europe.

 In partnership with the Council of Europe and the European Youth Center in Budapest, Rural Youth Europe organised the study session around the theme of “Rural Advocacy: Building Skills and Empowering Change-makers Across Rural Europe”. The study session brought together thirty five young people from rural communities across eighteen different European countries, with the aim to empower a new generation of rural youth change-makers by equipping them with the advocacy skills and knowledge needed to actively engage at local, national, and European levels. 

The event took place between Sunday 16th March and Saturday 22nd March 2025 at the European Youth Centre in Budapest, Hungary. Eirinn and Grace both applied for the opportunity in November 2024 and were delighted to be accepted for the trip.

Eirinn Braniff said, “the theme is very interesting. We are learning what advocacy is and how we, as young people can advocate to make changes in our rural communities. Through this study session, we will; be able to raise awareness on the importance of advocacy and discuss the importance of rural youth participation”.

Grace Cotton commented “we are being equipped with the skills and knowledge to advocate our needs and ideas, and meaningfully participate in political processes and society as rural youth change-makers”.

Derek Lough, Chief Executive Officer for the YFCU said “it’s always great to see our young people apply for these opportunities offered within the YFCU travel programme. It gives them great experiences that will help shape their futures”.