Organised by: ENIL Youth Network, with support from the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe
This summer, we are taking control of the way things are framed
Join us for a summer school that brings together young disabled and non-disabled people alike, united by one shared passion – the media.
We are calling for advocates, activists, youth workers, journalists, presenters, filmmakers, influencers, and media-curious humans of all kinds! You will have the opportunity to explore how representation in the media affects human rights, dignity, and perceptions of disability. Through fun, interactive and engaging activities (no boring lectures here!), you will share stories, learn from each other, and team up to create powerful digital campaigns. Together, you’ll also help design a toolkit for media makers, full of tips on how to tell real, inclusive stories that truly reflect diverse experiences.
Whether you’re into journalism, social media, film, or just passionate about change – this is your chance to learn, create, and make an impact!
📍 Where? Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
📅 When? 25-30 August 2025 (travel days included)
Arrival: 25 August 2025
Programme: 26–29 August 2025
Departure: 30 August 2025
Applicants will be informed if they are selected or not by June 15th 2025.
🏹 Aim:
The main aim of this summer school is to empower young people to challenge existing narratives and stereotypes in the media and reshape how disability is portrayed. Participants will learn how to advocate for ethical and rights-based representation and bring diverse voices to media spaces, while working together to ensure that the future of representation is shaped collaboratively, through authentic stories, mutual understanding, and respect.
🎯Objectives:
· Learn about, through and for Human Rights: Learn about the rights and mechanisms of protecting them, especially when it comes to youth and the disabled community.
· Understand representation: Explore how narratives in the media influence our perceptions, impact dignity, access to Independent Living and human rights.
· Build Skills: Learn how to use media to challenge stereotypes and the status quo, to create and tell inclusive, accessible, authentic stories.
· Co-create Guidelines: Develop reporting and storytelling guidelines and resources, based on the UN CRPD and lived experiences of young disabled people, and young emerging media professionals.
· Empower Action: Design and later implement a plan for individual or group media campaigns that foster positive change and improve media representation on a local or European level.
· Celebrate Diversity: Connect across cultures and perspectives in a fully accessible and supportive space.
✅ Participant Profile:
· Young people ages 18–30 (disabled or non-disabled) · Based in one of the 46 Council of Europe Member States
· Do not need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina
· Passionate about disability and human rights, social justice, Independent Living, media and communications, storytelling, youth work and creative activism.
· Committed to implement the follow-up actions in their community
· Able to communicate and work in English
· Curious and open to sharing, learning, challenging the status quo and creating change collaboratively!
🧩 We will use interactive tools: discussions, simulations, group tasks, media creation labs, and more!
🎬 Bonus: Movie night, creative evening, farewell party – all with a purpose!
✅ Hotel accommodation in twin or accessible rooms, with full board (3 meals per day) is covered for all participants and their personal assistants (PAs).
✅ We will provide financial support regarding travelling for all selected participants, but please do not purchase any tickets until they have been approved by the team. Tickets bought without confirmation will not be reimbursed.
🌍This space will be accessible, inclusive, and focused on intersectionality, representation, and empowerment. We are aiming to create a safe and brave space for everyone feels welcome and included. Whether you’re already active in the media or just starting out – we want you with us!
📧 Do you have any questions or access needs?
Reach out to nina.portolan@enil.eu and laura.alciauskaite@enil.eu