Meet Katja, our new IVY Reporter

For just over a week now, I have been part of the NPA Joint Secretariat in Copenhagen. This time has been busy, informative, and filled with new encounters on a daily basis. I found the opportunity to join the team through the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) programme, which enables young people to take action and participate in Interreg programmes and projects all around Europe to promote common solutions and solidarity across borders. The NPA programme was of specific interest to me due to its programme area and having been born and raised in the focus area, I feel a deep connection to the region, as well as to the programme's goals and principles.

My first week as an IVY Reporter has been all about learning and listening. If I had to describe the first week in one word, it would be stories. I have heard so many inspiring stories from past projects and what they have succeeded in and how they still showcase sustainable results to this day. Stories also played a major role during our Monitoring Committee meeting last week in the Faroe Islands. During the meeting, the committee approved fifteen new projects that best support the programme's goals. We also had the chance to hear many stories about the beautiful Faroe Islands, their history, and their people. One story that stuck with me was about Ove Joensen. His dream of rowing from the islands all the way to Copenhagen perfectly pictures Nordic perseverance and determination.

The 6th call has been highly popular and filled with great, innovative initiatives. This proves that the area is well-connected with the NPA Programme and that there is strong interest in future calls. It also gives me a lot of hope for the ongoing Youth Call. For the first time in the programme's history, the call will focus solely on the youth and projects that they are a part of, leading, and creating solutions for.

Finally, I want to thank the entire NPA Programme and everyone connected to it for the warmest welcome I could have received.