Participants in the Juventud Vasca Cooperante program have rated their experience with an average of 8.9 out of 10. A total of 48 surveys were received from the 2026 edition, with 45 of them giving a score of 8 or higher. The overall program rating stands at 8.7.
In this year's edition, 56 young people between 22 and 30 years old participated in cooperation projects in Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, and Togo. This program, organized by the Department of Youth and Demographic Challenge of the Basque Government, was carried out in collaboration with Basque NGOs and organizations from the destination countries.
Participants highlighted the revision of prejudices, a better understanding of inequalities, increased adaptability, and the discovery of different ways of organizing community life. Some individuals recognized finding new possibilities for their professional future, while others emphasized the human relationships and the commitment they wish to maintain upon their return.
The positive evaluation of the program also pointed out areas for improvement. The information available before registration received a score of 7 out of 10, while the duration and content of the prior training were rated around 7.5. Proposals include a more detailed explanation of tasks and conditions at the destination, better alignment between profiles and projects, earlier communication regarding travel and procedures, and practical preparation tailored to each stay.
Regarding the work of the organizations, both the originating NGOs and the host organizations received an average score of around 8.3. Participants particularly emphasized the closeness of the local teams and the learning derived from direct collaboration.
Since its launch in 1993, the Juventud Vasca Cooperante program has hosted over 2,500 young people. The program combines practical experience with training and awareness-raising, and collects feedback from recent participants to guide future editions during return meetings.
