Young Minds Big Ideas
Your Hub for Youth Opportunities 🚀
Young Minds, Big Ideas (YMBI) is an initiative by the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) designed to create meaningful opportunities for young people, especially those who are marginalized or at risk. Through volunteering abroad, local community projects, and career-focused experiences like job shadowing, YMBI aims to equip youth aged 18-30 with the skills, experience, and confidence to take the lead in their communities. This platform serves as a hub for young people looking for life-changing experiences—whether through volunteering, cultural exchanges, or skill-building projects.
Which opportunity suits you best?
- The European Solidarity Corps (Solidarity Local Project)
- European Solidarity Corps (Volunteering abroad)
- Erasmus+ for Youth Workers
The European Solidarity Corps (Solidarity Local Project)
Got an idea to change your community? Let’s make it happen!
Look around—what challenges do you see? Every community has opportunities for positive change, and your ideas can be the spark that makes a difference! A Solidarity Project is your chance to take action, turn your vision into reality, and create meaningful impact.
Whether it’s 🎨 transforming public spaces with street art, ♻️ organizing beach cleanups to protect the environment, 🤝 hosting community events to bring people together, or 🎭 leading creative workshops that empower others, the possibilities are endless.
With the right team, passion, and dedication, you can launch a project that addresses real needs, fosters solidarity, and inspires long-term change. This is your opportunity to step up, take initiative, and leave a lasting mark on your community.
Who can join a Solidarity project? 👥 Teams of 5+ young people (ages 18-30) living in the same country.
What’s in it for you?
💰 €650/month to run your project
🤝 A coach to guide and support you
📈 Personal growth—build skills & experience
⏳ 2 to 12 months, part-time—fits your schedule
Deadlines to apply: May 7th, 2025 & September 15, 2025
Got a project in mind? Let’s do this!
Sabine Smith
Ongoing Solidarity Projects
The Bush Tea Garden Project is YMBI’s first youth-driven initiative. It aims to adopt and transform the White and Yellow Cross garden into a more inclusive and accessible space for seniors. The project received €650 per month for 12 months, along with additional support for coaching and exceptional costs. The designated coaches are Jo from Arrowroot Farm and Shanica Romney, who will serve as the mentor for the young participants.
Location: White and Yellow Cross
Youth involved: Rene, Anahi, Tomeeka, Andre, Enrique and Shannel
Duration: Jan 2025 – November 2025
Coaches: Josiah Halley and Shanica Romney
European Solidarity Corps (Volunteering abroad)
Want to Make an Impact Abroad? Let’s Make It Happen! 🌍✨
Ever wanted to travel, make a difference, and gain new skills—all at the same time? The European Solidarity Corps (Volunteering Abroad) makes it happen! Whether it’s a short-term adventure or a long-term journey, opportunities are available all across Europe.
Why Join? ✅ Help where it’s needed most ✅ Learn new skills & boost your experience ✅ Travel abroad & immerse yourself in a new culture ✅ Meet amazing people & create unforgettable memories
Choose Your Volunteering Experience 🔹 Individual Volunteering 💡 2 to 12 months (full-time: 30-38 hrs/week) 📍 Work with an organization making a real impact
Interested? Fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/19dbiGBSxA
Sabine Smith
Erasmus+ for Youth Workers
Are you involved in youth work—whether as a professional youth worker, a volunteer, or part of an informal youth initiative such as a scouts group or a community-led project? If so, there are incredible opportunities coming your way!
Through the Erasmus+ program, you will soon have the chance to take part in Training Courses and Study Visits designed to enhance your skills, broaden your network, and give you new tools to support young people more effectively.
These opportunities provide hands-on learning experiences, exposure to best practices from across Europe, and the chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your leadership, explore innovative youth work methods, or build international connections, this program is tailored for you.
Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities and take your youth work to the next level!
Interested? Fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/19dbiGBSxA
Sabine Smith
