PANAGIOTIS KALAITZIS

Current occupation

Youth Worker - Trainer - EU Project Manager

Work experience

I Participate NGO | Youthworker & Project Manager
Greece | 2021 - ongoing
Leading strategic decision-making, organizational development, and long-term planning.
Designing and facilitating non-formal educational activities within European and local programs, promoting lifelong learning and growth through experiential methods.
Developing and submitting funding proposals for Erasmus+, CERV, EYF, CoE programs, and local grant opportunities monitored project outcomes and explored alternative financing sources.
Developing and maintaining relationships with more than 100 local, national, and international partners to enhance collaboration and project outcomes.
Supported more than 800 young people & adults to access mobilities and learning opportunities
(LINK: https://iparticipate.gr/ )
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No Hate Speech Network
Coordinator for Education, Mobilisation, Monitoring & Awareness Raising 2026 - ongoing
Brussels | “Changing Narratives: Power of Action” Conference (2025)
Invited as a trainer by the No Hate Speech Network to contribute to their conference, part of the Network’s annual work plan. Facilitated sessions with youth workers, youth activists and national coordinators following a cycle of international training and pilot local actions. Supported participants in presenting the impact of their community initiatives, analysing challenges, and developing creative strategies for long-term sustainability. Contributed to co-creation processes shaping the Network’s new strategic plan, ensuring meaningful youth participation in future priorities. The conference programme included a visit to the European Parliament, where participants met MEP Rasmus Nordqvist to discuss youth involvement in EU decision making and the future of anti hate speech efforts across Europe.
(LINK: https://nohatespeech.network/changing-narratives-actions-have-power/ )
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Youth Social Rights Network (YSRN) – Project Based Trainer
Strasbourg & Budapest | 2022 - 2026
Reviewed and revised program plans and strategic plans to ensure alignment with organizational goals and European youth policy priorities.
Designed and implemented study sessions co-organized with the Council of Europe Youth Department, focusing on human rights, inclusion, and social participation of young refugees and migrants.Facilitated learning processes on hate speech, social inclusion, storytelling for empowerment, and human rights education.
Worked with youth workers, activists, and young people from Council of Europe member states, applying non-formal and experiential learning methodologies.
Delivered sessions combining reflective practice, peer learning, and skills-based activities to help participants critically analyse their contexts.
Supported participants in developing inclusive approaches for local and European-level action.Integration of young refugees and migrants LINK: https://www.coe.int/en/web/youth/-/integration-of-young-migrants-and-refugees
Positive Storytellers LINK: https://www.coe.int/en/web/youth/-/positive-storytellers
Transition into adulthood and inclusion of young refugees LINK: https://www.coe.int/en/web/youth/-/t-inclusion-transition-into-adulthood-and-inclusion-of-young-refugees)
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Informal Youth Group | Co-Founder & Senior Youth Trainer
Greece | 2024 - 2026
Co-founded Youthwavers, a growing youth hub promoting climate action, inclusion and active citizenship.
Set strategic direction, vision and development of the organization
Designed and implemented Erasmus+ Youth Exchange (KA1) as coordinator organization
Built cooperation with 20+ international partners and strengthened cross-border collaboration
Representation at local, national & international events, enhancing visibility and partnerships
Led communication strategy (social media, newsletters, outreach), achieving 10.000+ reach
Encouraged active participation of young people from the local community in actions and mobility projects
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Hate Speech, Hate Crime and Artificial Intelligence Unit (HSCU) - Council of Europe | Co-Trainer
Brussels, Belgium | “Level Up!” Event on Hate Speech & Counter Narratives (2023)
Selected as a trainer for Council of Europe, “Level Up!” event by the European Youth Forum, working with youth activists all around the world. Delivered 7 interactive workshops on hate speech, counter and alternative narratives, and digital activism. 1h sessions were rooted in human rights education and non-formal education principles, supporting over 1000 participants to build their own local/national action plans.
(LINK: https://www.coe.int/en/web/inclusion-and-antidiscrimination/-/young-people-prepared-to-tackle-hate-speech-through-counter-narratives )
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