JERUSALEM, April 5, 2012 (WAFA) - The European Union, in partnership with Sharek Youth Forum, launched the “With Youth” initiative; an opportunity for youth to get together in a series of youth-led activities around the West Bank and Gaza, an EU press release said Thursday.

“Between April and June, the ‘With Youth’ campaign will gather the youth of Palestine for a number of fun and thought-provoking actions, such as university lectures, volunteer days, football matches and many more,” said the release.

EU representative to the Palestinian Territory, John Gatt-Rutter, called on Palestinian youths to join the activities.

“You – the Palestinian youth - were always taking the lead when it comes to serving your society and reaching out to different cultures,” he said. “We – at the EU- believe in this. 'With Youth' initiative gives both of us the chance to learn each others values and experiences,” he added.

“Join us where ever you are: in Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarem, Hebron, Bethlehem, Salfit, Ramallah, Gaza, to learn, exchange, meet new people and places,” said Gatt-Rutter.

The campaign was launched in Al Zawya, Salfit, where more than 80 Palestinian and international volunteers joined the villagers in rehabilitating the village's only water spring to make it accessible again to the shepherds' animals.

M.S.