YOTA is a group of young radio amateurs from IARU Region 1. Most of us are under the age of 26. Each year we get together in different European countries to spend some quality time. Not only just having fun and playing games, we come up with new ideas, new projects, plans for the future, etc. During the other months of the year we gather on the bands and have some fun together, take part in contests or just make some YOTA-skeds.

The goal of YOTA is to welcome new and young amateur radio operators to our beautiful hobby. We live in a world where communication is being digitalized in a way that we almost can’t keep up with. In times like this it’s important to convince people about the importance of our hobby. Together with other youngsters all around the world, we can make the difference and give our hobby the future it deserves!

In August this year 80 youngsters from 23 teams in IARU R1 will meet up in the central region of Gauteng in South Africa for the 8th edition of the summer camp Youngsters On The Air. We have planned a wonderful week full of diverse activities concentrated both on practical and theoretical knowledge, but also many fun games. We’ll explore different cultures and share the hobby that always brings us closer together. This year we will also dedicate some time to what we like to refer to as our “train-the-trainer” initiative, which means we will try and communicate our knowledge to the participants in the best way possible so as to assure they are able to share it further and they themselves become able to educate others in the matters of HAM radio. If you’re interested in what’s coming up for our participants and any additional information, catch up with the latest news here!