What is YOTA?

YOTA (Youngsters On The Air) is an international initiative of the IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) aimed at attracting young people to amateur radio, developing their technical skills, and introducing them to the spirit of the amateur radio community. The project includes camps, training sessions, competitions, practical experiments, and social activities that combine radio technology, communications, and teamwork.

Through YOTA, young participants have the opportunity to explore different aspects of amateur radio – from operating radio stations and antennas, through digital communications, to experiments in satellite and microwave bands. In addition, the initiative promotes intercultural exchange and international friendship.

📌 YOTA Website: https://www.ham-yota.com

History

The Youngsters On The Air initiative began in 2011 with the first international summer camp in Romania, where young amateurs from several European countries gathered to exchange experience and ideas.
With each passing year, the number of participants and countries increases – YOTA camps have already been held in countries such as South Africa, Austria, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Croatia, Hungary, and many others.

In 2017, the initiative expanded to other IARU regions – Asia, Africa, and North America. In addition to the main summer camp, each year also features:

• YOTA December Month – a month during which special amateur radio stations with the YOTA prefix are activated around the world.
• YOTA Subregional Camps – smaller regional camps for training and exchange of experience.

Activities

YOTA offers a variety of activities focused on practical learning, competitions, and teamwork:

1. Practical work with radio stations
   • Operating QSOs (contacts) on HF and VHF
   • Working with different types of antennas and amplifiers
   • Digital modes (FT8, PSK, RTTY, etc.)
2. Technical workshops
   • Assembling antennas, kits, and radio modules
   • Experiments with SDR receivers
   • Equipment measurement and tuning
3. Competitive activities
   • Participation in international contests
   • Training in high-speed Morse code (CW)
   • ARDF (fox hunting) demonstrations
4. Scientific and technical lectures
   • Satellite communications (QO-100, ISS)
   • Microwave experiments
   • Radio waves and propagation
5. Social and cultural programs
   • Presentations from participating countries
   • Team games and sports events
   • Evenings of national culture

Event Formats

• Annual International Camp – gathers over 100 young people from all over the world for a week of intensive learning and fun.
• Regional Camps – smaller, local events aiming to reach more young people.
• YOTA Month (December) – a global radio campaign with thousands of QSOs, where young operators work from special stations with YOTA callsigns.

Age Groups

YOTA is mainly aimed at young people up to 26 years old:

• Juniors (up to 15 years) – first steps in amateur radio, learning through games.
• Youth (16–20 years) – active participation in experiments and competitions.
• Young Adults (21–26 years) – technical leadership, mentoring younger participants.

Goals of YOTA

• To promote amateur radio among young people.
• To train a new generation of operators and engineers.
• To foster international cooperation and friendship.
• To encourage technical creativity and innovation.