EuroAware: Enhancing Impact in Democracy

Project Reference: 2024-1-EL02-KA153-YOU-000233624

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Summary

Objectives

Through the implementation of the EuroAware: Enhancing Impact in Democracy project, we sought to empower youth workers to acquire the necessary tools and skills to enhance the participation of young people in the democratic life of their communities.

 

The main objectives of the project were:

- To build the capacity of youth workers to actively engage young people in activities related to democracy, social participation and decision-making.

- To increase youth workers' knowledge of the institutions and procedures of the European Union so that they can accurately convey this information to the young people they work with.

- Strengthening European identity and awareness of common European values, such as unity through diversity, through non-formal learning methods.

- The development of innovative methodologies, tools and materials to enhance young people's participation in European elections and democratic processes.

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In the long term, the aim was to foster a more dynamic, democratic and participatory mindset among both youth workers and the young people they support, laying the foundations for a more inclusive and active future for Europe.

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Activities

In the framework of the EuroAware project, a six-day training course was implemented in Kalamata, with the participation of 30 youth workers and 2 trainers from 10 different countries: Greece, Lithuania, Latvia, Latvia, Spain, Croatia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Italy and Spain.

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The training programme was based on non-formal learning methods and included:
- interactive workshops on the rights and obligations of European citizens,
- role-playing games to understand the functioning of the European institutions,
- thematic world cafés and discussions on democratic participation,
- exploratory activities (such as treasure hunts) focusing on EU policies,
- exchange of good practice between the institutions,
- meeting with local authority representatives and policy makers

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The profile of participants included youth workers with varying levels of experience, trainers, facilitators and youth organisation staff. What they all had in common was their interest in strengthening young people's participation in society, promoting European values and developing democratic skills through non-formal education.

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It is worth noting that 10 participants came from groups with fewer opportunities, including young people with economic, social, or geographical barriers, which reinforced the inclusiveness and diversity of the project.

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Results and Impact

The EuroAware project has had a significant impact at both individual and organisational level. The main results and impacts of the project were as follows:

- Empowerment of youth workers: Participants gained new knowledge and skills on democratic participation, EU citizens' rights, as well as methods to activate young people at local level. They recognised the importance of transmitting values such as active participation, pluralism and European awareness.

- Development of practical tools: The project produced a toolkit of practical methods and activities that can be implemented at local level to enhance young people's participation in democratic processes. This toolkit is expected to be used by participating organisations.
- Personal and professional development: Participants developed skills such as intercultural communication, collaborative learning, group facilitation and cultivating active European citizenship. For many it was an opportunity to redefine their role as youth workers with a social impact.

- Developing partnerships: The project helped to create new partnerships between organisations from 10 countries, strengthening the European network of actors involved in democratic education and youth. Many organisations are already planning joint future actions.

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Many European institutions are already working together to develop a European identity: Through the mobility experience, participants have come closer to European values and strengthened their sense of belonging to a common European community.

 

Overall, the EuroAware project has strengthened the capacity of youth organisations and youth professionals to effectively support young people's participation in the democratic life of Europe, both now and in the future.

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TANGIBLE RESULT

The Democracy Ignite: Tools for Boosting Youth Involvement guide

Download it here: ​​

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See some pictures from the activities here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jSwsLhdFdUiPr6Dy6

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Watch the videos of the activity here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSOnNUUPk6Y&list=PL4GX5MzScnuUCXyeR1Xjups1nSfmTqiXA&ab_channel=CultiMulti

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This project is been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained there in.