The project responded to an important need to increase the participation of European youth in democratic processes. The youth turnout rate of 50.66% in the European Parliament elections suggested that young people were disengaged from democratic processes (commission.europa.eu). These low participation rates indicated a lack of awareness among young people about European identity, citizenship, and values.
The project aimed to raise the level of knowledge of young people on these issues by organizing awareness-raising activities and providing training programs. In addition, statistical data on youth participation in democratic processes in the countries where the project took place were taken into account. This data served as a basic reference to assess the impact of the project results and to further strengthen democratic participation among young people.
The project sought to strengthen the political and social consciousness of European youth by increasing their active participation in democratic processes. It aimed to conduct successful youth work by understanding the genuine desires and needs of young people through direct, low-level interaction. Recognizing that young individuals often felt underappreciated and misunderstood by adults and decision-makers, the project intended to empower them to express their thoughts and stories, fostering a willingness to actively contribute to and enrich society.
With a focus on addressing the growing generation gap exacerbated by the rapid development of the digital sector, the project acknowledged the decline in trust in politics and stakeholders, especially among young people. The identified needs encompassed the necessity for young people to contemplate and articulate their aspirations, as well as to provide them with the tools to make their thoughts understandable for the broader community.
Despite the lowering of voting ages, the significant generation gap posed challenges, making it crucial to bridge understanding between generations. To contribute to addressing these challenges, the project involved 20 disadvantaged young individuals, offering them a platform to amplify their voices and share their narratives.
The project unfolded through four main activities in collaboration with partners from Germany, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey. These activities involved creative workshops based on the principles of Awareness, Visualization, Comparison, and Positioning. Local experts contributed to these workshops, engaging with disadvantaged youth through personalized tours and cultural meetings.
The participants, with diverse backgrounds, benefited from the project’s objectives, which included raising awareness about the European Union, acquiring knowledge about European identity, citizenship, and values, and engaging in discussions about current and historical developments.
The project’s overarching goals were to empower young people, enhance their communication and leadership skills, foster a sense of belonging and active citizenship, and address the widening gap in trust in politics and stakeholders. By facilitating cross-cultural exchanges and providing a platform for disadvantaged youth to share their experiences, the project sought to contribute to building a more inclusive and understanding society. The collaboration with partners specializing in various aspects of youth development ensured a comprehensive approach to addressing the identified needs and achieving the project’s objectives.