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In your shoes

2019-1-BG01-KA105-0619912019Youth mobilityfinalized
Countries: BG|NL|PL|RO · Grant: €9,731.81
Inclusion - equityDisabilities - special needsCreativity and culture

Objectives

Over 80 million people in the European Union have some disability. This number represents a sixth of the EU's population. People with disabilities have to face social, economical and educational barriers everyday. The available data regarding the situation of this group in the EU shows that the poverty rates amongst people with disabilities are 70% higher than average and only 40% of the disabled are employed. Furthermore 53 % of the Europeans consider discrimination on grounds of disability to be widespread in the EU. Moreover, mentally disabled people are suffering from a lack of interest among youth projects. They also have to face educational barriers in their home countries as the educational system is still dominated by segregated forms of teaching and learning which leads to higher rates of poverty and social exclusion. Besides, there is a need of adapted and varied leisure time activities for youngsters with disabilities. The idea of the project was launched when we've realized that the youngsters we are currently working with on a local level show sincere interest in meeting other youngsters from abroad and sharing with them information, making new friends, exchange knowledge etc , and for that reason we have discussed the idea with our partners how would be the best for each of the partners to do that and how we can best apply the experience gained and develop the idea further. The project aims to bring together people with different disabilities and abilities, also from different countries, in order to connect with each other and to share experience, traditions and cultural heritage. As their problem is treated differently in every country, the time together would facilitate the intercultural talk and raise the level of awareness and cooperation on this field between the countries. Participants will get to learn about what being a European citizen with disabilities means, to develop new skills and qualifications and to develop their talents and hobbies. Project’s main objectives are to support the social inclusion of youngsters with mental disabilities, present them diverse cultures, foster mutual understanding between young people from different countries, develop solidarity and promote tolerance among young people. Additionally this project encourages the young people's active participation their European citizenship and the European cooperation in the youth field, as well as improving the level of key competences and skills of young people, especially for those with fewer opportunities, in particular through increased learning mobility opportunities for young people with mental disabilities, youth organisations and youth leaders.

Project partners (4)