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Bridges not walls! Inclusion

2019-1-IE01-KA105-0512552019Youth mobilityfinalizedGood practice
Countries: IE|LT|ES · Grant: €28,780
Romas and/or other minoritiesInclusion - equityCreativity and culture

Objectives

'Last year Eurobug Youth Group had a Youth Exchange project called “Bridges Not Walls-Migration” and the aim of the project was to raise awareness about the complex issues of migration through creative self-expression. The project was a huge success and it created an impact not just on the Kilkenny Youth group but also the youth from our partner organisations. From the success of that project, we, young people want to create follow-up and to 'dig deeper' into the topic of social inclusion, especially the issues around social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, LGTBQ. According to World Bank 'Social inclusion is the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society and improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity'. So we want to create a performance that sends this message to people. We looked at the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights Articles 1, 2 an 3: 1) All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. 2) Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or another status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty. 3) Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. We believe that these rights do not favor all people living in Europe. A lot of people are excluded from a number of practices ranging from stereotypes, stigmas, and superstitions based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, or disability status. Such practices can rob them of dignity, security, and the opportunity to lead a better life. We did some research and found that in every country (including Ireland, Lithuania and Spain) certain groups face barriers that prevent them from fully participating in their nation’s political, economic, and social life. That is why we want to talk about inclusion. We want to create a safe and fun environment where young people can discuss the topic 'social inclusion', share and learn from each other using creative method such as dance, spoken word, drama, singing, magic etc. We believe that the use of these creative methods gives participants the ability to express themselves freely when tackling social issues. We want to reach out to the world with our messages. Participants in this exchange will understand the concept and the meaning behind the term 'inclusion' and also will learn a variety of creative methods for raising peoples awareness.' This project is a youth lead initiative aiming to address the topic of 'inclusion' in today's society. These are four specific overall objectives that have a list of the expected learning outcomes or/and competences to be gain by the participants under each section: 1. Youth Empowerment through active participation in Youth Mobility Activity: - improving verbal and non-verbal communication skills; - acquire leadership skills; - developing a positive sense of self; - gaining a decision-making skills; - developing the confidence and strength to set realistic goals and fulfill their potential. 2. Increasing young peoples knowledge and understanding of the complex concept of 'social inclusion': - learning how people can fully participate in life from an economic, social and cultural perspective; - looking at the obstacles that prevents particular marginalized groups (such as immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, LGBTQ) to fully participate in life; - developing critical the knowledge about the power structures in today's society and how it effects our participation in life; - understanding the links between social inclusion and human rights. 3. Space for intercultural learning and self-expression through performing arts: - gaining skills to effectively communicate with people from different cultures; - developing an attitude for using diversity as a source of strength; - learning how to formulate powerful messages using performing arts as a tool; - improving skills of creativity and thinking 'out-side the box'. 4. Creating an awareness rising campaign that advocates for social inclusion of marginalized groups: - learning how to plan, prepare and implement creative campaigns that advocate for the social inclusion; - gaining knowledge how to use online spaces for rising visibility of social campaigns; - developing an attitude of an active, European citizenship.

Project partners (3)