We aimed to foster intercultural literacy among young people, defined as the attitudes, understanding, identity and competencies necessary to navigate and thrive in a multicultural society. Through raising intercultural awareness and promoting values such as empathy and non-discrimination, we sought to provide young people with the knowledge and skills to challenge racism and contribute actively to inclusive communities. The ambition was to inform young people about intercultural matters and shape their attitudes and behaviours by engaging them in educational experiences that promote mutual respect and understanding. By targeting young people and the professionals working with them, the project aimed to instil a shift in mindset, encouraging borderless thinking and a deeper awareness of how cultural diversity enriches societies. Through a structured set of work packages, each with targeted activities and outcomes, the project worked towards these objectives, believing that education is a powerful tool for social transformation. The project's implementation aimed to produce a generation of young people who are better prepared to oppose intolerance and discrimination and act as ambassadors for a multicultural and inclusive Europe.
We applied for this project to address critical needs among European youth: the persistence of discrimination, racism, and intolerance, and the lack of accessible, engaging intercultural education. Many young people from minority backgrounds face daily prejudice and barriers to inclusion, which affect their confidence, identity, and opportunities. Research shows widespread racial bias across the EU, especially toward Roma and people of North African descent. There is a clear need for new approaches that foster empathy, multicultural identity, and critical thinking. Through serious games and intercultural literacy, the STOP-RACISM project addresses these needs by providing youth with the tools to understand diversity, reduce prejudice, and promote social cohesion.