The project aimed to empower young people with disabilities and those facing educational and geographical barriers to become active citizens and participate fully in democratic life through an innovative art-based methodology. It promoted alternative forms of local participatory democracy for young people in Europe, enhanced the participation of marginalized youth, and strengthened the connection between policy and youth work, helping to bring the EU level to a local scale.
We applied for this project to tackle the significant challenges faced by young people with disabilities and those encountering educational and geographical barriers. Today's youth show less interest in conventional politics, reflected in historically low voter turnout and party engagement across Europe. This disengagement often stems from the opaque nature of parliamentary and party politics and the disconnect between local engagement and broader policy spheres. Young people with disabilities face additional hurdles. Despite the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 affirming their right to participate in political life, there remains a need to broaden opportunities for their involvement. Many disabled individuals are marginalized from public life, requiring proactive outreach from politicians and campaigners. Geographical limitations further hinder youth participation. Rural and remote areas and economically disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods present unique challenges. The AE4U project addresses these challenges using a creative, art-based methodology.