The main goal of the project was to create an online platform with 12 courses to help young people improve their media literacy and develop skills for journalism, whether they’re publishing a newspaper, a blog, or just want to express themselves more effectively. We wanted to give them tools to think critically, share their opinions confidently, and get involved in discussions that matter to their communities. Through these courses, we aimed to help young people become more active participants in their local and wider communities, making their voices heard on important issues. We also hoped to bridge the gap between generations by encouraging conversations and understanding through the content they create. Ultimately, we wanted the project to empower young people, give them confidence in their abilities, and create opportunities for them to be taken seriously in decision-making and public discussions. By providing free, accessible resources, we aimed to inspire more young people to use media as a platform for change.
We applied for this project because we saw a need in our youth center, especially from our experience with the youth newspaper. For over three years, young people have been running this newspaper with the help of a youth worker and a media specialist. But when the specialist left, it became tough to find someone who could guide them consistently. Hiring professionals was not mostly possible, and with the group changing so often, many young people missed out on the chance to develop new skills. That’s when we thought about creating an online course platform. This would give young people an easy and affordable way to learn about media, journalism, and critical thinking whenever it suited them. It’s not just about skills—it’s about giving them the tools to express their opinions, be heard in their communities, and even connect better with older generations. Sharing their perspectives can help build more understanding and cooperation between age groups. The project also supports what we and our partners aim to do—help young people become more active citizens, improve their media literacy, and gain valuable experience they can use in their future careers. We want to give them a positive way to leave t