By implementing the project, we aimed to disseminate and test the service learning method in working with young people and cultural institutions, in order to combine the learning process with practical action for the benefit of the community. The main objective was to increase young people’s involvement in cultural and social projects, and to foster their initiative, creativity, and civic attitudes. An important result was also to enhance the competences of cultural institution staff and educators through participation in trainings and collaboration with youth. The project was designed to deliver concrete outputs: a publication of best practices, a brochure with recommendations, international and national trainings, seminars for schools and cultural institutions, as well as pilot cultural projects implemented by young people. In this way, young participants were expected to become leaders of activities, develop key competences (such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking), while cultural institutions and schools gained a tool for engaging students in an attractive and practical manner.
The project was undertaken to respond to the real needs of young people, schools, and cultural institutions. A decline in students’ motivation to learn was observed, along with a lack of attractive forms of practical education that develop key competences and civic attitudes. The removal of the obligation to implement social projects in schools further limited opportunities for active, experiential learning. At the same time, cultural institutions face a shortage of human resources to fulfill their social mission, while local communities expect cultural initiatives that address their needs. Therefore, the project aimed to promote and implement the service learning method – a modern approach combining education with practical action for the common good. This enabled young people not only to gain knowledge, but also to develop initiative, creativity, and a sense of social responsibility. Schools gained a tool to complement the core curriculum, while cultural institutions received an opportunity to engage young people in their activities. The project also addressed Europe’s social challenges, such as migration crises and climate change, by fostering critical thinking, civic attitudes, and solidarity.