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Partir en voyage: pourquoi pas moi ?

2023-2-FR02-KA155-YOU-0001725182023Discover EU inclusion actionfinalized
Countries: FR · Grant: €9,942

Objectives

Travelling Abroad: Why Not Me? is a project co-produced by the Maison de l’Europe de Nîmes in partnership with two associations located in a priority urban district (QPV) of the city of Nîmes: La Mas, an association focused on academic support, and UFOLEP, a youth and sports organization. The initial objectives stated during the project design and application phase were as follows: To develop a network of partners and involve new audiences in the activities and information mission of the Maison de l’Europe. Indeed, the Europe Direct label aims to inform citizens about European institutions and help them better understand the European Union. The DiscoverEU Inclusion project targets audiences who are less familiar with mobility opportunities and the association’s activities. Most of the young people involved in this project live in the priority district (QPV) of Nîmes or in rural areas (near Alès), and through their participation, they were introduced to key historical and civic concepts promoted by Europe. The Maison de l’Europe de Nîmes seeks to strengthen solidarity and democracy within increasingly fragmented societies. These societies require greater openness, awareness of European values, and inclusivity. Building together requires engaging in areas where democracy is underrepresented. The collaboration with La Mas and Stand Hop provided an opportunity to establish lasting connections with the Pissevin neighborhood, which had previously seen little involvement from the Maison de l’Europe. The organization now engages more frequently with local associations and initiatives (such as participating in events like Boost ta Rentrée, among others). To engage young people who are distant from European mobility in European politics, by equipping them with democratic practices (the importance of voting, mobility, etc.), particularly within the city’s priority districts—areas where few young people take part in civic or democratic initiatives such as youth councils, and where poverty levels are rising (increased unemployment, drug trafficking, limited access to public services, etc.). The target age of 18 marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood, granting young people new rights and responsibilities. Most participants come from these environments, where professional success rates are statistically lower. Even though around 80% of the selected participants are currently enrolled in secondary or higher education, mobility is rarely considered in their professional path due to financial constraints (as the Erasmus+ grant often does not cover all costs associated with studying abroad). To give young people with few or no opportunities in the Gard region—due to their economic situation, social background, or family environment—access to European mobility opportunities. The project is aimed at 18-year-olds, a key age for discovering the world, engaging in cultural exchange, and fostering personal growth that helps them build their identity as citizens. To demonstrate that mobility is a professional lever for young people’s careers and helps them develop “soft skills” such as self-confidence, language abilities, independence, intercultural understanding, and more—essential competencies for their personal development as young citizens and for their future professional lives. To learn and acquire knowledge related to ecology. Travelling by train significantly reduces one’s carbon footprint compared to air travel. Offering access to this option—since flying is often cheaper than taking the train—allows young people to explore alternative means of transport and appreciate this mode of travel. Moreover, participants have the opportunity to discover or reinforce eco-friendly habits (waste sorting, using reusable bottles, avoiding plastic, consuming locally, etc.).

Project partners (1)