With the implementation of this project, we aimed to develop active citizenship among young people, providing them with the skills to recognize cross-cutting concerns among European youth and propose solutions to the problems that directly affect them. We sought to empower them as agents of change, aware of the importance of their social and political intervention, strengthening their connection to local communities and the European space. We also sought to foster values of common belonging, perseverance, solidarity, initiative, critical thinking, and resilience, preparing them for a more just and sustainable European future. The project also aimed to bring young people closer to the functioning of democratic institutions, promoting equal opportunities, inclusion, and awareness of global challenges such as climate change and social inequalities. In short, we wanted students to become active, informed, and motivated European citizens who could contribute creatively and collaboratively to building a more democratic, supportive, and sustainable society.
We applied for this project because we identified common needs in our school communities related to the lack of democratic and civic participation among young people, often marked by indifference, low self-esteem, and poor expectations conveyed by disadvantaged family backgrounds. We recognize that students are underrepresented in the decision-making processes that affect their lives, and it is essential to create spaces for active involvement that promote European citizenship skills, social inclusion, and sustainability. The schools involved were already developing environmental and social intervention initiatives, but we felt the need to deepen and share experiences, as well as to innovate methodologies, particularly through hybrid learning. The project thus responded to the urgent need to connect young people to their communities, empower them to intervene critically and creatively, enhance the role of the European Union, and strengthen collective awareness for the preservation of democracy, equality, and a sustainable future.