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It has to move !

2023-3-BE05-KA152-YOU-0001829802023Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: BE|FR|PT|MA · Grant: €56,940.96
Inclusion of marginalised young peopleDisabilitiesCreativity, arts and culture

Objectives

It Has to Move builds on a long-standing cooperation between Matissa Belgium, Existir (Portugal) and Wake Up! (France), which have already carried out several Erasmus+ exchanges promoting inclusion through arts and body expression. With the Moroccan association Amsat, working with young people with Down syndrome, this Euro-Mediterranean partnership has taken a new step forward to promote inclusion and equal opportunities. The project was born from a shared observation: too many young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds or living with a disability (motor, psychomotor, or intellectual), are still excluded from international mobility opportunities and active citizenship. We therefore designed a non-formal, intercultural and inclusive learning framework, enabling each young person, regardless of their abilities or resources, to: - live an international experience in safe conditions, with adapted accessibility measures; - strengthen their personal and social skills (autonomy, self-confidence, communication, teamwork); - develop intercultural competences through encounters with peers from different cultures and contexts; - become aware of their rights and potential as active citizens, especially regarding disability and equal opportunities; - contribute to changing perspectives on disability by valuing young people with Down syndrome and their peers as full actors of the exchange. The 13-day youth exchange in Morocco brought together 72 participants (52 young people and 20 group leaders/accompanying persons), including 51 with fewer opportunities. Together, they engaged in artistic and participatory workshops, adapted sports and cultural activities, debates and collaborative productions. Our objectives were twofold: - To foster individual development by creating a space where every participant could learn, express themselves and cooperate. - To strengthen international cooperation between youth organisations, in order to extend the project’s impact and open the way to further inclusive opportunities at the Euro-Mediterranean level.

Project partners (4)