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Get Involved! - Youth initiated active citizenship

2023-3-CY02-KA152-YOU-0001765432023Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: CY|HR|ES|PT|SI|SK · Grant: €28,777
Awareness about the European UnionEuropean identity and valuesCommunity development

Objectives

We created this project because we felt that young people in Cyprus and across Europe are not as involved in their communities as they used to be, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Many are struggling with mental health issues, financial difficulties and spending too much time on their phone screens. Consequently, they feel stuck, unsure of what to do, and less interested in joining activities that could help them grow and connect with others. A major problem is that many young people don’t know how to get involved or what opportunities exist within their communities. A number of them don't trust organisations or don’t see why volunteering and active citizenship matter. As a result, fewer people join youth groups, community events, or even vote in elections. For example, in the 2023 presidential elections in Cyprus, more than 154,000 people—many under 30—didn’t vote. Our goal was to address this issue by demonstrating to young people the importance of actively engaging in their communities. Through non-formal education, we aimed to inspire and motivate them, helping them see how volunteering and civic participation can make a real difference in their lives and those close to them. We also wanted to connect young people from different countries, helping them learn from each other and gain new experiences. The project's objectives were the following: 1 To explore the concept, the importance and different ways of being an active young citizen 2 To raise awareness about the benefits of active citizenship 3 To increase the motivation of young people in order to become active citizens in their local communities 4 To assist young individuals discover and explore their interests 5 To give young people an experience of cultural exchange and understanding 6 To share with participants the opportunities and benefits of Erasmus+ & European Solidarity Corps We aimed that through this project, young people would feel more confident, inspired, and ready to take part in activities that help both themselves and their communities.

Project partners (6)