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Nu judeca - Pune-te in locul meu!

2023-3-RO01-KA152-YOU-0001717362023Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: RO|BG · Grant: €34,298
European identity and valuesInclusion of marginalised young peoplePreventing racism and discrimination

Objectives

The "Do not Judge – Put Yourself in My Place!" project aimed to promote respect for human rights and human dignity among young people and their communities. Through the project, participants identified and addressed prejudices and stereotypes, fostering dialogue with discriminated individuals to combat discrimination and actively participate in the social life of their communities. The project sought to improve the quality of life and contribute to societal progress by raising awareness of European values. Before designing the project, the partner organizations conducted an in-depth analysis in Craiova and Vidin, engaging both disadvantaged young people selected for mobility and a broader audience of over 200 young people in previous projects. This analysis revealed persistent stereotypes and prejudices in both communities despite ongoing efforts to promote European values. The research demonstrated that discriminatory mentalities remained deeply rooted, sometimes even intensifying, leading to negative attitudes, human rights violations, and social division. In particular, the issue of bullying had grown significantly among young people, exacerbating exclusion and discrimination based on gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disabilities. At the same time, the analysis highlighted a strong willingness among young people to address these challenges. They expressed a need to recognize and confront prejudices openly, enhance awareness of European values, and better understand the negative effects of discrimination. Furthermore, the project emphasized the necessity of creating direct dialogue between young people, civil society representatives, and discriminated individuals. By facilitating this exchange, the project enabled young people to grasp the real risks faced by vulnerable individuals, especially those at risk of social exclusion due to social, ethnic, economic, cultural, or religious backgrounds. To meet these needs, the two partner organizations developed a project based on non-formal education and the living library method. Participants and other interested young people "borrowed" and "read" living books, meaning they engaged directly with individuals representing marginalized and discriminated groups. Through open conversations, they learned about real-life experiences, instances of exclusion, and violations of human rights, thereby transforming abstract concepts into tangible, personal understandings. The power of storytelling and face-to-face interactions helped young people develop empathy, question biases, and adopt a more inclusive mindset. The project was structured around the following three key objectives: 1. Strengthening European citizenship, understanding and mastering European values - anti-discrimination, human rights, human dignity - in 34 young people, by developing communication skills, meetings / seminars with specialists from different fields 2.Developing the competencies of 34 young people to identify prejudices and stereotypes, by participating in activities of involvement, connection and empowerment, carried out within 2 mobilities, to combat discrimination among young people /communities 3. Consolidation of the competencies acquired by the 34 young people by organizing and supporting an activity according to the living library method, in which the participants, but also other young people from the community will enter into dialogue with people representing disadvantaged categories. By implementing this project, the partners aimed to foster a more inclusive society in which young people take an active role in promoting equality and combating discrimination. Through real-life interactions, non-formal education, and meaningful dialogue, participants developed essential skills and awareness that extended beyond the project itself, contributing to long-term change in their communities.

Project partners (2)