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Embrace Technology, Engage as an Active Citizen

2024-1-DE04-KA154-YOU-0002387512024Youth participation activitiesongoing
Countries: DE|TR|HU|RO · Grant: €46,072.4
Digital content, technologies and practicesMedia literacy and tackling disinformationPromotion of alternative forms of participation

Objectives

The main goal of our KA154-YOU project was to empower young people to become active, responsible, and digitally competent citizens. In an increasingly technology-driven world, it was essential for youth to be equipped with digital skills that allowed them to participate meaningfully in democratic life, influence decision-making processes, and understand their rights and responsibilities in the digital space. Through these objectives, our KA154 project addressed urgent needs in the youth sector related to digital engagement, misinformation, and democratic participation. It successfully created spaces for young people to grow as digitally literate, socially aware, and civically engaged individuals. The project outcomes contributed to the broader goals of the Erasmus+ program by promoting youth participation, inclusion, and active citizenship in the digital era. Through this project, we implemented a structured Youth Participation Program that enabled young people to gain knowledge, develop skills, and take concrete action using digital tools. The project placed a strong emphasis on promoting digital literacy, human rights education, and democratic participation, both at the local and European levels. We designed the project to respond to the growing need for meaningful digital engagement among young people, especially in light of the challenges posed by misinformation, online manipulation, and digital exclusion. The project created opportunities for learning, dialogue, and action, helping participants become informed and engaged digital citizens. Specific Objectives of the Project: To raise awareness among young people about media literacy, access to accurate information, and data verification. We aimed to help young people critically assess the information they encountered online and make informed decisions in their digital lives. Throughout the project, we organized interactive workshops and practical sessions on fact-checking, identifying credible sources, and understanding how digital algorithms affect information flow. Participants learned how to recognize fake news, avoid echo chambers, and responsibly share content online. To inform young people about human rights and motivate them to defend these rights using digital tools at both local and European levels. The project increased young people's understanding of their rights in the digital environment and empowered them to take action in defense of those rights. Participants explored key documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and they developed campaigns and initiatives that promoted digital inclusion, online privacy, and freedom of expression. These activities fostered a sense of responsibility and advocacy among the youth involved. To educate young people on participation in democratic life and policymaking through digital means, while promoting responsibility and best practices. We introduced digital tools and platforms that support civic engagement, such as e-petitions, digital consultations, and youth dialogue initiatives. Young people took part in simulations of democratic processes, learned how to draft policy proposals, and collaborated on youth-led digital advocacy projects. The project emphasized responsible online behavior and ethical engagement with public institutions and civil society. To build the capacity of youth workers and educators to support young people in becoming active digital citizens. We recognized that empowering youth also required strengthening the competencies of those who work with them. Therefore, the project included targeted training for youth workers on how to support digital participation and guide youth through online activism, digital safety, and responsible communication. These efforts helped ensure the sustainability and multiplier effect of the project outcomes. To foster cross-border collaboration and understanding among young people from different countries using digital platforms. The project brought together young participants from different backgrounds and partner countries, creating a rich environment for intercultural learning and cooperation. Digital collaboration tools enabled participants to work on shared challenges, exchange best practices, and learn about European values such as tolerance, solidarity, and inclusion. This aspect of the project significantly contributed to building a sense of European identity and mutual respect. We had organised activities were designed in an accessible and inclusive way and open to participants with fewer opportunities. Across the cycle we involved 40 mobility participants (with 16 identified as having fewer opportunities) and reached 800 additional young people through non‑mobility engagement. Dissemination touched 178 organisations by email, while our 4‑minute testimonial video reached 850+ views in two weeks and event photo carousels garnered 1,500+ views on social media.

Project partners (4)