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U.P.L.I.F.T. - "Uniting People with Love, Inclusion, and Fostering Tolerance"

2024-1-IT03-KA152-YOU-0002176362024Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: IT|RO|TN|TR|GE · Grant: €30,720
Preventing racism and discriminationBridging intercultural, intergenerational and social divideCreativity, arts and culture

Objectives

The U.P.L.I.F.T. initiative - "Uniting People with Love, Inclusion, and Fostering Tolerance" aims to combat social discrimination, especially in areas where these problems are more evident, such as small cent ri, suburbs and specific working contexts. Due to significant migratory flows and social evolution that constantly introduces new models, even the smallest communities are subject to significant changes, often putting old patterns in conflict with more recent ones. In small communities and peripheral areas, a tendency emerges to preserve ancient behavioral patterns, despite the transformations taking place. It is common to be labeled and excluded in these contexts, especially for younger generations who may be victims of prejudice, thus hindering integration, participation and growth. In some cases, this situation can even lead to bullying and marginalization. The original idea of U.P.L.I.F.T. was born during the activities of the previous project "GESCAL" (ESC solidarity project), which took place in 2023 in a peripheral area of Nola (NA). During the follow-up activities among the different local immigrant communities, particular attention was paid to the issue of discrimination, noting it as a phenomenon present in all contexts and societies. Another fundamental aspect is the awareness that we often find ourselves so accustomed to certain patterns and ways of thinking that we end up developing closed attitudes or prejudices towards others. To support young people in these areas and promote radical change, it is essential to start from the new generations to fight prejudices and consider differences as an added value rather than a reason for discrimination. With the initiative, we want to raise young people's awareness of the different forms of discrimination, examining how they manifest themselves and the inconvenience they cause to victims. It is essential that new generations expand their perspectives and develop the tools necessary to be promoters of acceptance and peace in the contexts in which they operate, in order to promote change. Working and communicating with people from different cultures represents a valuable opportunity to question your beliefs and broaden your vision. The awareness of an increasingly multicultural reality, favored by social media and migratory phenomena, is a powerful tool to combat discrimination and promote tolerance, thus strengthening the cohesion of civil society. At the same time, it is important to provide young people, who are often subject to discrimination, with the necessary tools to accept themselves for who they are and not fall into indifference. The project aims to address some crucial questions: where does discrimination originate? Is the propensity to reject those who are different innate in human beings, or is it society that makes people intolerant? Promoting the values of equality and tolerance among young people from their childhood is crucial, both through formal and non-formal education. Non-formal education plays a key role in promoting the development of skills such as self-reflection, empathy and mutual respect, which are essential to foster acceptance and contribute to the creation of an inclusive society. Within the educational path, participants will be able to learn to communicate with others using a non-violent communication approach (no hate speech), exchange knowledge and good practices, deepen their understanding of other cultures, religions and countries (also through symbols and traditions), promoting youth intercultural dialogue and shared universal values, as well as increasing solidarity and tolerance through intercultural dialogue, overcoming stereotypes and intolerance. The initiative also aims to increase dialogue on discrimination, broaden the international youth network and cooperation between those working in the field of youth policies, as well as raise awareness of the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ and other initiatives foreseen by the European Agenda.

Project partners (5)