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Youth, Europe, Engagement, Awareness

2024-1-IT03-KA154-YOU-0001967252024Youth participation activitiesongoing
Countries: IT · Grant: €36,000
Democracy and inclusive democratic participationMedia literacy and tackling disinformationYouth policy development

Objectives

Over the course of 12 months of activity, a fully-fledged editorial initiative was carried out, led by the young participants and focused on the themes of the Youth Initiative. Articles and in-depth content—also serving a public interest function—enabled the young people to gain a deeper understanding of the various processes related to the project's themes, while acquiring transversal and professional skills (cultural and digital competencies, self-confidence, public speaking, teamwork, drafting articles, critical thinking, etc.). This was all done with the aim of enhancing their resilience and building “antibodies” against disinformation, fake news, and propaganda. The activities took place within an editorial office (Sardegnagol), where content on youth issues, the environment, digital transformation, disinformation, European values, and youth policies at local, national, and European levels was produced daily. Additionally, international mobility initiatives and major European youth programs were promoted. To ensure the effectiveness of the intervention, a handbook of best practices, tips, and guidelines was prepared in advance and made available to participants. All activities were accompanied and supported by ABiCi volunteers, who, taking into account the participants’ backgrounds, ensured a calm and inclusive environment throughout the project. During the implementation of the Youth Initiative, a major two-day event was also held, involving over 318 young people from our local community in a participatory process. The event featured representatives from the European Parliament, the Order of Journalists of Sardinia, Europe Direct – Sardinia Region, the Postal and Communications Police – Sardinia Region, and the local youth volunteer sector. This participation facilitated an engaged dialogue among young people on democratic participation in the EU, their relationship with European values and institutions, and the dangers of the digital world. During the two-day event at the Sa Manifattura Tabacchi, thanks to numerous workshops, speaker interventions, and plenary sessions, informational content was created. These aimed to foreground young people and their critical thinking in light of the future challenges facing Europe. Young attendees were also sensitized to the fight against disinformation, fact-checking, and the importance of participating in European political life using the tools made available by EU institutions (petitions, etc.). The event covered the project's themes in a comprehensive way, exploring all aspects of the relationship between information and active participation—including combating disinformation and online crime. The process of producing content related to the project themes was carried out directly by the participants, with the support of the media partner Sardegnagol, a youth policy-focused media outlet recognized and accredited by major regional, national, and European institutions. Sardegnagol is also recognized as a best practice example in fighting disinformation and promoting youth rights and high-quality youth policies. Furthermore, the involvement of local youth workers, political representatives, and educators through local meetings and workshops contributed to raising awareness of European values and the fundamental rights of young people. It also helped spread and internalize the European integration process among local youth. In addition to the journalistic and editorial work, a cycle of local meetings was organized to disseminate information about European policies, and the draft of a toolkit focused on the topic of disinformation. Throughout the 12 months of activity, school visits were also conducted in local educational institutions. These meetings fostered lasting collaborative relationships, which, all parties hope, will lead to new joint initiatives. The sessions focused on European policies and the development of students’ critical thinking skills. Additionally, articles and podcasts were produced and published throughout the year on the project's media partner channels: Website: sardegnagol.eu YouTube: Sardegnagol Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBctjca7sE4Hfyro_agn0Jw) Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/sardegnagol/reels/) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@sardegnagol?_t=ZN-8uawjBarE5m&_r=1)

Project partners (1)