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Młodzi przeciw mowie nienawiści

2024-1-PL01-KA152-YOU-0002321962024Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: PL|PT · Grant: €28,690
European identity and valuesDigital safetyBridging intercultural, intergenerational and social divide

Objectives

The aim of the project was to support 23 young people aged 16–24 in counteracting the phenomenon of hate speech and its negative consequences, by increasing awareness and developing skills to cope with it, especially in the online space. The project was initiated based on the needs and initiative of youth from Poland (Centrum Sportu i Rekreacji in Radom) and Portugal (APLICAPROPOSTA LDA in Braga), who—based on their observations and conducted surveys—recognized the dramatic impact of hate speech on the mental health of their peers. The meeting in Poland was intended not only to develop ways to combat this issue together, but also to offer mutual support and share experiences in an intercultural environment. The goals of the project were multidimensional. The main goal was to increase the participants’ competencies in tackling hate speech, discrimination, and social exclusion. Through non-formal education activities such as workshops, exercises, simulations, role-plays, and outdoor activities, participants developed teamwork and conflict resolution skills, learned to lead educational campaigns, and became more aware of how to identify and respond to hate speech. The activities were designed not only to provide knowledge, but also to help participants apply it in real-life situations. Another important aspect was the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities—those facing economic, social, or geographical barriers. For them, participation in the project was a chance for personal, social, and professional development. The project offered them an inclusive environment conducive to learning, integration, and boosting their self-esteem. In addition to addressing hate speech and its consequences, the project aimed to promote values such as solidarity, tolerance, empathy, and friendship. By living together and participating in daily joint activities, participants learned how to build relationships and overcome cultural differences. They also developed language competencies—improving their English, learning the basics of Portuguese or Polish, and discovering new ways to communicate, including non-verbal methods and digital tools. The youth actively participated in every stage of the project—from planning to evaluation. They had the opportunity to share ideas, co-create workshop content, and develop materials to promote the project’s results. In doing so, they gained practical skills in planning, organization, decision-making, critical thinking, and group responsibility. Through visits to local institutions and shared recreational and cultural activities, participants deepened their knowledge of the partner country’s culture. The meeting provided a safe space for sharing personal stories, experiences, and coping strategies, while breaking stereotypes and building a positive image of youth across Europe. One of the important outcomes of the project was also the promotion of European values and the Erasmus+ programme. For many participants, this was their first opportunity for international mobility. They learned about the opportunities provided by the EU and discovered how they can play an active role as European citizens. To sum up, through this project we wanted to create a space for young people to engage in dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation. Thanks to the joint activities, the participants acquired valuable skills, increased their self-awareness, mental resilience, and sense of agency. We believe that the experience gained during the project will empower them to actively combat hate speech in their communities and inspire others to take positive action.

Project partners (2)