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Impacto Joven! Intercambio Juvenil sobre democracia activa, inclusión y salud.

2024-3-ES02-KA152-YOU-0002912242024Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: ES|DE|FI|PT|MK|RS · Grant: €40,369
Democracy and inclusive democratic participationPhysical and mental health, well-beingInclusion of marginalised young people

Objectives

This is our second Erasmus+ exchange, which this time focuses on exploring the inclusion of marginalised young people, the relevance of active democratic participation and the use of sport and health as means to promote social change and personal development of those young people at risk of exclusion. Needs addressed: Contemporary democracy, in constant transformation and subject to unprecedented challenges, faces an increasingly intricate political participation of citizens. This phenomenon is particularly significant when analysing the political involvement of young people in Europe, as it is at a decisive moment that will influence the future of our society. The participation of young people in governance and decision-making processes is strongly conditioned by political, socio-economic and cultural factors. Evidence shows that the participation of young people in formal political processes is comparatively low compared to that of older generations, which raises questions about the representativeness of the political system. Why are young people in a vulnerable situation? Young people, in general, tend to be in unstable socio-economic positions and face a lack of access to democratic structures. For example, the presence of people under 35 in political leadership positions is minimal, and in many countries, the minimum age to enter Parliament is 25 years or older. This situation occurs in a context of democratic transformation and great uncertainties. Recently, new challenges have emerged such as the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in political and social polarization, economic crises and armed conflicts. This reflects the urgent need to increase youth trust and participation in democratic processes and structures. Marginalization, democratic apathy and sport as a means of inclusion: Young people facing situations of marginalization and discrimination encounter enormous barriers when it comes to actively participating in democratic processes. The figures reflect a low participation in the exercise of the right to vote, membership in political parties, integration into local youth councils, involvement in youth civil society and even in protest movements. We consider sport to be a crucial resource for fostering values such as justice, teamwork, responsibility and participation in a shared community. Our experience shows that various sporting activities can serve as a driving force for self-organisation and social mobilisation of young people, helping to strengthen their self-confidence and understanding of fundamental democratic values. Main objectives: -To create an inclusive, respectful and participatory environment, where sport, teamwork and different exchange activities allow young people to freely express themselves, reflect and share their interests, challenges and aspirations. -To strengthen the self-esteem of participating young people, offering them an alternative vision of themselves as agents of change and leaders of their community, capable of overcoming obstacles and defending their interests through respect, dialogue and tolerance. -To encourage reflection and debate with young people on the importance of democratic participation, as well as to learn how to combat apathy and how to strengthen confidence in democratic processes: voting, membership in political parties, participation in local youth councils, integration into youth organizations, online political activism and participation in protest movements. -To establish transnational work networks that continue to collaborate and generate new initiatives both during and after the exchange on the central themes of this project. -To promote social and intercultural dialogue, giving young people the opportunity to enjoy and actively participate in an engaged citizenship. -To use sport as a means to learn together about the importance of cooperation and participation as essential values in an active democracy, collecting materials resulting from the exchange and the methodology used to publish them in Spanish as a resource guide that promotes active participation and inclusion through sports practice. -To promote the autonomy and organization of young people at a local level, increasing their participation in civil society. -Promote the values inherent to sport, such as camaraderie, integrity, honour and fair play.

Project partners (6)