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Pan-European Summer Academy

2024-3-HU01-KA152-YOU-0002841122024Mobility of young peoplefinalizedGood practice
Countries: HU|NL|DE|FR|AT|CZ · Grant: €33,962
Awareness about the European UnionHuman rights and rule of lawBridging intercultural, intergenerational and social divide

Objectives

The project titled “Pan-European Summer Academy” aimed to create a supportive and inspiring environment in which young people could develop as active citizens, deepen their intercultural awareness, and build a more personal connection to the culture of remembrance. The program also contributed to strengthening European integration and solidarity. The project took place in Sopron, located near the Austrian border. This town holds significant historical importance, particularly due to the 1989 Pan-European Picnic, a symbolic event that contributed to the beginning of the fall of the Iron Curtain. Through the implementation of the Pan-European Summer Academy, we sought to achieve several objectives rooted in youth work practice. Our primary goal was to foster intercultural dialogue and understanding. To this end, 36 young people participated in a six-day youth exchange, arriving from Austria, Germany, Hungary, France, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. The program focused on democracy, European values, and intercultural dialogue, providing participants with opportunities to share their experiences and perspectives. An important component of the project was the promotion of non-formal learning. Participants developed key competences through various methods such as peer-to-peer learning, interactive workshops, and group reflection. These competences included critical thinking, cooperation, leadership skills, and intercultural communication, all of which are essential for personal development and future career opportunities. Supporting young people in becoming active citizens was also a central objective. Throughout the project, interactive workshops helped participants better understand how democracy functions, the importance of civic participation, and the role of European solidarity. Through structured activities and shared experiences, participants broke down stereotypes and strengthened mutual respect. The topic of remembrance policy received particular emphasis within the program. Participants gained insight into European history and shared values, with a special focus on the role of civil society. The program included two historical study visits, during which participants could directly connect to events such as the 1989 Pan-European Picnic. Reflecting on such historical moments helped them better understand the importance of European unity and how values such as freedom, democracy, and human rights have shaped the continent. The impact of the project was significant and multifaceted. Participants gained knowledge, skills, and experiences that enabled them to actively engage in democratic processes at both national and European levels. Through interactive sessions and group discussions, young people showed increased engagement in civic life and became capable of taking on leadership roles within their communities. In the long term, the program contributed to the development of a more conscious, cooperative, and solidary European society.

Project partners (7)