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Las huellas de Europa de ayer y hoy: de muros a puentes

2025-1-ES02-KA155-YOU-0003027702025Discover EU inclusion actionongoing
Countries: ES · Grant: €18,771.5

Objectives

Through the implementation of “Footprints of Europe from Yesterday to Today: From Walls to Bridges,” Espazo Aberto Galiza aims to give the young people aged 18 to 21 from Santiago de Compostela’s Vite neighborhood—whom we regularly work with—the opportunity to participate in an international experience like DiscoverEU. These young people face economic, social, or cultural difficulties and would normally not be able to do so without assistance. The main goal of the project is to foster the personal and social development of the participating youth by pursuing several objectives tailored to the specific needs we have identified within this group: Development of digital skills: Many of the young people we work with lack proficiency in using digital tools beyond social media. Through preparatory training and various visits, we hope they will learn how to use digital technologies in a broader and more meaningful way. Promotion of intercultural learning: We aim to encourage mutual understanding and respect among different cultures through an intercultural approach. We want the group to discover new ways of thinking and relating to others, while embracing the values of tolerance and solidarity. Boosting personal, social development, and self-esteem: By setting daily learning goals and incorporating reflective activities throughout the trip, we seek to help these young people recognize their own abilities and strengthen their self-confidence. By posing challenges—such as navigating unfamiliar environments, overcoming language barriers, or actively engaging in discussions about identity and citizenship—they will be encouraged to surpass themselves and develop a sense of belonging to a group and society. Greater engagement with democratic institutions: We have observed a marked indifference toward political participation among many of these youth, alongside a limited understanding of institutions, particularly at the European level. By visiting key sites and offering training on the history and functioning of the EU, we hope participants will gain a better grasp of the role institutions play in their daily lives and, ultimately, feel motivated to take an active part in the public life of their neighborhood and city. Promotion of re-enrollment in education and improved employability: Some participants have dropped out of their formal studies prematurely, while others are neither studying nor working. This project aims to introduce them to alternative training pathways and opportunities offered by the EU—ranging from the European Solidarity Corps to Erasmus+ youth exchanges—thus sparking their interest in returning to education or exploring more fulfilling career paths aligned with their personal motivations. Encouraging sustainability and environmental awareness: Since one of the objectives of DiscoverEU is to promote sustainable travel habits, we have integrated eco-friendly practices into all phases of the project: choosing cleaner modes of transportation, responsible accommodations, and conscious consumption. We want these young people to adopt these values in their routines and share them within their immediate circles, thereby recognizing our shared responsibility to care for the planet. During the mobility phase, Espazo Aberto Galiza’s accompanying staff will focus on facilitating learning and ensuring participants’ safety, without exerting too much influence over the group’s decisions. We want the young participants to be the true protagonists of their own experience.

Project partners (1)