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Inclusive Leadership for Active Democracy

2026-1-DE04-KA152-YOU-0003934982026Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: DE|FI|NL|PT · Grant: €42,018
Democracy and inclusive democratic participationEuropean identity and valuesInclusion of marginalised young people

Objectives

The primary aim of this project is to empower 40 young people from Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, and Portugal to become inclusive leaders and active civic engagers. Our core objective is to bridge the gap between marginalized youth and democratic participation by equipping them with the practical skills needed to lead diverse communities. From a youth work perspective, we achieve this by utilizing non-formal education methods that prioritize peer-to-peer learning and experiential leadership simulations. We specifically aim to deconstruct barriers to participation for youth with fewer opportunities, ensuring they feel confident to take up leadership roles. The project fosters a deep understanding of European citizenship, not as an abstract concept, but as a lived practice of solidarity and community building. We develop participants' competences in public speaking, conflict resolution, and project management, enabling them to translate their ideas into local actions. By creating a safe space for intercultural dialogue, we dismantle stereotypes and build a sustainable network of young change-makers who actively reshape their local youth work landscapes. Project Objectives: General Objective: The primary goal of this project is to foster inclusive leadership and active civic engagement among 40 young people from Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Finland. We aim to empower a generation of youth who are not only aware of their rights but possess the practical skills to resolve conflicts, lead diverse communities, and actively shape democratic life in Europe. By creating a space for solidarity and community living, we bridge the gap between abstract European values and their daily application in youth work. Specific Objectives: To achieve our main goal, we have defined the following specific objectives: Develop Conflict Resolution & Leadership Skills: To equip participants with non-formal tools for conflict transformation and inclusive decision-making, enabling them to lead heterogeneous groups effectively. Strengthen Democratic Participation: To deepen participants' understanding of Youth Rights, the EU Youth Strategy, and the 11 European Youth Goals, encouraging them to engage in democratic processes at local and EU levels. Promote European Values & Solidarity: To foster a strong sense of European identity and solidarity through intercultural dialogue and shared living, directly countering polarization and social exclusion. Enhance Employability & Mobility: To provide concrete knowledge of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programs, empowering youth to access future mobility and professional development opportunities. Activity Description: The core activity is a 8-day Youth Exchange hosted in Lisbon, Portugal, by our partner RATO. This mobility brings together 10 participants from each partner country (40 total) for an intensive program based on Non-Formal Education (NFE). The methodology relies on community living, where participants self-organize and share responsibilities, fostering distinct ownership of the project. Workshops will cover simulation games on democratic decision-making, role-plays on conflict resolution, and "living library" sessions on EU values, ensuring learning is experiential and deeply rooted in solidarity.

Project partners (4)