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Youth Work Can Unite: International Volunteering to Enhance Solidarity and Fight Nationalism

608462-EPP-1-2019-1-DE-EPPKA2-CBY-ACPALA2019Capacity Building for youth in ACP countries, Latin America and Asiafinalized
Countries: DE|PL|SK|UK|IT|NG|KE|ZA|BR|CO|HN|AT|IS · Grant: €147,221.14

Project summary

Political and financial instability, the rise of nationalism, war and terrorism have led large numbers of people to flee their countries and make their way to neighbouring countries and beyond. Fear and resentment fuelled by political rhetoric on asylum seekers and refugees is leading to minorities being targeted. This critical global situation calls for urgent action: to challenge populist narratives that make asylum seekers and refugees a danger to society and work toward diverse, inclusive societies. Aims-Raise awareness of the situation of refugees in Europe, Africa and Latin America-Counter discriminatory and racist attitudes among young people and in local communities-Foster inclusion, solidarity, and more respectful and welcoming communities Objectives-Build capacity of partners through training and tools to tackle racism and nationalism and strengthen trainer competences in anti-racism education-Share best practice on counter arguments to populist discourses and hate speech-Focus on networking and establishing cross-sectoral partnerships for the campaigns -Create awareness through trainings and campaigns of the impact of racism on the situation of asylum seekers and refugees -Empower young people to improve their level of competences and their ability to participate actively in society -Develop an Anti-racism Toolkit for International VolunteeringActivities1. Taskforce Meeting, 7 participants2. Youth Work Can Unite: International Anti-Racism Training, 23 participants3. 8-month volunteering activities, 12 young people4. Local anti-racism trainings for volunteers and host organisations in 12 countries: Austria, Iceland, Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Poland, Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa5. Campaigns addressing racism and supporting refugees in 12 countries6. Final Evaluation Meeting, 6 participantsTangible resultsa) Capacity building of youth NGOs to address racism, hate speech and support asylum seekers and refugees b) Professionalisation of youth workers in anti-racism education in 12 countries c) Greater understanding of the situation of refugees and asylum seekers on 3 continentsd) Anti-Racism Toolkit for youth, volunteers and youth NGOs to multiply learninge) Strengthened international youth cooperation, new cross-sectoral partnerships and with NGOs addressing racism and supporting refugeesImpact on youth, volunteers, civil society, partners and local communities a) Youth workers and trainers competent in anti-racism educationb) Enhanced level of competences and holistic development of youth and volunteers through anti-racism training, campaigning, hands-on experience, improving employability and ability to actively participate in society, particularly relevant for youth with fewer opportunitiesc) Cultural exchange at local and international levels will foster inclusion, solidarity and positive change for partners and communities, particularly refugee and immigrant populations

Objectives

-Raise awareness of the challenges faced by refugees and the current political situation in view of nationalist and racist tendencies by presenting facts on migration versus myths spread by the mainstream media.-Counter discriminatory and racist attitudes among young people and in local communities.-Foster social inclusion, solidarity, and more respectful and welcoming communities in participating countries.

Background

Young people facing an unprecedented and complex situation today: The Covid pandemic calls for cooperation and solidarity across the globe. We are living in times when Europe’s commitment to inclusiveness, justice, equality and peace are being rearranged to the convenience of those in power. In parallel, we are encountering ourselves at a new reckoning with racial justice and decolonization at the forefront. Youth and voluntary work have the potential to make a difference, to take a stand.

Final report summary

<< Background >> Young people facing an unprecedented and complex situation today: The Covid pandemic calls for cooperation and solidarity across the globe. We are living in times when Europe’s commitment to inclusiveness, justice, equality and peace are being rearranged to the convenience of those in power. In parallel, we are encountering ourselves at a new reckoning with racial justice and decolonization at the forefront. Youth and voluntary work have the potential to make a difference, to take a stand. << Objectives >> -Raise awareness of the challenges faced by refugees and the current political situation in view of nationalist and racist tendencies by presenting facts on migration versus myths spread by the mainstream media.-Counter discriminatory and racist attitudes among young people and in local communities.-Foster social inclusion, solidarity, and more respectful and welcoming communities in participating countries. << Implementation >> Activities:-Taskforce Preparation Meeting-International Anti-Racism Training to Fight Nationalism and Enhance Solidarity-Online Refresher Workshop for Project Multipliers-10 young people participated in 8-month volunteering activities-Online Campaigning 101 Training for Volunteers-Volunteer campaigns or projects took place in 8 countries: Slovakia, Austria, Iceland, Italy, Colombia, Brazil, Nigeria, and Kenya-Final Evaluation Meeting << Results >> -Global network of Anti-Racism multipliers (youth workers and young people) from 4 European, 3 Latin American, 3 African countries develop Anti-Racism education tools and support processes for institutional change-International multiplier workshops for 27 participants-10 local workshops for volunteers and host projects-Anti-Racism Toolkit for International Voluntary Service, in English and Spanish-Strengthened partnerships, e.g. improved cooperation with UNITED for Intercultural Action

Project partners (19)