Europe For All  YOUth

Innovative Art Based Methods to Engage Youth in Countering Euroscepticism and Promote European Values

Project context

Young people, particularly disadvantaged youth, are not involved in building the future of the European Union. EU Youth Policies, European democracy and other EU topics are considered not important by disadvantaged youh. The main causes for these facts are the bureaucratic language used in communication and youth perceptions about the European Union. Also, these young people are very vulnerable in front of Eurosceptic narratives.

In this context the European Union is facing with two significant challenges that are:

• the spread of Euroscepticism
• the increase of extremists movements

In many European countries extremist parties are gaining ground being elected not only by the general population, but by young people too.


On the other hand there are no proper tools, manuals, learning content to help youth workers and educators to discuss with youth Euroscepticism, EU values, youth policies, making these topics more accessible for youth.

EU for YOUth wants to tackle these issues by proposing alternative communication ways about EU topics using art-based methods.

Through our project we aim:

• to tackle Euroscepticism among youth;
• to activate young people through complementary methods (art based methods) in order to foster civic and democratic participation;
• to promote EU values (respect  of human dignity, respect of human rights, solidarity, freedom of speech, freedom of movement, etc.);
• create a cohesive society and stronger EU in democratic participation and shared common values.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Aim

The project aims to address the actual challenges of Euroscepticism among young people engaging them in tackling Eurosceptic narratives and increase their participation through art-based methods.

Objectives

1. To develop the competences of youth workers in using art-based methods and microlearning principles to approach European topics and tackle Euroscepticism among youth.
2. To increase the level of youth participation and their interest in European social and political events, common cultural values.
3. To strengthen the project consortium capacity in the youth and education sector using the new art-based methods and microlearning modules in delivering quality activities.

TARGET GROUPS

The project involves 2 target groups:

1. Youth workers, social workers, educators, youth professional. They will be involved in a training course and will pilot art- based activities with youth from local communities.
2.  Young people, particularly youth with fewer opportunities. They will be beneficiaries of the local workshops and of learning contents developed during the project.

ART BASED METHODS

Why an art-based methodology?

We chose art methods because young people express their thoughts, feelings, and live stories through art more easily. Also, art is one most effective method for social inclusion of youth. Involved in art activities young people are able to achieve competences as problem-solving, confidence and independence. Art fosters communication, listening, attention, and imagination skills.

According researches, art-based activities encourage civic and political engagement, strengthen common values and promote community engagement. Used regularly, art activities increase social skills and academic results of youth.

Art is a good way for youth to organize experiences and construct ideas about themselves and the world around.

The project will focus on:

• painting/printing;
• handcrafting;
• tailoring;
• photography;
• theater.