WHAT IS EU FOR YOUTH?
EU for YOUth is a project funded under KA2 of the Erasmus+ Programme.
Its vision is to counter Euroscepticism among youth by using art methods, non-formal education, and the model of microlearning, with emphasis on EU common values, the common social and cultural heritage, the principle of unity in diversity.
Our project is motivated by the most significant challenges that the European Union is facing: the spread of Euroscepticism and the increase of extremist movements across Europe, where young people are the preferred target for manipulation and radicalization.
Today, Europe is looking to find complementary ways to engage and activate young people in shaping EU youth policies. The traditional communication methods are not straightforward for young people, especially for those who live in rural areas, those with socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and those with disadvantaged cultural backgrounds.
Through our project we aim to activate young people through art-based methods in order to engage them in youth policies, to involve them into society and to promote EU values. We will use methods such as painting/printing, handcrafting, tailoring, photography, theatre because research and study cases show that it is an effective way for youth to organise experiences and construct ideas about themselves and the world they live in.
OBJECTIVES
- to develop the competences of youth workers to use art-based methods and microlearning principles approaching EU topics
- to counter Euroscepticism among youth increasing civic and democratic participation
- to foster inclusion of disadvantaged youth and engagement in European topics
TARGET GROUPS
- young people aged 14-24, including disadvantaged youth from rural areas
- youth workers delivering activities on Euroscepticism and European topics for young people.
THE KICK-OFF MEETING
The EU for YOUth kick-off meeting took place in Targoviste, Romania, on 27 and 28 January 2023. Representatives of partner organizations met and planned the first steps of the project.