Youth for Community Building

Join us in fostering a new generation of informed and active citizens through our comprehensive Erasmus Plus project.

Our Project

Our Vision: To empower young people to become active and engaged citizens, fostering vibrant and inclusive communities.

Our Rationale: Young people are the driving force of tomorrow, yet many face significant challenges to active participation in society. Disadvantaged youth, particularly those from marginalized communities, often lack the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to thrive. Existing systems frequently fail to fully integrate their voices and perspectives into community decision-making processes. We believe that investing in youth empowerment is crucial for creating sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities.

Our Project: “Youth for Community Building” directly addresses these challenges by providing young people with the tools, knowledge, and support to become active agents of change. This project, funded by Erasmus+, focuses on fostering active citizenship, intercultural understanding, and community development through innovative participatory and experiential learning methods.

Our Objectives:

  • Enhance Active Citizenship: Equip young people with the skills and knowledge to participate meaningfully in local and European democratic processes.
  • Strengthen Community Cohesion: Foster collaboration and dialogue among youth from diverse backgrounds, building stronger, more inclusive communities.
  • Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage environmentally conscious behavior and responsible community action.
  • Develop Leadership Skills: Empower young people to take on leadership roles within their communities, fostering confidence, collaboration, and initiative.
  • Increase Digital Literacy: Enhance young people’s understanding and effective use of digital technologies in civic participation.
  • Facilitate Cross-Cultural Exchange: Build bridges and promote understanding among youth from different countries and cultural backgrounds.

Our Approach: We implement a multi-faceted approach, combining interactive training sessions, immersive virtual reality experiences, engaging community-building activities, and opportunities for cross-border exchanges. Throughout, we emphasize participatory learning and provide tailored support to ensure the full engagement of all participants, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Our Impact: We aim to leave a lasting legacy by creating sustainable youth councils that continue to function beyond the project’s lifespan, empowering young people to become influential leaders in their communities and driving positive social change for years to come.

Project Activities

Empowering Youth, Building Communities

“Youth for Community Building” offers a dynamic and engaging program designed to empower young people and foster vibrant communities. Our activities are structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring participants develop the skills and confidence to become active and responsible citizens.

1. Active Citizenship and Participation Training:

We offer two levels of interactive training:

  • Level 1: Democracy Enthusiasts: This introductory level provides a foundational understanding of democratic principles, civic responsibilities, and local governance structures. Participants learn about participatory processes and begin to identify and analyze community issues. Interactive workshops, discussions, and role-playing activities are employed to enhance engagement and foster critical thinking.

  • Level 2: Participation Wizards: Building upon Level 1, this advanced training focuses on developing advocacy skills, strategic planning, and effective communication techniques. Participants learn to design and implement community initiatives, building upon their understanding of local governance to explore opportunities for engaging with EU-level decision-makers and initiatives.

2. Youth Council Establishment and Sessions:

A core component of our project is the establishment of sustainable youth councils in both Portugal and Bulgaria. We guide participants through the process of forming these councils, defining their structures, developing regulations, and electing representatives. Regular council sessions provide a platform for collaborative decision-making, advocacy, and the development of action plans addressing community concerns. These meetings utilize innovative digital tools for engagement and participation.

3. Community Building Events:

We organize vibrant community festivals to celebrate cultural diversity and promote community spirit. These events include:

  • Cooking Together: Participants from diverse backgrounds collaborate in preparing traditional meals, sharing culinary techniques and stories.
  • Cultural Presentations: Participants share aspects of their cultures, including music, dance, and traditional crafts.
  • Environmental Initiatives: These community-focused gatherings actively integrate sustainability practices, such as beach clean-ups and workshops on environmental awareness.

4. Study Visits & Exchanges:

Youth delegations from both Portugal and Bulgaria participate in study visits to each other’s countries. These exchanges provide opportunities to learn about different community initiatives, share experiences, and build lasting cross-cultural relationships, fostering collaboration and understanding across borders.

5. Virtual Reality (VR) Simulation of EU Parliament:

Participants experience an immersive VR simulation of an EU parliamentary session within a fully-interactive replica of the EU Parliament building. This unique experience enhances their understanding of legislative processes, fosters engagement with European politics, and inspires active participation in democratic life.

6. Digital Learning Platform:

Throughout the project, participants utilize our innovative digital learning platform, providing access to educational resources, communication tools, and interactive learning activities that support all aspects of the project. The platform promotes ongoing engagement, facilitates collaboration, and ensures accessibility for all participants.

Through this combination of activities, we empower young people to become active and effective agents of change in their communities and foster a lasting sense of community ownership and responsibility. We aim to empower youth, build bridges, and create more inclusive and sustainable communities.

Empowering Youth Through Democratic Engagement

The Erasmus Plus funded project is poised to make a significant impact on both participants and their communities. By engaging youth in democratic processes, we aim to foster a generation that is informed, active, and capable of driving positive change. The simultaneous democracy trainings in Portugal and Bulgaria will equip young individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate effectively in civic life. Community festivals will serve as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and community building, reinforcing the importance of collective action. Youth Council sessions will provide a unique opportunity for young voices to be heard and considered in decision-making processes, ensuring that the perspectives of future leaders are integrated into community development.

This project underscores the critical role of youth in shaping democratic societies. By providing practical experiences and fostering an understanding of democratic values, we are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and participatory future. The anticipated outcomes include increased civic engagement, enhanced leadership skills, and a strengthened sense of community among participants. Ultimately, the project aims to inspire a lasting commitment to democratic ideals and active citizenship.