Non-Formal Key 4 Social Inclusion

Project Reference

2023-1-DE04-KA152-YOU-000138374

Topics

Democracy and Inclusive Democratic Participation · Bridging Intercultural, Intergenerational, and Social Divides

Action Type

Mobility of Young People

Countries Covered

Germany, Serbia, Italy, Spain, Türkiye, Denmark

Summary

Exclusion is a form of multi-layered deprivation of essential human rights, visible in everyday contexts such as schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and online spaces. Rooted in social inequalities, it manifests through the denial of access to resources and services, and the inability to participate equally in cultural, economic, political, and social life. Factors such as poverty, disability, racism, and prejudice further contribute to youth exclusion.

The “Non-Formal Key 4 Social Inclusion” youth exchange addressed these issues by engaging young people in dialogue on intercultural learning, solidarity, justice, and democratic participation. Through creative non-formal learning methods, it provided opportunities for youth to strengthen their role as active citizens and changemakers in their communities.

Objectives

The project’s objectives were to:

• Foster participation in democratic life in Europe, promote active citizenship, intercultural dialogue, social inclusion, and solidarity among EU and non-EU countries.

• Build new skills and competencies in youth involvement, especially for young people with fewer opportunities, empowering them to design effective and innovative actions.

• Raise awareness of Erasmus+ and non-formal education as tools for inclusion and personal development.

Activities

The exchange took place in Avala, Serbia, using a non-formal education approach delivered through interactive and participatory methods. Activities included:

• Icebreakers, energizers, and team-building exercises.

• Brainstorming, group discussions, role plays, and thematic workshops.

• World Café sessions, NGO Fair, and intercultural evenings.

• City tours and cultural exploration.

• Sessions on Erasmus+, Youthpass, and evaluation.

These activities were designed to ensure that learning outcomes were directly connected to the project’s goals of democratic engagement and social inclusion.

Impact

The project improved participants’ competencies as defined by Youthpass, strengthening their ability to describe and reflect on their learning outcomes.

Key results included:

• Development of new skills and awareness to address exclusion and discrimination.

• Creation of three posters, a booklet, and a promotional blog to spread awareness about discrimination and active citizenship.

• Empowering young people to become conscious of their role as changemakers, multipliers, and advocates for inclusive societies at the local level.

Ultimately, the project inspired participants to remain engaged as youth leaders and active democratic citizens, building more inclusive and resilient communities.