Stories That Matter

Project Reference: 2023-1-DE04-KA152-YOU-000117496
Topics: Democracy and Inclusive Democratic Participation, Bridging Intercultural, Intergenerational and Social Divide
Action Type: Mobility of young people
Countries Covered: Germany, Serbia, Croatia, North Macedonia and Türkiye

In a world where young people are often excluded from decision-making processes, Stories That Matter: Active Youth emerged as a bold initiative to empower youth across Europe. This transformative project, organized in collaboration with multiple international partners, sought to cultivate active citizenship by equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in democratic processes. Held in Eskişehir, Turkey, the project gathered enthusiastic young people, eager to make a difference in their communities.

Project Overview

The core objective of Stories That Matter: Active Youth was to foster a deeper understanding of youth participation and its role in creating inclusive societies. Participants from various countries came together to explore diverse forms of civic engagement, ranging from youth organizations to local councils and parliaments.

Workshops and group activities allowed participants to investigate pressing issues such as youth unemployment, social exclusion, and discrimination. By sharing their personal experiences and engaging in collaborative problem-solving, they gained insights into the importance of youth involvement in shaping policy and fostering societal change.

Key Activities

The program featured a dynamic blend of formal and informal learning methodologies. Highlights included:

1. Workshops on Civic Engagement: Participants explored different models of youth participation, understanding how local and national policies can be influenced by active youth involvement.
2. Intercultural Exchange: Cultural nights allowed participants to showcase their heritage, fostering mutual understanding and respect.
3. Media Creation: Teams collaborated to produce three short videos promoting youth participation. These videos were disseminated through social media and community platforms to inspire a broader audience.
4. Follow-Up and Dissemination: Each partner organization hosted post-project Zoom meetings to share insights and best practices with their local communities. These sessions also introduced the Erasmus+ program to new potential participants.

Lasting Impact

Beyond the immediate learning outcomes, Stories That Matter: Active Youth had a lasting impact on both the participants and their communities. Equipped with new skills and a network of like-minded peers, many participants have gone on to lead local initiatives, advocating for youth rights and greater civic engagement. The project also produced a booklet summarizing key lessons learned, serving as a resource for other organizations interested in youth empowerment.

Final outcomes: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1cgUxcxpwCi2QSnJ_4zJtr_d83-_2iehW

By fostering cross-border cooperation and dialogue, this project contributed to a more united Europe, where young people have a voice in shaping their future. The legacy of Stories That Matter: Active Youth continues to inspire a new generation of active citizens.