Buidling generations for EU democracy

This project is a dynamic 10-month initiative designed to empower 25 youth workers from five European countries with the tools to champion democracy, EU values, and media literacy. By blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, the project focuses on building resilience against disinformation and populism through non-formal education (NFE). Participants will dive into topics like the Ladder of Youth Participation, fact-checking, and the RMSOS model, ultimately implementing interactive workshops for over 100 young people in local high schools.

The impact follows a "ripple effect" model: starting with the professional development of the youth workers, moving to the capacity building of their home NGOs, and finally fostering a more civically  engaged and critical-thinking youth population within their local communities. By the end of the project, these organizations will be better equipped to tackle sensitive political topics and
inspire a new generation of active, informed European citizens.

1. Competence Development & Knowledge Mastery: To equip 25 youth workers from 5 European NGOs with  a comprehensive understanding of EU democratic values, active citizenship, and media literacy. By  the end of the 10-month cycle, participants will demonstrate increased confidence and professional  expertise in addressing complex topics such as:

• The role of European institutions and fundamental rights.
• Mechanisms of disinformation, populism, and online manipulation.
• Fact-checking techniques using specialized platforms like EUvsDisinfo and Snopes.

2. Methodological Innovation & Practical Application: To expand the educational toolkit of  participants by introducing at least 5 new non-formal education (NFE) methods focused on critical 
thinking and democratic engagement. This objective moves beyond theory by requiring participants to:

•  Adapt and facilitate these methods for at least 100 young people in local high schools and community centers.
• Utilize diverse approaches including experiential learning, the RMSOS model, and the Ladder of Youth Participation.

3. Facilitation & Resilience Building: To enhance the soft skills of youth workers in moderating respectful debates on sensitive or controversial topics (e.g., freedom of speech, migration, and political extremism). Participants will improve their ability to:

• Create safe spaces for youth-led movements and civic expression.
• Counteract propaganda and "fake news" through evidence-based facilitation.
• Bridge the gap between marginalized or apathetic youth and European civic life.

4. Institutional Capacity & Local Impact: To strengthen the operational capacity and visibility of the 5 partner NGOs, ensuring the project's benefits extend to the broader community.This will be achieved through:

• The creation of a project toolkit and dissemination strategy to share best practices.
• Organizing regular, open local workshops that promote active citizenship and institutionalize the skills gained during the mobility.