Short Study Visit on Inclusion and Solidarity

The Study visit will provide the possibility for youth organisations, youth clubs, youth activists, informal groups of young people, from different EU countries to gather, explore and discuss practices and experiences within ESC, which focused on a close link between solidarity, sense of civic engagement and inclusion and diversity.

The study visit will provide a platform for starting a reflection on how solidarity projects and community-based experiences can contribute to inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities as potential applicants and direct and indirect beneficiaries, and how to promote their personal, social and civic engagement. Moreover, they will for sure contribute to build a sense of community at micro-level, and to foster a sense of belonging.

The activity can also be a space to starting new ideas and new local projects.

The participants will visit local organizations/youth centres/informal groups projects, which are working with ESC Programme and local/regional programmes/initiatives/funds, as well as will explore and exchange best youth involvement and youth work practices implemented.

Special focus will be on organizations/groups working with young people coming from minorities, disadvantaged or marginalised areas, young people with fewer opportunities.

The participants will explore what projects and methods are implemented to promote integration and inclusion of youth and contribute to the work of local organizations through sharing knowledge and experience from their countries.

The activity programme will include field visits, workshops, thematic working groups and discussions on social inclusion, diversity, solidarity, community building.

Learning objectives of the activity are:

• To raise knowledge and gain new experiences on ESC, solidarity and volunteering projects, and non formal and informal activities;
• Have a better understanding of inclusive practice in general, and in the context of ESC;
• To analyse the challenges of solidarity as a tool for social innovation and impact on local community;
• Consider inclusion and diversity as a mainstream in a project, and not just another box to be ticked;
• To raise awareness on how ESC projects are tools for inclusion and community-building.