We 4 EU – What are V4?

BACKGROUND: Historically, the Visegrad countries (CZ, HU,SK,PL) have always been facing similar challenges that developed a common V4 identity within the four member states. According to the latest research outcomes, today we share mutual concerns in the fields of youth issues and youth participation. ‘Visegrad Youth’ - Comparative review of the situation of young people in the V4 countries (written by Ewa Krzaklewska and funded by the partnership between the European Commission and the Council of Europe in the field of youth) will be presented as a background material in order to review situation of young people in the V4 countries. The seminar aims to inspire/promote the development of future projects among participants from V4 countries (e.g. Transnational youth initiatives and Structured Dialogue projects) in the frame of the Erasmus+ Programme (Key Action 2 & 3) as a tool for increase active participation of young people. One of the goals of this seminar is to share best practices within the V4 countries. Several projects will be presented during the seminar as a source of inspiration. Participants will search for common answers and solutions with the help of recalling some national initiatives from the Youth In Action Programme (2007-2013). AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the seminar are: ● to bring together young people and youth workers from V4 countries with the aim of developing common projects in the future; ● to share the latest research outcomes concerning V4 youth and to identify challenges V4 youth are facing; ● to offer a networking opportunity between the participants and their sending organizations; ● to provide opportunities and space for participants to share good practices, innovative approaches, concepts and activities; ● to offer an introduction to the Erasmus+ Programme and its opportunities. TARGET GROUP: active young people, youth workers, youth leaders, project managers and activists who have interest in V4 countries and are willing to create a project within Erasmus+ WORKING METHODS: The study session will be mostly based on non-formal education methods, encouraging active participation of young people involved, giving space for participants to take an active role, express themselves and share good practices. There will be also structured input from experts, presentations about Erasmus+ and several projects will be presented as good practices. Part of the program will be devoted to project development. WORKING LANGUAGE: The working language of the project will be English. Participants are expected to be present on the full duration of the seminar and actively contribute to the seminar. (Note for NAs: This project is financed by TCA budget)