Common Heritage, Common Future

Context

After one of the most critical financial crisis of the last decades, completed by the Euro Zone crisis, Europe is seeing rising rates of euroscepticism. Extremist political parties are emerging strongly with an anti-EU agenda, while the mainstream political leaders are afraid of adopting strong pro-EU positions. In all these sweeping changes young people are becoming increasingly confused and can easily adopt a pro or against position without being aware of the “whole story” and the potential consequences in the long-term for their country. A lot of them are either totally not interested in these matters and do not participate in elections and other democratic settings, while others are prone to the influence of their local community/reality. European awareness and values is thus limited for a large number of European youth, with dangerous consequences in the long-term.

As Europeans we now enjoy peace, liberty, freedom of choice, movement, thinking. But this was not easily achieved. Only a few decades ago Europe was the victim of extremism, wars and numerous other conflicts, as well as fear. Much was done to reach the point where we are now, but do we remember this? Do we remember our common history where a lot of people died for the freedoms that we enjoy today? Do we reflect and try to learn from the past?

We strongly believe that young people throughout Europe should be able to reflect and make their own mind about the future of Europe, of the European Union and of themselves as European Citizens.

Aim

Encourage reflection and critical thinking on the past, present and future of Europe, of the European Union and the concept of European Citizenship among European young people.

Objectives

1. Increase the awareness of minimum 30 young people from 5 countries about the European Union and its institutions, European Citizenship, European values;
2. Provide at least 30 young people from 5 countries the space and tools needed in order to reflect and use critical thinking in regard to their European identity, thus allowing them to have their own argumented opinion on the subject.
3. Create an interactive exhibition about our European identity, values, citizenship, past and future for increasing the awareness of other young people and of the local community;
4. Use social media tools to increase the awareness of thousands of young people throughout Europe about the project topic in an innovative way, by the young people for the young people in the “same language”.

Target-group

Young people aged 18-23 from EU Member States, who can be in their final high-school year, undertaking their university studies, working of being in unemployment. Young people with fewer opportunities are strongly encouraged to participate. Participants should be willing to learn more about the EU, be open-minded and enthusiastic about the activities.

Practical Information

- Location: Bucharest, Romania
- Period: 06.12.2014 - 14.12.2014 (7 working days, 2 travel days)
- Methods used: role-play, debate, theatre, flashmob, small groups work, interacting non-formally with experts, creation of a cultural exhibition, using social media, outdoor activities, teambuilding exercises;
- Activities location: Most activities will take place in downtown Bucharest in BiblioLounge, a creative space inside a youth library in the center of Bucharest. The exhibition will also be launched and displayed here. Other activities will take place outdoor, including in public spaces of the city.

How to apply 

In order to apply as a partner for this project please send us an email to info@younginitiative with the following information:

- Information about your group of young people (number, age, background, their activities/interests in general, if they have fewer opportunities, what activities are you doing with them);
- How many young people can you send to the exchange (minimum and maximum);
- Motivation of your organization and young people to participate to this exchange;
- Details about your organization (link to website, report etc. if in English or a short description);