Toolbox of non-formal learning activities for citizenship education and youth participation

Aims of the tool

- To raise awareness and provide knowledge about citizenship in general and European citizenship in particular by exploring the concepts, their dimensions, elements, contemporary meanings, understandings and ways they are used

- To equip youth workers and young leaders with the right competences (knowledge, skills and attitudes), tools and practices to develop and run local and international activities that will educate, train, motivate and enable young people to take active participation and be included in the political, economic and social life in their communities, countries or beyond

- To foster the incorporation of European dimension in youth projects through promotion of European awareness, common European identity and European values

- To foster mutual understanding, solidarity, intercultural learning and intercultural dialogue between youth workers and young people coming from different cultural backgrounds

Description of the tool

Being active citizen in social, political and economic life has many advantages and almost always brings positive impact and benefits on people lives. It brings experience, knowledge, skills, contacts, education, mobility and job opportunities and friendships that otherwise we would hardly get in the comfort of our homes. Active participation widens people horizons, enriches lives, increases self-confidence and esteem, opens new doors for personal and professional development and often leads to job offers or increased chances for employment. But, if the benefits are so high, then why youth doesn’t take active participation in societies and practice their citizens’ rights to be active in the political, economic and social processes in their countries and EU? Why European youth show little or no interest and motivation to be engaged in democratic life, why are they losing community ties and there are declined levels of trust in democratic institutions?

This Toolbox provides concrete non-formal learning tools that can support youth workers and young people to organise activities that address these issues and can engage active youth participation and educate youth about citizenship, citizens rights, European values and benefits of active participation.

The Toolbox is created by participants of the Training course "Youth Citizenship Activators", organised in Topola, Serbia from 24th of November to 3rd of December 2016. The Training course is part of a project funded by the EACEA through the Erasmus+ programme. More information about the project can be found on: www.youthactivators.wordpress.com