Study session "Youth Democracy Academy"

Aims & objectives

The main focus of the Study session was to equip youth leaders/facilitators with knowledge and skills to implement the "Educate for Democracy" programme, exploring the concept of democracy innovatively from local, national, and European perspectives.

Specific objetives of the study session were:
a) to further develop young people's sense of critical thinking and skills for information analysis and fact-checking;

b) to bring young people closer and discuss their approach to existing challenges and threats to democracy Europe is going through, such as a lack of social bonds and solidarity, a generalised sense of insecurity, growing populism and misinformation and environmental challenges;

c) to empower 30 young facilitators committed to revitalising democracy and equip them with the skills to educate other young people to rebuild trust in democracy.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

Were invited participants residents from Council of Europe member States; and/or Belarus, Holy See and Kazakhstan.
The team of the study session was composed of an international team of 5 trainers and a supervisional advisor from the Council of Europe.

Training methods used & main activities

The program consisted of training modules based on non-formal education methodology that appeals to young people, enabling them to explore the concept and values of democracy innovatively, addressing it from local, national, and European perspectives.
There was an enphasis on experiential and peer-to-peer learning, including methods of teambuilding activities, group reflections and debates, world caffes, lectures by experts, simulation and role-plays, self-reflection/individual reflection, creation of workshops, among others.

Outcomes of the activity

The training achieved and overcame its main goals and objetives as it:
* Equipped participants with the competences related to democracy, media literacy and civic participation of young people, improving their ability to work and educate other young people.
* Participants successfully organized and facilitated workshops based on the "educate for democracy" toolkit.
* Participants deepened their facilitation skills and familiarised themselves with the tools to disseminate their acquired knowledge about democracy in their local realities.

Publication/report on the study session:
https://dypall.com/2023/11/08/youth-democracy-academy-study-session/

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

Training and facilitation; Programme designing; Supporting logistics and communication.

I worked on this training for 10 days as a full time trainer.