Main aim of the project is to tackle racism, disrimination, prejudices, violence behaviour towards minorities, refugees and another vulnarable groups through creation innovative educational methodology. Most important outcome of this project will be publication with various pedagogical methods and modules such as workshops, presentations, games, group tasks, simulations, debates and another good examples, techniques and practices. It’s intended for youth workers and teachers who would like to address denial among young people in more interactive way though non-formal education. We believe that it will contribute to development of their competences and skills and in long-term vision to intercultural dialogue and more tolerant, inclusive and open-minded society.
The topic of Radicalization is of focal importance for the European society. Association Walktogether has taken the fight against by preparing and implementing a Training Course aimed to tackle the radicalization of young people, offering training in the field of strategies of de- radicalization, prevention and promotion of cooperation between youth organizations.
The participants realized activities on youth inclusion, social cohesion, integration and intercultural dialogue, conflict management.
The project has allowed us to develop cooperation between youth organizations and local actors on this troubling issue. This project was built around the objectives of the Erasmus + program, and the promotion of European values, in accordance with Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union.
In fact, the overall objective of this project is precisely to reach marginalized young people by promoting intercultural and inter-religious dialogue, the common values of freedom, tolerance and respect for human rights through media literacy and critical thinking of young people. In addition to these main objectives, this project provided skills and methods needed for the transfer of common fundamental values of our society to prevent violent radicalization. Hate crimes, radicalization and recruitment of extremists have increased in number and severity of the phenomenon across Europe will continue to represent a major challenge to democratic societies.
Thanks to our partners from Xano Channel Asociación para el desarrollo comunitario (Spain), Fiatalok az ÉlhetőKörnyezetértEgyesület (Hungary), Informal group "Over the Fence" (Greece), Associacia "Apkabink Europa" (Lithuania) and Twinning Commettee " "Colletorto in Europe" (Italy) we reached the following set objectives:
• Analysis of the behavioral reaction to the phenomenon of violent extremism;
• Study of the most attractive tools among young people for the fight against radicalization: music and social media
• Creating tools to produce authentic messages of de-radicalization;
• Creating a safe discussion space to tackle issues such as terrorism and violent extremism;
• Facilitate and support the use of counter-narrative methods within youth organizations;
• Provide tools and skills to help young people face new and diverse social pressures;
• Developing flexibility and creativity in counter-narrative design;
• Facilitate the development of critical thinking on the issues of extremism and radicalism;
• Provide the tools for understanding and identifying the recruitment approach by groups or individual extremists.
The following focus areas are related to the theory of what makes an individual vulnerable to extremism.
Through these areas of purpose are aimed at mitigating the risk of emotional fragility, disinformation, excessive dogmatization, social isolation and hence vulnerability to extremist narratives and extremism.
• Focus on building personal resilience and a positive sense of identity to support young people to be emotionally resistant to social pressures and able to promote a positive sense of self, for example, through the positive thinking or through conflict management techniques.
• Development of critical thinking skills, through analysis of alternative perspectives, with guided discussion approaches and multimedia didactics. Development of teamwork skills for the development of transferable skills in work daily with young people.
Reference Program:
EUROPE FOR CITIZENS’ PROGRAMME 2014/20
Strand 2: Democratic engagement and civic participation
2.2: Network of Towns
Thematic Networking of Twinned Towns
Partnership:
- Unione dei Comuni del Comprensorio di Naxos e Taormina- Italy
- Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture Centre International de Séjour - France
- WalkTogether- Bulgaria
- Municipality of A Bana – Spain
- Latvijas Pasvaldibu Savieniba - Latvia
- A.N.O.L.F. Associazione Nazionale oltre le Frontiere - Italy
- Adefis Juventud Internacional - Spain
- Association of Estonian Cities - Estonia
- Municipality of Birgu - Malta
- One Terrene International - Cyprus
- Municipality of Iasi - Romania
- Municipality of Bátka - Slovakia
- Municipality of Holloko - Hungary
- Penthesileia – Greece
Summary
The project aimed to create a thematic Network of Towns for raising awareness about actual matters linked to Migration, Human Rights and Active Citizenship. The project wanted to strengthen a strong, long lasting and fruitful towns cooperation network between partner from IT,EE, ES, CY, ML, RO, SK, HU, BG, EL, LV and FR, more of them are countries where the Migration is an open debate and a problem to face on.
The wider partnership represented a platform for dialogue on 2015 European Year of development.
Citizens have been encouraged to reflect on the kind of Europe they want and how to create a more
democratic EU, stimulating new forms of civic participation whilst reinforcing and improving the
existing. In Project’s overall objectives were focused on the promotion among citizens of a sense of
belonging to the EU and a better understanding of EU Citizenship in different way.
The main objective of the project was to involve Municipalities and local realities, stakeholders, experts and CSO, Association of Human rights defense, ONG, citizens and young people, in order
to increase the awareness on the policies of Integration, Human Rights, Asylum, participation and political rights, intercultural communication and cultural mediator, minors, women and gender
perspective, services to immigrants, and advocate policy.
The Project attended to 5 Itinerant Events around Europe.
The meetings have been scheduled with debates, diffusion of best practices, comparison of experiences, Kick off, case studies, interactive workshops, true stories interwiev and documentary,
itinerant exhibition, solemn commemoration of sea victims. The project was an opportunity for communication, exchange of innovative methodologies, interaction in order to have relations of
cooperation in sustainable perspective. To ensure the widest possible public impact have been organized following event of dissemination outputs and results, as moment of learning experience and a strategic plane of communication.
Short Program of the Meeting
I Event - Italy - Giardini Naxos - from 9 to 12 October 2015
The first event, held in Giardini Naxos, was conducted trought conferences, workshops, panel discussions, case studies, interviews and testimonies, storytellings and integration, exchange of best practices, interaction between participants, moments of planning for future project ideas, an intinerant exhibition of pictures on the life paths of Migrants, public reflections on the value of
multiculturalism and integration of European citizenship and culture, meeting with NGOs and projections of documentaries that show the drama of Immigrants.
Session dedicated to Right of citizenship to migrants
1st Session: Kick Off + European Round Table: "Welcoming Network for Migrant' Rights and European Citizenship" + Presentation of the Project.
2nd Session: Meeting/Discussion: "Europe protagonist in the Mediterranean Sea: from Mare Nostrum to Triton".
3rd Session: Workshop: European Funds for immigration ": FSE - EU program" Rights and Citizenship "- The Asylum and Migration Fund - European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR).
4th Session: European Conference “Unaccompanied foreign minors: the experiences of family homes and centers of Reception” + Town Twinning Ceremony.
All participants were actively involved in the development of a constructive dialogue on the issue, creating open debates and discussions through moments of question time and non-formal activities.
It was kept in constant consideration the principle of non-discrimination, with particular attention to the inclusion of difficult groups. The activities were aimed to reflect the needs and requirements of the participants, in line with the specific objectives of the program and the project, to promote new strategies in immigration policies and protection of human rights, cultural diversity, citizen participation in the democratic process, employment and social cohesion.
II Event - Spain - A Bana - from 12 to 15 January 2016
The second event, held in Santiago de Compostela (ES) was conducted trought conferences, workshops, panel discussions, case studies, interviews and testimonies, life stories and integration, exchange of best practices, interaction between participants, moments of planning for future project ideas, an intinerant exhibition of pictures on the life paths of Migrants, public reflections on the value of multiculturalism and integration of European citizenship and culture, meeting with NGOs and projections of documentaries that show the drama of Immigrants.
Session dedicated to Right of citizenship to migrants
1st Session - European Round Table: “European Regions, Immigration and Fundamental Rights”
2nd Session – European Conference: "Immigration and Labour Market"
3rd Session - Workshop: "From clandestine to citizens of the European Union"
4th Session - Workshop: "Mediation and intercultural communication"
All participants were actively involved in the development of a constructive dialogue on the issue, creating open debates and discussions through moments of question time and non-formal activities.
It was kept in constant consideration the principle of non-discrimination, with particular attention to
the inclusion of difficult groups.
The activities were aimed to reflect the needs and requirements of the participants, in line with the
specific objectives of the program and the project, to promote new strategies in immigration
policies and protection of human rights, cultural diversity, citizen participation in the democratic process, employment and social cohesion.
III Event - Malta - Birgu – from 6 to 9 May 2016
The third event, held in Birgu (MT) was conducted trought conferences, workshops, panel discussions, case studies, interviews and testimonies, life stories and integration, exchange of best practices, interaction between participants, moments of planning for future project ideas, an intinerant exhibition of pictures on the life paths of Migrants, public reflections on the value of
multiculturalism and integration of European citizenship and culture, meeting with NGOs and projections of documentaries that show the drama of Immigrants.
Session dedicated to Right of citizenship to migrants.
1st Session - Conference: "Traffic of Migrants and Human Beings – Actions to Fight"
2nd Session – Workshop: "Free Circulation and Asylum Right"
3rd Session - Workshop: "Immigration and Health"
4th Session - Round Table: "Migration and Human Rights at EU Borders"
All participants were actively involved in the development of a constructive dialogue on the issue,creating open debates and discussions through moments of question time and non-formal activities.
It was kept in constant consideration the principle of non-discrimination, with particular attention to the inclusion of difficult groups. The activities were aimed to reflect the needs and requirements of the participants, in line with the specific objectives of the program and the project, to promote new
strategies in immigration policies and protection of human rights, cultural diversity, citizen participation in the democratic process, employment and social cohesion.
IV Event - Riga - Latvia – from 21 to 24 September 2016
The fourth event, held in Riga (LV) was conducted thought conferences, workshops, panel discussions, case studies, interviews and testimonies, life stories and integration, exchange of best practices, interaction between participants, moments of planning for future project ideas, an intinerant exhibition of pictures on the life paths of Migrants, public reflections on the value of
multiculturalism and integration of European citizenship and culture, meeting with NGOs and projections of documentaries that show the drama of Immigrants.
Session dedicated to Right of citizenship to migrants
1st Session Workshop: "Participation and political rights - Right to Vote and Citizenship Law"
2nd Session European Conference: "New Citizenship"
3rd Session European Round Table: "Immigration and Citizenship"
4th Session Workshop: "The Migrants Rights are Human Rights"
All participants were actively involved in the development of a constructive dialogue on the issue, creating open debates and discussions through moments of question time and non-formal activities.
It was kept in constant consideration the principle of non-discrimination, with particular attention to the inclusion of difficult groups. The activities were aimed to reflect the needs and requirements of the participants, in line with the specific objectives of the program and the project, to promote new strategies in immigration policies and protection of human rights, cultural diversity, citizen participation in the democratic process, employment and social cohesion.
V Event - Holloko and Budapest - Hungary – from 26 to 29 October 2016
The fifth event, held in Holloko/Budapest (HU) was conducted thought conferences, workshops, panel discussions, case studies, interviews and testimonies, life stories and integration, exchange of best practices, interaction between participants, moments of planning for future project ideas, an intinerant exhibition of pictures on the life paths of Migrants, public reflections on the value of
multiculturalism and integration of European citizenship and culture, meeting with NGOs and projections of documentaries that show the drama of Immigrants.
Session dedicated to Right of citizenship to migrants
1st Session Workshop: "Multicultural Societies and Integration Policies"
2nd Session European Conference "The Intercultural table of the people"
3rd Session Workshop: "Immigration, Racism and xenofobia"
4th Session Round Table: "Immigration Women – Gender Perspectives”
All participants were actively involved in the development of a constructive dialogue on the issue, creating open debates and discussions through moments of question time and non-formal activities.
It was kept in constant consideration the principle of non-discrimination, with particular attention to the inclusion of difficult groups. The activities were aimed to reflect the needs and requirements of the participants, in line with the specific objectives of the program and the project, to promote new strategies in immigration policies and protection of human rights, cultural diversity, citizen participation in the democratic process, employment and social cohesion.
The Youth Exchanged aims were to direct the youth attention to the problems, which migrants faces and to search for possible solutions. Also, to look into the features of social networks and the importance of being tolerant, while communicating in social networks.
The main objectives of the project were: to develop young people’s ability to choose information critically, to encourage tolerance and understanding and to gain knowledge about possible threats of “Facebook” and other social networks.
During the youth exchange week we visit:
*Migration centre to hear from experts and to learn from the experience of the migrants.
** To Youth Center to meet volunteers and to talk about their experience in Lithuania being volunteers and how tolerant is the society with them.
Bulgaria has traditionally been a country of origin and transit for migrants and, to a much lesser extent, a country of final destination. After its 2007 EU accession, Bulgaria is becoming a key transit and destination country for migrants from non-EU Member State countries, including the neighbouring ones. The main migrant flows to Bulgaria are from the Middle East, North Africa, the Black Sea Region and the Western Balkans. Irregular migrants either cross the border illegally, overstay after expiry of legal permits of stay, or aim to engage in illegal employment. On the other side stays those Bulgarians who are seeking better life in another country. The main problem here is that many of them are educated people who are immigrating to another country to increase their life conditions e.g. Social rights, political situation, social life, higher living standards, etc. Despite that, the government of Bulgaria is putting many efforts to give opportunities to the young people by providing them with almost free education and options to study and work at the same time in order for them to increase their living standards, a big number of young see Bulgaria as a country experiencing luck of opportunities and development. Thus this brings many complications to the business sector and development of economy of the country because de facto Bulgaria is raising young specialists for the foreign market.Bulgaria has traditionally been a country of origin and transit for migrants and, to a much lesser extent, a country of final destination. After its 2007 EU accession, Bulgaria is becoming a key transit and destination country for migrants from non-EU Member State countries, including the neighbouring ones. The main migrant flows to Bulgaria are from the Middle East, North Africa, the Black Sea Region and the Western Balkans. Irregular migrants either cross the border illegally, overstay after expiry of legal permits of stay, or aim to engage in illegal employment. On the other side stays those Bulgarians who are seeking better life in another country. The main problem here is that many of them are educated people who are immigrating to another country to increase their life conditions e.g. Social rights, political situation, social life, higher living standards, etc. Despite that, the government of Bulgaria is putting many efforts to give opportunities to the young people by providing them with almost free education and options to study and work at the same time in order for them to increase their living standards, a big number of young see Bulgaria as a country experiencing luck of opportunities and development. Thus this brings many complications to the business sector and development of economy of the country because de facto Bulgaria is raising young specialists for the foreign market.The aim of the project was to concentrate on the following objectives:• To focus on the consequences of migration and reflecting on the practice of migrant integration and inclusion in European countries;• To share best practice in tackling migration, integration and inclusion in youth work;• Exchange of experience and good practice in youth work, related to international/local migration and mobility and its influence on young people in Europe;• Preparing youth workers and youth leaders in addressing the challenges and opportunities resulting from migration for young people /society as a whole;• Raising the competence of youth workers and youth leaders about the push and pull factors of migration and causes and consequences of migration and how to prevent negative effects of migration (such as discrimination) in society;• Promoting European cooperation between youth organisations promoting youth mobility and support engagement youth with immigrant backgrounds in participating organizations’ activities;• Providing informal learning opportunities with a European dimension and creating innovative opportunities in connection with active citizenship, especially for the young people with fewer opportunities through the development of new initiatives in the field of migration and mobility for young people within the framework of the Youth in Action Programme.
The project aimed at raising awareness about gender based violence among young people. The specific goal of the project was to build capacities and skills of youth workers in the field of prevention of gender based violence and to promote culture of non- violence. In this TC participated were 34 young people from 17 countries, we had the opportunity to get to know each other and to build the European spirit all together. We all learnt to fight for our human rights and to respect, love and help people in need.
The project "Not too fast, not too much" aimed to address the problem of early parenthood- the highest percentage of pregnancies of girls under 17 years of age occur in Bulgaria and Romania and the most threaten social exclusion groups are national minorities, so-called pathological environments, small town and village dwellers.
The phenomenon of teenage parenthood may be an unfavorable factor of psychological, social and professional developments of young people. It increases threat of social exclusion both of young parents and of their children and is often associated with pre-ending education, which results difficulties on labor market.
Thanks to our participant from Bulgaria Reuben Farhi who created that amazing video, we are able to share the results of the project and to spread the message - "BE SAFE"!
It is our pleasure to introduce Erasmus plus project Entrepreneurship is a piece of cake, financed by European Union. Entrepreneurship is actually piece of cake, sweet and easy to do! But that is not common opinion among youngsters in Europe. Objective of this project is to simplify process of entrepreneurship and bring it closer to youth through fun and learning by practice.
Through 9 days of activities, games and workshops, and a simple explication of the entrepreneurial process, young people learned about the basic tools necessary to implement their business ideas into action. They managed this with activities of creating & planning, marketing, partnering up and public relations. Through this main activities participants created a brand new organisations from scratch with all realistic activities, plans and attributes needed to function on market.
ECO - Health project in Cyprus aimed to promote one of the strongest European values:
*our respect for the environment.
*contribute to fighting climate change and create new business and employment for young people.
*During this Youth Exchange, young people got informed about the value of the environment and how sustainable life can contribute to healthy youth lifestyles.
During this project participants foster cooperation between youth and environmental organizations in order to create awareness about the importance of Youth Work in environmental sustainability and healthy lifestyles.
The main aim of this project was to increase employability of young people by developing their work-related skills through self-learning process. Analysis of the project evaluations filled in by the participants showed that the skills participants developed through the project where communication in foreign language, CV writing skills, skills related to setting goals, conflict-solving skills, thinking out of the box but also they increased self-confidence in presenting themselves to the employer. An experience from a job interview shared by one of our participants drew the attention to the fact that many young people, when asked, are having difficulties in identifying their potentials. Hopefully, this changed after taking part in this project since it is an important precondition for active participation in the employment process.
One of the activities that was rated as most useful by the participants was a presentation of the Work it! guest lecturer - Snježana Kupres, a certified trainer in NLP with 20 years of experience in sales. She gave her professional opinion on what a desired employee profile should look like/what are the qualities and behaviors of an employable person and answered many work-related questions the participants had.
