Young Europeans Speak Up too

<< Background >>Background The project Young Europeans Speak Up Too (Yes-U2!) is a follow-up of Erasmus+ Young Europeans Speak Up!! which aimed to address the challenges our students are faced with in a world where problems expand and dilemmas multiply rapidly. We felt it our duty as teachers to educate a new generation and equip them to meet the challenges of the modern age. We aimed at giving students a voice and stimulate them to become active citizens. However, the COVID pandemic and the ensuing restrictions it created stopped us from completing our plans as we would have liked. It also made us rethink the way in which our schools are organized and showed new ways to establish ownership among students. The pandemic and the situation in Ukraine prove the value of active citizenship more than ever before. Reflecting on our experiences and rethinking our goals and methodology led to this new cooperation project which focuses on promoting inclusion, diversity, civic engagement, cultural and environmental awareness. << Objectives >>Our project focused on promoting democratic values, active citizenship and civic engagement. We aimed to:SHOW that participation in democratic life, sharing values on human rights, diversity, inclusion and sustainability are crucial factors for the well-being of modern societies. CREATE an inclusive learning environment to stimulate the development of individual talents and contribute to improving our school cultures.STRENGTHEN participation in democratic life by developing social and intercultural skills, language competence, critical thinking and media literacy. LEAD students to appreciate the benefits of the EU adopting common European values such as respect for human dignity and social equity.We wanted our students to be responsible active citizens who will:-acquire knowledge of their social and cultural heritage-care about threats to humanity and take initiative-raise their voices for causes bigger than themselves -cooperate with their peers from different backgrounds -develop intercultural dialogue-realize the extent of problems faced by their countries and Europe as a whole-adopt a problem-solving attitude and turn words and dreams into actions<< Implementation >>Implementation Students developed their fundamental skills of research and debate, learned how to use their voice in different ways, show initiative and respect the voice of others. Activities included:-EXCHANGES of students (virtual and physical) with student presentations, cultural- and educational visits, student conferences (mini EYP)-EXPERT LECTURES on the development of democracy, climate change, marketing, digital literacy, communication skills -RESEARCH into historical perspectives on democracy in general as well as European identity and democratic processes in and outside schools-ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP through awareness campaigns, innovation camps, student action teams, debates on school and community life, creating artwork, surveys etc. All activities were aimed at reinforcing the students’ belief in democratic values, human rights and civic engagement. The activities were also meant to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, language proficiency and to promote European mindedness and cultural diversity. << Results >>Results Project results:-more challenging and safe, inclusive learning environments -improved school cultures, innovated in a sustainable way -increased participation in different areas of civic society.-increased social and intercultural skills, critical thinking, and media literacy.-more awareness of the implications of being a European citizen.-presentations on the development of student voice, democracy, inclusion, environmental awareness, mental health care and other sociopolitical issues-(personal) stories showcasing effect of student voice Concrete initiatives aimed at creating these results:-Student Action teams to initiate student participation, advocate civic action and international cooperation. -Innovation Camps-Exhibition of project work (artwork, presentations, teaching materials)-Student conferences, Mini European Youth Parliament-Pamphlets, awareness campaigns (Thrift Store, No Fast Fast Fashion, adopt a beach etc.)-Visits to European Union Institutions (EU Parliament,EU Comission, Parlamentarium, House of European History)