Description
Corruption and misuse of public funds in the Czech Republic is a serious problem, according to the latest European Commission report 95% of Czech respondents consider it wide-spread. The project seeks to improve this situation through the following activities: public debates, courses, Student Clubs, round tables and Best Practice Competition. It motivates university students, volunteers and CSOs to actively and professionally fight the misuse of public funds and corruption at the local level. The primary target group are university students who want to understand corruption and public policy. The project increases interest in public matters (public debates) and through monitoring activities (round tables, Best Practice Competition) helps to reduce opportunities for corruption. With the acquired knowledge and skills (training, textbooks, and work of Students Clubs) activities will be case-specific and therefore more efficient. Practical examples of successful interventions in the governance and in limiting corruption potentials (Best Practice Competition) are good tools to attract more people interested in civic participation.
Summary of project results
Corruption and misuse of public funds in the Czech Republic represent a serious problem with significant economic and social impacts. Their prevention and suppression depend not only on legislative and other relevant measures, but also on activities of committed citizens. Citizens who witness corruption or other misuse of public funds, and are willing to highlight these negative phenomena are often caught out by the complexity and ambiguity of the situation and do not know what to choose appropriate corrective action. The project specifically aimed at young people - university students, who are interested in the issue and have capacity to contribute to remedy deficiencies in public administration. The project enabled them to participate in public life through public debates and workshops, taught them to use the tools of public control (free access to information, participation in council meetings etc.) and to express their views by presenting recommendations for improvement in specific cases of inefficient management of public funds. The most active students had the opportunity to work in a long term perspective in so-called Transparency Student Clubs, get a wide range of information not only about specific cases, but also about a wider range of work of municipality, and to introduce results of their work to the city government. The textbook "It's also your money" was created as teaching material, which provides an overview of civil control instruments and examples of their use. Textbook in electronic form is available for free for other target groups. Student Clubs presented the results of their work to jury of specialists, which awarded the best Club and the most active individuals. The benefit of the project is new knowledge and skills that students are willing to use in their future study and work, but also motivation of the target group to participate in public life and creation of a network of cooperating organizations and individuals who have expressed interest to participate in joint activities in the future.
Summary of bilateral results