Description
The project (April 1-November 30, 2015) seeks to engage youth (approx. 200 individuals) from a disadvantaged borough of Praga in Warsaw in revitalising the local community by selecting heritage building conversion projects, having them reviewed by the local council and implementing them. The sites will include the Konopacki Palace and the Florange Factory. There are currently no revitalisation plans for these sites. Hereditas research reveals that the local youth would be willing to voice their opinions on issues in their community but they are prevented by the sense of frustration, lack of confidence and knowledge of how they can play active roles in the local public life. The project will result in a greater level of community engagement of the local youth and their actual involvement in local initiatives by way of giving them an opportunity to develop their own revitalisation plan. The partnership with the local authorities will add value by creating a platform for showcasing the youth projects at the borough and by having parts of the plans actually implemented on the selected sites for immediate and visible effect (critical point for young participants).
Summary of project results
"The Warsaw district of Praga North is characterised by a concentration of social problems such as alcohol and drug abuse and violence and much level of education of young people. Another reported problem is low public participation of youth (young people do not participate in local consultation procedures, do not engage in NGOs etc. Hereditas research suggests that local youth in Praga are willing to speak their mind on issues of public interest but are prevented by their own frustration, lack of self-confidence and lack of awareness of existing participation opportunities. The goal of the project was to improve community involvement of youth in Praga and engage young people in community initiatives. The project involved 209 young people who implemented 54 revitalisation projects in two local heritage sites: the Konopacki Palace and the Florange Factory (youth developed 52 programmes, of which 5 best projects were selected and implemented). Furthermore, young people took part in a communication campaign about revitalisation, in field workshops, ActoCAD-based revitalisation project development and in revitalisation surveys. Selected components of the best revitalisation programmes development by young people were implemented. This helped produce quick results which improved the motivation and confidence of young project developers. The project offered benefits for young aged 13-16, their parents and teachers in Praga. The project partner, the Office of the Praga District in Warsaw authorities, presented the youth projects in public fora and included some of the youth project components in its own revitalisation agenda."
Summary of bilateral results