Description
Starting from the need to promote greater awareness and citizenship practice, involving citizens with the community’s institutions in order to reduce inequalities, strengthen inclusive and intergenerational relationships and attain development based on democratic participation, the project entails the creation of 4 children meeting groups, where they are made aware of their rights and learn how to dialogue and respect the rights of others; 7 youth meeting groups, for the development of personal and social skills and the bolstering of solidarity and citizen participation; and 8 parent groups for the development of personal, social and parental skills aiming at fostering democratic participation, solidarity and the participation in community life. The support of local institutions, NGOs and citizens in general will also be encouraged. The partner entities have previous experience in supporting children, youth, families and vulnerable groups and are eager to promote civic participation.
Summary of project results
In Gouveia municipality, an NGO took the opportunity to promote the involvement of citizens and institutions in the collective well-being, either through solidarity paths that value Human Rights and reduce inequalities, poverty and risks of social exclusion; or through cooperation between citizens, local authorities and other institutions in local management and development. The need was especially apparent as civic participation is low, as it typically is throughout Portugal – specifically amongst youths, there is a deficit in the development of personal and social skills and of values related to citizenship. Furthermore, family dynamics are currently disturbed by constraints brought about by the economic crisis, and it would therefore be very useful to take steps towards preserving values and social cohesion. Above all, this project created the conditions for the participation of people who would otherwise not have access to spaces of dialogue and negotiation with the local power: children, institutionalized elderly people and other people often absent from public space. They are now better able to express their own individual opinions and listen to others’. Dialogue has been established between those responsible for local policies and the civil society, which resulted in a collaborative, positive and constructive approach and practice; moreover, the project fostered closer ties between citizens, putting generations into dialogue, contributing to social cohesion. The project included: the animation and facilitation of more than 23 groups, the holding of 7 Citizenship Fora, 2 participants’ meetings and a training session, 5 thematic groups, 3 community parties, 6 exchanges, 5 campaigns, the involvement of 26 partner entities, awareness-raising regarding over 15 human rights themes through non-formal education, the creation of an online platform and a pedagogical game on citizenship and children's rights (with online version). Among the activities carried out, there was a collaborative wool blanket over 15 meters of length, very much visible online; a “sensorial carpet” for children; several actions involving cleaning and rehabilitating public spaces, namely a children's park; photographic expeditions; and various meetings between groups of citizens and the municipal council. The project met its targets and 37 proposals made by children, seniors or vulnerable/at risk citizen have been adopted by the Citizenship Forum and enforced in the community.
Summary of bilateral results