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Description
This project aims to contribute to the recognition of the importance of human rights in the consolidation of a more just society, both through the awareness and empowerment of young people to enhance their civic engagement and through the training of strategic audiences. The main target audience of the COOLABORATÓRIO project is young people between the ages of 15 and 27 who live in Covilhã, have concerns about human rights violations and who want to actively contribute to a more just and equitable society through the development of projects that have a positive impact on their community. The programme will include video documentaries, workshops and training actions for young people and professionals on strategic themes such as communication and civic participation and community awareness initiatives.
Summary of project results
The project was implemented in the municipality of Covilhã and aimed to promote the recognition of human rights as essential for building a fairer society. This was achieved by raising awareness, empowering young people to strengthen their civic engagement, and training strategic professionals.
Of the 5 campaigns planned, 9 were carried out. These campaigns were conceived, organized and carried out by the young people who regularly participated in the project. Eight of them stand out:
- First Campaign: Distributed 1,000 letters throughout Covilhã, featuring first-person testimonies of human rights violations reported by 20 individuals identified by the youth.
- Climate Change and Human Rights Campaign (2021): Created 6 large panels displayed at a secondary school and presented at an event attended by several hundred students.
- Biting Posters Campaign (2022): Brought 200 handmade A3 posters to the streets of Covilhã, advocating for women''s rights and marking International Women''s Day.
- Return of the Carnations Campaign: Challenged passersby to give up a right gained from the April Revolution to receive a carnation, resulting in the return of all carnations, which were later distributed in a street parade.
- It Will Make Waves Campaign: Highlighted gender-based violence, with flags used in a vigil featuring words spoken by survivors of domestic violence.
- International Women''s Day Celebration (2023): Included a debate and artistic performances.
- Ageism Campaign: Protested ageism affecting both young and elderly people.
- Anti-Xenophobia Campaigns: Challenged people to listen to accounts of discrimination through a video and invited Covilhã to visit the Dictionary of Invisibility exhibition, participate in a debate, and listen to anti-racist poems.
In total, 77 young people were involved in at least 4 mentoring sessions (Laboratory for a Cause), totaling 1,957 hours. Notably, 50 young people participated in 8 mentoring sessions each. The 62 civic workshops primarily involved the same youth who participated in the mentoring, allowing for skill reinforcement. These young people were also involved in 13 other initiatives, such as participating in Covilhã''s LGBTQI+ marches and leading sessions in schools.
The training of strategic professionals also achieved its goals. The 3 planned training sessions were held, each lasting 12 hours, and 36 people were trained. This included 16 from the media sector, focusing on racism against the Roma community; 14 in intercultural education in schools, with accreditation from the Beira Interior School Association Training Center; and 6 in associative and political activism.
The youth assemblies and partnership meetings proceeded as expected, with 5 assemblies and 6 meetings held. The project''s launch and closing sessions were significant moments, allowing for intense and participatory reflection on human rights. The launch session involved 53 young people, and the closing session involved 48. The project''s final documentary was produced throughout its timeline, resulting in an educational resource available on the promoter’s website.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 9 awareness raising campaigns carried out;
- 77 youths mobilised by NGOs to engage in human rights work;
- 36 professional staff trained;
- 90% share of target group showing concern for human rights.
In terms of capacity building, the promoter had already developed an action plan based on a needs assessment conducted during a previous ACF project. Accordingly, 12 professionals received training in hr management, social media communication, project management and impact evaluation.
All proposed targets were met and exceeded.