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Description
To combat the distance between young people and political representatives, political parties and political life, the project aims to develop a tool that promotes public participation in local government policies and increases the interest and proximity of young residents in Évora about those same policies. The project proposes to monitor and peer into at least 20 public policies implemented by the Municipality of Évora and partner Parish Councils, organise 10 public initiatives for 250 young people on emerging themes and local problems identified by young people throughout the project and make available throughout the project information on local public policies in simple and straightforward language. As a result, 5 policy papers will be published on students, culture, youth emancipation, mental health and the environment that will influence public policies implemented locally.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to develop an effective tool for public participation in local municipal policies. It also sought to increase the interest and involvement of young people (15-25) from Évora, a city in the Alentejo region of Portugal, in local municipal public policies.
Initially, the project focused on developing a website, creating an open WhatsApp group, producing an introductory video about the project, conducting consultations, and working on five policy papers.
Inclusion in events organized by partners provided greater visibility and opened opportunities for sessions in new venues, such as public schools, history and philosophy classes, scientific heritage, and university dormitories.
This process proved decisive, culminating in the development of an emerging partnership with the University of Évora. The project was integrated into one of the university''s programs for new students, addressing issues such as mental health, the environment, culture, emancipation, and the role of students in the community. This collaboration aimed to promote active youth participation through the platform.
As the project evolved, its visibility increased, allowing for the completion of consultations with community councils and the collection of sufficient material to finalize the policy papers and produce a final video summarizing the essence and results achieved. This journey highlighted the importance of adaptability, collaboration and a strategic approach to achieving goals, ensuring a profound impact on the community and promoting active citizenship.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 5 NGOs engaged in monitoring public and private decision-making
- 9 NGO initiatives promoting access to information on public/private policies;
- 5 NGO-produced evidence-based report on public/private policies reported in the media.
Regarding capacity building, the promoter carried out a needs assessment and prepared an action plan.
All proposed targets were met and exceeded.