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Description
The “Literacy for Democracy” project will bring together young adults from different backgrounds in weekly working sessions, in different territories, to foster civic initiatives and awareness-raising campaigns on democratic literacy and environmental sustainability among other groups in their community. These will be transformed into concrete proposals aimed at local and national public decision-makers.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to educate communities on citizenship and democratic literacy to enhance their problem-solving abilities. It sought to increase youth involvement in community decision-making and intervention, foster motivation and learning for promoting civic activism, volunteering, and solidarity, and teach socio-educational intervention processes, advocacy, and political participation with vulnerable groups. Additionally, it aimed to engage in research and dissemination of knowledge about experiences and policies, ensuring transparency throughout the project.
The project involved adolescents, young people, leaders, and the community in various activities, including meetings, workshops, debates, and cultural visits. It also included participation in local projects like literacy programs and non-formal education. A total of 93 civic initiatives and 13 awareness campaigns on topics such as literacy, climate crisis, and COVID-19 were conducted. Action groups helped manage and design activities, contributing to community support and empowering vulnerable groups. The effort also focused on training for intervention, leading to the creation of three new associations and four new applications, reflecting the sustainability of the actions. Public policy intervention aimed at improving local policies and practices. Dissemination occurred through the initiative''s website, social media, and media outlets. The partnership with Bjerkaker LearningLab continued through Zoom sessions despite the pandemic. Various materials were produced, including best practice manuals, multimedia files, published articles, and training materials.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 41 volunteers recruited by supported NGOs;
- 93 civic initiatives led by supported NGOs;
- 13 awareness raising campaigns carried out;
- 149 people educated in civic rights;
- 3 partnerships between NGOs and schools promoting civic education
- 91% share of target group showing civic concerns.
Regarding capacity building, the Promoter and three eligible partners each conducted a needs assessment and prepared an action plan.
All proposed targets were met and exceeded.
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership with the Norwegian partner aimed to deepen relationships between all NGOs involved in the project and the Bjerkaker LearningLab in Norway. This included promoting the exchange of experiences and sharing knowledge and practices to strengthen and empower Portuguese NGOs.