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Description
In this project we would like to increase civic participation of young people from the city of Siemianowice Śląskie. The project aims at involving the representatives of local institutions and young inhabitants of the city in the diagnosis of problems and the development areas of the city and in civic activities. The ‘Programme for Youth’ developed in the Silesia Region emphasises that the development of society is closely related to the public activity of young people, but at the same time the programme reveals that the public activity of young people does not exceed 20%. In Siemianowice Śląskie we conducted research with the participation of 120 people aged 16-25, representatives of the psychological-educational counselling centre, the City’s Social Care Centre, the Education Department of the City Hall, as well as school pedagogues and psychologists. The research has shown that only 16% of young people declare above-standard public activity outside their peer circles, 68% of which limits it to electronic communication. Direct beneficiaries of the project are 24 young people, aged 16 to 25, living, learning or involved in local activities in the city of Siemianowice Śląskie. They will form 3 groups of Youth Leaders of Change in Siemianowice. Young people will gain key competences that are necessary in conducting civic activities by means of modern forms of communication, involving youth, and carried out in partnership with local institutions.
Summary of project results
The project was aimed at increasing the civic participation of young people from Siemianowice Śląskie. It assumed the implementation of an innovative form of involving young people in local activities, tailored to the needs and expectations of this group. It was a response to the problem of low citizen involvement among young people from Siemianowice, their lack of participation in building dialogue with institutions and little participation in local decisions. It was addressed to 24 young people aged 16 to 25, living, studying or involved in the activities of local institutions in Siemianowice. It assumed the involvement of at least 8 representatives of local institutions and at least 15 young people from the community in the diagnosis of problem and development areas of the city as well as civic activities - initiatives. The project was implemented in the period from November 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
As part of the project in Siemianowice Śląskie, activities were undertaken to increase the involvement and civic participation of young people. The project focused on developing participants'' competences, awareness and involvement in the life of the local community. The main activities included:
1. **Increasing civic engagement and participation:**
- Initiatives and activities allowed 26 young people to increase their civic engagement. Effectiveness was monitored through declarations of participation, cooperation platform, mentors'' reports and evaluation reports.
2. **Increased sense of agency and social belonging:**
- 24 participants took part in classes on soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, conflict management. The effectiveness of these activities was assessed on the basis of mentors'' reports and an evaluation report.
3. **Increasing awareness of the need for civic engagement using the media:**
- 24 participants participated in preparatory sessions for media activities, which allowed for a better understanding of the role of the media in civic engagement.
4. **Increased involvement in building dialogue with local institutions:**
- 24 participants developed negotiation and dialogue skills, and their progress was monitored by the cooperation moderator and mentors.
**Project products:**
- **Collaboration platform:** Enables communication and coordination of activities between participants and mentors.
- **Reports:** Documenting project progress and results.
- **Attendance lists:** Providing documentation of participation in projects.
The project had a significant impact on the personal development of young people and on the local community through their active participation in civic life.
The project in Siemianowice Śląskie produced significant results that had an impact on the development of young people and the local community. Here are the key results and their impact:
1. **Increasing civic engagement and participation:**
- 26 young people increased their involvement in civic activities, which made them more active in the local community, better understanding and implementing their civic rights and obligations.
- Beneficiaries: Youth aged 16-25.
2. **Increased sense of agency and social belonging:**
- 24 people felt more active and integrated with the community, which contributed to the increase in their social activity.
- Beneficiaries: Young learners, residents or people involved in the activities of local institutions.
3. **Increasing awareness of the need for civic engagement using the media:**
- 24 people better understood the importance of media in civic engagement, which allowed for more effective use of digital platforms to promote civic initiatives.
- Beneficiaries: Young project participants interested in modern communication tools.
4. **Increased involvement in building dialogue with local institutions:**
- 24 people effectively established communication with representatives of the institutions, which improved cooperation and supported the implementation of joint projects.
- Beneficiaries: Young residents engaged in interactions with institutions.
To sum up, the project significantly influenced the development of participants'' civic competences, strengthening their social involvement and sense of belonging to the local community. These results contributed to building a healthier and more dynamic social space in Siemianowice Śląskie.