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Description
There has been a lot of research on the shadow economy over the last 40 years, but very little has been done to prevent the shadow economy and tax evasion. We can say that Lithuania has chosen insignificant policy measures to prevent the shadow economy (Lithuanian Free Market Institute, 2018). Also, proper use of collected tax revenues, transparency, public satisfaction with public services, citizenship, and societal motives, can have a shrinking effect on the shadow economy (Publication: Shadow Economy. Changes over a decade, 2016). On this basis, we can say that the development of citizenship competencies directly contributes to reducing the shadow economy and increasing transparency. However, in one of the orders of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, it is stated that active civic education for pupils is insufficient. Therefore, with the help of this project, we suggest improving the quality of civic education at an early age. Also, we aim to teach children responsible financial management at an early age by strengthening citizenship and financial literacy competencies. Our goal is to educate a civic and responsible taxpayer and thus prevent the spread of the shadow economy in Lithuania. The target group of this project is 2-3 grades students. The project aims to strengthen the education system by providing and expanding a high-quality educational methodology - the 5-session program “My Community” - which includes the development of civil rights, civic participation, financial literacy. We aim to prepare 300 teachers who will accompany 5,400 students during the above-mentioned program. The project aims to strengthen civil rights education and civic participation education sustainably - we will integrate content into the educational process that can be used for many years - this will ensure the continuity of the impact created and the expansion of the target audience.
Summary of project results
There has been a lot of research on the shadow economy over the last 40 years, but very little has been done to prevent the shadow economy and tax evasion. We can say that Lithuania has chosen insignificant policy measures to prevent the shadow economy (Lithuanian Free Market Institute, 2018). Also, proper use of collected tax revenues, transparency, public satisfaction with public services, citizenship, and societal motives, can have a shrinking effect on the shadow economy (Publication: Shadow Economy. Changes over a decade, 2016). On this basis, we can say that the development of citizenship competencies directly contributes to reducing the shadow economy and increasing transparency. However, in one of the orders of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, it is stated that active civic education for pupils is insufficient. Therefore, with the help of this project, we suggested improving the quality of civic education at an early age. Also, we aimed to teach children responsible financial management at an early age by strengthening citizenship and financial literacy competencies. Our goal was to educate a civic and responsible taxpayer and thus prevent the spread of the shadow economy in Lithuania. The project aimed to strengthen civil rights education and civic participation education sustainably - while integrating content into the educational process that can be used for many years - this will ensure the continuity of the impact created and the expansion of the target audience.
Expected qualitative and quantitative results of the project were reached:
1. Updated methodology and dissemination of the "Our Community" ( responsible citizenship and tax compliance, financial literacy basics) curriculum;
2. 356 specialist teachers trained to teach responsible citizenship and tax compliance, financial literacy basics using the methodological content of the "Our Community" programme and signed 50 cooperation agreements with educational institutions;
3. Strengthened the skills and competences of 5505 (10%) pupils in responsible citizenship and tax compliance, financial literacy, and the development of their The programme "Our Community" will help to raise awareness of the basics of citizenship and financial literacy in the regions of Lithuania, in socially vulnerable communities, and in communities in vulnerable communities. Active citizenship skills and participation in civic activities developed;
4. 1 practical, methodological conference for project teachers on curriculum and active citizenship implemented;
5. 1 educational experience event for students participating in the project;
6. Implemented a best practice training for capacity building and development of the applicant.
Our goal was reached to educate a civic and responsible taxpayer and thus prevent the spread of the shadow economy in Lithuania. The target group of this project is 2-3 grade students. The project aims to strengthen the education system by providing and expanding a high-quality educational methodology - the 5-session program “Our Community” - which includes the development of civil rights, civic participation, financial literacy. We prepared 356 teachers who accompany 5,499 students during the above-mentioned program. The project aims to strengthen civil rights education and civic participation education sustainably - we will integrate content into the educational process that can be used for many years - this will ensure the continuity of the impact created and the expansion of the target audience.
Summary of bilateral results
in 2022 November 8-12, 3 trainings of Lithuanian Junior Achievement employees took place at Ungt Entreprenørskap Norge. The partner''s role in the project was to implement organizational capacity building activities and share good practices in curriculum development and organizational management. The employees who completed the training became familiar with the use of program development and innovation implemented by JA Norway for the renewal of educational programs and their continuous improvement. The discovered methods are planned to be applied in Lithuania as well, for example, in the activities of the ongoing project-competition for students, it is planned to apply the practice of Norway, when for one week representatives of community businesses, municipalities, and the tax inspectorate go to schools and talk about the contribution of responsible businesses, communities, and individuals to the creation of a welfare state. At Ungt Entreprenørskap Norge, a key factor in ensuring high reach for students and stakeholders is having 11 regional centers where staff are closer to local schools, teachers, students and local business partners. In this way, not only development, but also the quality of programs and services is ensured. Cooperation with local self-government institutions helps ensure the maintenance of such local centers and guarantees the organization''s financial stability. Application of such practice is expected in Lithuania as well, establishing the positions of regional coordinators, especially covering remote regions, financial solutions are being sought, how such a structure could be maintained. After these trainings, the employees better understand the necessary changes in the organizational structure, the processes of development planning and its implementation.