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Description
The purpose of the project proposal is to strengthen the democratic culture and awareness of the youth about the civic engagement importance and to strengthen the capacities of the OCDs in order to develop their own capacity, but also in order to improve the overall situation in the community. The project will include 25 young unemployed persons from the VSŽ region and empower them through the Program for enhancement of soft and transversal skills and also through the Targeted program for the development of civic competence which includes three key areas (modules). There is a number of initiatives with the aim of improving the engagement of citizens, but OCDs face obstacles that affect their ability to proactive work in the community. One of the challenges is also the lack of financial means the opportunities for capacity development. The project will directly affect these issues by strengthening the capacities and the multiplication of the gained competencies onto the target groups (project participants, unemployed youth, OCDs) of the project. The applicant will participate in the organization and implementation of the TTT in soft and transversal skills enhancement, organization of the informative public campaign which includes a database of good practice examples. Together with the partner AEI Studium, the applicant will develop a Program of Soft and Transversal skills enhancement for vulnerable groups, and the Targeted program for the development of civic competence with three key modules - financial literacy, ecology, and sustainability, EU project development, and implementation. All partners and additional stakeholders will be included in virtual workshops with the aim of knowledge and experience sharing organized by the partner Citizens Foundation Iceland.
Summary of project results
The "Youth for Active Citizenship" project was initiated in response to specific socio-economic challenges in the Vukovar-Srijem County, Croatia. The region faces high unemployment, particularly among youth aged 15-29. Among youth there is an evident lack of civic competencies, which include understanding human rights, cultural diversity, political processes, and democracy. These issues are compounded by the low percentage of higher-educated individuals compared to the national average.
The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and empower unemployed youth through education on civic competencies and soft skills. Developing these skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, is crucial for improving employability, fostering self-confidence, and enhancing the ability to take initiative in the workplace. Additionally, these competencies can increase the potential for self-employment by providing the necessary skills to manage resources, make decisions, and understand the market.
Through workshops focused on key skills for active citizenship, the project sought to address these challenges by encouraging youth participation in social processes, providing relevant knowledge, and boosting their confidence. The ultimate goal was to create conditions for a more equitable and socially sensitive society in the region and beyond. This approach was designed not only to address current challenges but also to encourage long-term societal change.
The project implemented a series of carefully designed activities aimed at promoting civic engagement and enhancing the skills of young unemployed people in the Vukovar-Srijem County.
One of the key initiatives was an awareness campaign conducted through social media, which sought to inform and motivate young people about the importance of active citizenship. This campaign was complemented by a panel discussion on youth civic engagement in the local community. The discussion brought together 32 participants, including young adults, representatives from various civil society organizations (CSOs), and community members. During the event, participants learned about the opportunities for involvement in the local community, with speakers from different organizations sharing their own experiences and positive examples of civic engagement. To further support these efforts, the project established a database of good practices on its website, which provides valuable resources and inspiration for other organizations and unemployed youth. This database will continue to be updated, ensuring it remains a relevant and useful tool for fostering civic participation.
In addition to raising awareness, the project focused on developing the skills of its target group by creating a comprehensive program to improve soft and transversal skills. This program, designed and implemented by the project team, was specifically tailored to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly young unemployed individuals. The training program, completed in July 2023, provided participants, 30 young people, with essential skills in areas such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
The project also addressed the need for stronger civic competencies among young people. It implemented a targeted educational program that enhanced participants'', 30 young people, understanding of key civic areas. Before launching this program, a campaign was conducted to attract and select eligible participants. Those who were selected took part in workshops focused on EU project management, financial literacy, and environmental sustainability, which equipped them with valuable knowledge and skills for active citizenship.
To ensure long-term impact and sustainability, the project included activities aimed at strengthening the organizational capacities of CSOs involved. These activities featured a "training of trainers" workshop, which enhanced the soft and transversal skills of CSO members, enabling them to work more effectively within their communities. Additionally, an online workshop led by a bilateral partner, Citizens Foundation Iceland, facilitated the exchange of best practices in promoting active citizenship through digital tools. To enhance communication and visibility, the project also established a dedicated website, which serves as a platform for sharing information about the project''s activities and outcomes, as well as fostering partnerships and networking opportunities.
The project aimed to empower young people by enhancing their understanding of active citizenship and civic competencies, as well as emphasizing the importance of their participation in the community. Through various activities, the project strengthened young people''s soft and transversal skills, boosted their self-confidence, and motivated them to understand and embrace their current and future roles within the community.
The workshops and activities focused on improving soft skills such as motivation, self-confidence, and personal and professional development resulted in the target group gaining new knowledge that was highly beneficial, as reflected in their positive feedback during the project''s evaluation. Participants reported that they felt more confident in communication, public speaking, self-presentation, and teamwork. These skills are crucial for becoming more active citizens, engaging in community activities, joining associations, applying for jobs, or seeking funding opportunities. The skills gained during the project not only enhanced the participants'' personal lives and their ability to function within their local community but also improved their employability. Enhanced communication skills, effective teamwork, leadership abilities, time management, and creativity made the participants more attractive job candidates. These skills also laid a strong foundation for their future career success, making them more organized, innovative, and capable of meeting deadlines.
Moreover, the project significantly improved the civic competencies of the participants, especially in areas such as financial literacy, ecological sustainability, and EU project management. These workshops equipped the young participants with the knowledge needed to take on active roles within their communities, contributing to both their personal growth and the betterment of the community.
In the domain of financial literacy, participants learned skills related to financial management, cost tracking, and making informed financial decisions. This knowledge contributed to greater financial independence and awareness of responsible resource management. The ecological sustainability workshops introduced participants to key environmental issues, sustainable practices, and habits like reducing resource consumption, recycling, and energy conservation. These skills prepared them to actively participate in environmental initiatives and adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
The project also had a significant impact on civil society organizations in the Vukovar-Srijem County. Eleven organizations gained new competencies and resources that enhanced their capacity and sustainability. For example, sports associations that participated in the project applied their new skills to improve their organizational capacity, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen social cohesion within the community. The improved organization of sports programs, enhanced communication, and conflict management skills contributed to their better reputation and increased community engagement. Furthermore, the collaboration with other CSOs and the exchange of experiences expanded the networks of these organizations, leading to stronger partnerships and a more cohesive civil society in the region. This cooperation fostered democratic awareness, solidarity, and a sense of responsibility within the community, ultimately contributing to the development of active citizenship.
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership with a donor country organization, Citizens Foundation Iceland, significantly enriched the project by expanding knowledge and facilitating resource exchange. The partner''s extensive experience played a crucial role in creating a database of best practices on the project’s website. Additionally, they provided the involved Croatian civil society organizations with essential skills and tools through a virtual workshop, which was vital in achieving the project’s goals. The partner''s involvement also brought invaluable advice and guidance, ensuring the successful implementation of project activities.At a bilateral level, the partnership led to several key outcomes. It broadened the knowledge base of all participants and strengthened their capacity for active decision-making. The support in project implementation further enhanced long-term collaboration and development. The project also saw an improvement in bilateral relations, characterized by ongoing cooperation and resource sharing. The donor partner was highly engaged, offering continuous support through advice, resources, and active participation.Looking ahead, the plans for continuing bilateral cooperation are focused on further exchanging resources and supporting activities that promote active citizenship. This will be pursued through future bilateral projects and applications to programs such as Erasmus+. The project workshop was instrumental in enhancing the capacity of various civil society organizations and equipping them with new tools for community engagement. The partner''s experience in active citizenship added substantial value, guiding the campaign''s success and fostering connections between organizations for future collaborations and initiatives.