Description
"The project aims at increasing the level of community and engagement and civic activity among students in the Lubuskie Province by involving them in debates and youth and children parliaments. We will develop standards for school debates to be organised in partnership with local communities in 60 local schools. In addition, 100 local officials and NGO activists from the area will take part in debates and student parliaments. We will run a competition for the best local initiative in the area of civil rights and self-rule implemented by students at three schooling levels. Winners will be invited to take part in study visit to the national Parliament (Sejm and Senate). Sustainability and follow-up will be ensured by organising workshops for teachers on designing and managing local initiatives and by having FDRL staff trained on organising debates. The Regional Parliament of the Lubuskie Province will support and assist the project activities."
Summary of project results
"No comprehensive initiatives to involve children and youth in the debate about local government and democratic change in Poland after 1989 have been launched in the Lubuskie Province. Young people are not generally involved in community affairs, very few vote or engage with local projects or organisations. The long-term goal of the project was to increase public participation and citizenship engagement of students in the Lubuskie Province. The project helped 609 students design and hold debates on local and school issues; youth groups implemented initiatives to promote civic engagement and citizenship among peers. The project involved primary schools, middle schools and high schools; a series of education sessions were designed and delivered, including 60 Oxford debates, 10 student parliament sessions, 34 youth initiatives and study visits to the Sejm and Senate. Project beneficiaries included students and teachers in 60 primary, middle and high schools in the Lubuskie Province."
Summary of bilateral results