The Erasmus Student Network is excited to launch a new project - Speak Out: Activating European Citizenship, part of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, funded by the EU.
The Speak Out project aims to promote intercultural societies by engaging international youth in local communities to combat stereotypes and disprove misinformation. Specifically, the project focuses on promoting democratic participation, engaging citizens in solidarity discussions, and countering disinformation.
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is the coordinating organisation, having the European Alternatives as a project partner. Several affiliated members of ESN International are involved, namely the following National Organisations: ESN Albania, ESN Bosnia and Herzegovina, ESN Bulgaria, ESN Greece, ESN Hungary, ESN Italy, ESN Ireland, ESN Poland, ESN Portugal, ESN Romania and ESN Spain.
The project is going to develop over a period of two years, between July 2024 and June 2026.
The project serves two general objectives. The first objective is to foster a vision for an intercultural and inclusive Europe. During this first phase of the project, young people will be invited to debate how they perceive Europe, identify misinformation and safeguard free formation of opinion, and understand challenges to engagement The second objective is to empower youths’ voices in Europe as changemakers. The second phase of the project will enable youth to exchange their view on EU actions with decision makers, make their voices heard in the debate for the future of Europe and contribute to the democratic and civic life of the union. A total of 13 activities are planned in order to achieve these objectives.
Forward Training of Trainers
Between the 10th and the 14th of August 2024, a group of 25 youth workers from 13 European countries gathered in Jindřichův Hradec, Czech Republic to participate in the first activity of the Speak Out project, Forward Training of Trainers.
During the five-day training event, the participants gained the necessary tools to develop content and activities focusing on empowering young people to become active citizens and ambassadors of EU values.
The first part of the training was more focused on the personal development of trainers and the second half was mostly focusing on acquiring new training skills. Throughout their learning journey, participants enhanced valuable skills, including active listening, communication, teamwork, time management, and stress management. They also learned how to structure longer training sessions and respond effectively to group dynamics.
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