Art of politics

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Organisation

NGO Youth vlub IZUM

Country

Estonia

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/izumyouthclub/

Project link

General Overview

From 1 May to 8 May 2024, the international youth exchange project “Art of Politics” was organised by the IZUM Learning Center in Tammispea. The project brought together 38 participants from Estonia, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Serbia, and France, focusing on raising young people’s political awareness and promoting participatory democracy.

Participants learned about political systems, ideologies, and forms of participation while gaining insights into the role of youth in social and political processes. Practical activities such as a European Parliament simulation, discussions, role-playing games, and a visit to the VABAMU Museum helped develop critical thinking and an understanding of political history and activism.

As a result of the project, a workshop was created that can be used in schools and youth centres to increase political awareness and engagement. Additionally, intercultural communication was promoted, allowing participants to learn about the politics and cooperation experiences of different countries.

The impact of the project is reflected in the new knowledge and skills that young people can apply in their communities. The project was supported by the Erasmus+ programme, and Eurodesk visibility was ensured through workshops and information days. The implementation followed environmentally friendly principles, using recyclable and digital materials.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

How does this initiative (project, event, material) correspond to the thematic category

The “Art of Politics” project corresponds to the thematic category “Youth Participation and Democracy” for the following reasons:

The project aimed to increase young people’s knowledge of political systems, ideologies, and participation methods. It emphasised the importance of youth voices in societal and political decision-making processes. Participants engaged in a European Parliament simulation, providing hands-on experience in legislative processes. Activities like debates, role-playing, and discussions helped develop critical thinking and argumentation skills. A visit to the VABAMU Museum reinforced understanding of political history and activism.

The project involved young people from six different countries (Estonia, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Serbia, and France). This exposure allowed participants to learn about political systems from different perspectives and foster international cooperation. The project resulted in the creation of a workshop that can be used in schools and youth centres to promote political awareness and participation. Some participants later joined project-writing camps to develop their own initiatives.

The project integrated Eurodesk resources, including workshops and information sessions on international youth opportunities. Eco-friendly principles were applied, such as using recyclable materials and digital tools to minimise paper waste. By providing young people with knowledge, skills, and international exposure, the project directly contributed to strengthening youth participation in democracy.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

The “Art of Politics” project had a significant impact on both young participants and the wider community by enhancing political awareness, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging active citizenship. For young people, the project provided valuable knowledge on political systems, ideologies, and participation methods. Through practical activities such as the European Parliament simulation, debates, and role-playing exercises, participants gained hands-on experience in decision-making processes. This not only improved their understanding of democracy but also developed their argumentation and analytical skills. Many participants expressed increased confidence in discussing political topics and engaging in civic activities after the project.

A key outcome was the creation of a workshop on political awareness, designed for schools and youth centres. This ensures that the knowledge gained during the project is passed on to more young people, creating a lasting educational resource. Additionally, some participants went on to join project-writing camps, where they developed their own initiatives, further extending the project’s influence.

The project also strengthened international collaboration by bringing together young people from six different countries. This cultural exchange allowed participants to gain diverse perspectives on political engagement and democratic values, promoting tolerance and cooperation across borders. At the community level, the project contributed to greater youth involvement in civic life. By sharing their experiences and insights, participants encouraged their peers to take a more active role in democratic processes.

The project’s visibility was amplified through Eurodesk activities, such as information sessions and workshops on youth participation opportunities. Furthermore, sustainability principles were applied by minimising waste and using digital materials, reinforcing the importance of environmentally responsible event planning. Overall, the project empowered young people with the skills and knowledge to become active citizens, fostering a culture of political engagement and democratic participation in their communities.

Green Focus

(10 points max)

Did your project have any green focus and/or did you implement any eco-friendly measures when organising it?

The “Art of Politics” project incorporated eco-friendly measures to minimise its environmental impact. The organisers prioritised sustainability by using recyclable materials, reducing paper waste, and opting for digital resources whenever possible. Participants were encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, and only reusable tableware was used throughout the event. To further promote environmental awareness, the project included discussions on sustainable event planning, ensuring that participants understood the importance of eco-conscious decision-making. Additionally, the project’s location and activities were planned to minimise unnecessary transportation, reducing the carbon footprint. By integrating these green practices, the project not only supported political education but also reinforced the importance of sustainability in all aspects of civic engagement. These measures contributed to a responsible and environmentally conscious event, setting an example for future youth initiatives.