Literacia.UE

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Organisation

National Federation of European Studies (FNEE)

Country

Portugal

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/fnee.pt/

Project link

General Overview

The “Literacia.UE” project, coordinated by the National Federation of European Studies (FNEE), with the support of Coimbra City Council, aimed to enhance European literacy among secondary school students in Coimbra, promoting active engagement in democratic processes and raising awareness of European Union (EU) issues. The project was designed to address the challenges of youth disengagement, high abstention rates in European elections, and the lack of information about the EU. By focusing on combating misinformation, the initiative sought to empower young people with the knowledge and tools to participate more actively in the political process. The main objectives of the project were to:

Increase the political and civic literacy of secondary school students in Coimbra about EU matters.
Reduce misinformation about the EU and promote a deeper understanding of its impact on citizens’ lives.
Encourage youth participation in democratic processes, particularly in voting and civic engagement.

The target audience was approximately 110 secondary school students from the Coimbra region. The project used a combination of formal and non-formal education methods, integrating workshops with digital tools and interactive learning. Nine thematic workshops were held, covering key EU topics such as EU institutions, European citizenship, and the local impact of EU policies. Tools like Mentimeter and an online European Parliament simulation game helped increase engagement and make the learning process more dynamic.

Youth-led elements were central to the project. Peer facilitators were selected and trained on non-formal education methodologies, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and discussions. Pre- and post-session evaluations, using scientifically valid surveys developed by the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences of the University of Lisbon, measured knowledge and attitude shifts to assess the project’s effectiveness. This initiative empowered young people to engage with EU topics, fostering informed, active citizens ready to participate in democracy.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

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

This initiative aligned strongly with the thematic category of Youth Participation and Democracy by promoting active engagement and enhancing democratic understanding among young people. The “Literacia.UE” project, designed for secondary school students in Coimbra, directly addressed the need for increased awareness and involvement in European affairs, with a particular focus on combating misinformation and boosting political participation. Through nine thematic actions, the project aimed to raise the political and civic literacy of young individuals regarding the European Union (EU), its institutions, and its impact on daily life. This initiative specifically targeted reducing the high abstention rates in European elections by fostering a deeper understanding of EU-related issues, particularly in the post-European election period.

The project also tackled the challenges of disengagement and disinterest among youth in political matters, which were often cited as reasons for low voter turnout. By engaging students in both pre- and post-test assessments, the initiative ensured a measurable impact on knowledge and attitudes towards EU matters. Furthermore, the training of facilitators using non-formal education methodologies empowered young people to engage with their peers and create an interactive learning environment.

The activities emphasised the importance of active citizenship and democratic participation. By inviting youth to actively participate in discussions and workshops, and encouraging them to vote and engage civically, the project directly contributed to fostering an informed, active, and responsible generation of European citizens. Ultimately, this initiative aligned with national and EU strategies focused on empowering young people to actively shape democratic processes and contribute meaningfully to society.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

The “Literacia.UE” project has clearly made a significant impact on young people within the Coimbra community, as evidenced by the preliminary data from surveys conducted. With around 60% of participants indicating an increase in expertise and interest in European Union (EU) issues, the project evidently succeeded in fostering a deeper understanding of EU matters. Moreover, nearly 90% of participants advocated for more widespread implementation of similar interactive, non-formal educational projects in schools, highlighting the benefits of this approach.

Interestingly, 90% of students also recommended that the project be extended to other schools, reflecting its perceived value and effectiveness. Before joining the project, many students had little interest in EU-related topics. However, post-participation feedback indicates a remarkable shift, with many students expressing newfound curiosity and engagement with EU issues, and some even showing a desire to learn more about the EU.

The project’s success in enhancing students’ understanding of key EU concepts, such as European citizenship and the role of EU institutions, was complemented by its ability to empower them with skills to discern and locate reliable information on EU matters, thereby promoting ongoing learning. The incorporation of digital tools like Mentimeter, along with the European Parliament simulation game and a peer-led structure, resulted in a dynamic, interactive learning environment. This approach actively encouraged student participation, opinion-sharing, and deeper understanding.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from both participants and professors underscores the project’s achievement in raising awareness, increasing interest in EU matters, and encouraging students to become more active and informed citizens at the local level and within the broader European context. Such initiatives exemplify best practices in education and civic engagement, proving instrumental in shaping an engaged and informed generation.

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 NFEE project demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness throughout its implementation. By actively working to reduce paper usage, the project set an example in promoting sustainable practices. Materials such as post-its and flip charts were recycled and repurposed for future sessions, significantly cutting down on waste. Furthermore, digital tools like Padlet were prioritized during sessions to minimize paper usage and promote digital engagement.

In adherence to environmental best practices, public transport was utilized to reduce the project’s overall environmental impact. Going a step further in their commitment to the environment, NFEE acquired five trees to offset the project’s ecological footprint, in line with local municipal guidelines. These trees are scheduled to be planted at the participating schools during the final event in Coimbra, Portugal, at the end of February.

Integrating interactive digital tools such as Mentimeter and an online European Parliament simulation game, the project not only enhanced student engagement and learning but also supported an eco-friendly approach. This dual focus on interactive learning experiences and environmental sustainability reflects the project’s broader goals of fostering civic responsibility and environmental awareness among participants. In this way, the NFEE project champions an educational model that values and actively promotes both informed citizenship and ecological stewardship.