
Young Europeans for Active Citizenship project was a Youth Exchange organized by United Societies of Balkans in Thessaloniki between 19-28/03/2017, bringing together 56 young people and youth leaders from Greece, Italy, Romania, Turkey, FYROM, Slovakia, Poland, Slovenia and Estonia.
The exchange aimed to explore the concepts of citizenship in general and of the European citizenship as well as the active participation of young people in social, economic and political life. The project was designed to help to address issues such as reducing the trend towards social, economic and political issues at national and European level, low levels of trust in the democratic institutions and representatives, little or no interest and knowledge Citizens' rights and obligations, a partial understanding of the work and role of the EU institutions and the decision-making process in the European Union.
The working methods used throughout this project were various forms of non-formal learning, experiential and intercultural learning methods including: work groups, simulations, plays and role plays, presentations,
The exchange of young people aimed to directly and indirectly influence the personal, organizational, social and professional development and skills of the participants. The participants had the opportunity for integrated intercultural and group learning and after completing the project they had the ability, information and knowledge, soft skills and appropriate tools to become active citizens, leading figures among youth and possibly youth workers in organizations at their communities and even beyond them. Objectives were also personal concern, widening knowledge of other cultures, exploring what citizenship is, and finally acquiring valuable skills to create their own activities and possible projects.
The project also contributed to the creation of an informal network of active youth and youth organizations from 9 European countries that can work closely on issues that deal with the work or other issues, but also to prepare new common projects, exchange of good practices and experiences, possible future cooperation, etc.