Empowering Youth through Civic Engagement
From November 6th to 12th, 2024, Bytom and Katowice in the Metropolis GZM served as hubs of inspiration and collaboration during the “Think Tank – Chance for Youth” study visit. This event was part of a larger Erasmus+ project, aiming to amplify the role of young people in shaping civic processes and fostering inclusion and diversity.
Participants from Greece’s, the Czech Republic’s, and Poland’s NGOs gathered to exchange best practices and learn from each other. The visit focused on how youth think tanks can influence local and regional policies, highlighting innovative strategies for civic education.
Program Highlights
Participants engaged in hands-on workshops designed to deepen their understanding of youth think tanks. These sessions explored best practices for establishing and managing think tanks, with a focus on their role in fostering civic engagement and addressing local challenges. Participants learned how to translate theoretical concepts into actionable strategies that align with their regional needs.
Representatives from NGOs shared insights into their unique approaches to youth empowerment. Case studies presented during the visit showcased successful initiatives in civic education and inclusion, offering participants inspiration and replicable models to implement in their own communities.
The visit included sessions on how youth think tanks can influence public policies, highlighting tools like gamification, interactive workshops, and digital engagement strategies. Participants explored the potential of these methods to make civic education more accessible and engaging for young audiences.
Facilitated networking activities encouraged participants to build connections across borders. These sessions focused on creating opportunities for collaboration, joint research, and the exchange of resources among the youth think tanks from Poland, Greece, and the Czech Republic.
Cultural activities, including visits to local landmarks and participation in traditional Polish events, enriched the experience. These moments allowed participants to understand the context of SIPE’s operations and fostered personal connections that will support future collaboration.
Workshops on practical tools for managing think tanks, such as creating policy briefs, conducting advocacy campaigns, and organizing impactful events, empowered participants with actionable skills. These sessions ensured that the knowledge gained during the visit could be directly applied to their ongoing projects.
This program not only strengthened the participants’ capabilities but also inspired them to return to their communities with renewed confidence and innovative ideas to drive meaningful change.
Learning Outcomes
Participants gained hands-on experience in civic education and explored new ways to engage youth in decision-making processes.
The sessions inspired innovative strategies for inclusion and cooperation, strengthening the foundations of their respective think tanks.
The visit fostered lasting connections among the participants, paving the way for future collaborations.
This study visit exemplified the project’s mission to empower young people and create sustainable impacts. A heartfelt thank you to all participants, partners, and local organizations that contributed to its success.