On 27 November 2024, we hosted Democracy Talk 14 featuring Hilmi Tekoglu from the SOLIDAR Foundation. Hilmi shared insights on “Promoting Democratic Participation and Engagement” through the AKA (Awareness, Knowledge, Action) Active Citizens Project. This two-year initiative, coordinated by SOLIDAR Foundation, is implemented across eight European countries—Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain—and funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) programme.
Key Themes Explored
Key Competencies Gained from Global Citizenship Education (GCE)
Hilmi Tekoglu emphasised the transformative power of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) as a foundation for democratic participation. Young people engaged in GCE develop essential competencies such as:
- Critical Thinking: Enhancing the ability to analyse, question, and understand complex social issues.
- Empathy and Social Awareness: Fostering sensitivity to diversity, tolerance, and intergenerational solidarity.
- Active Citizenship Skills: Encouraging participation in democratic processes, advocacy, and community-driven initiatives.
- Environmental and Social Responsibility: Promoting climate justice, sustainable economic models, and gender equality as integral to civic engagement.
Standardised Outreach Strategies for Engaging Vulnerable Communities
The AKA Project adopted innovative, standardised outreach strategies to connect with young people from vulnerable backgrounds:
- Community Centres: Co-led by youth and project partners, these centres address structural challenges through participatory methodologies tailored to local realities.
- Training for Trainers: Involving project managers, educators, and young participants to ensure sustainable knowledge transfer and leadership development.
- Interactive Tools and Workshops: Methods such as artivism, world café discussions, and urban mobility activities foster inclusive, engaging learning environments.
- The AKA Booklet: A practical guide available in eight languages, offering tools and methodologies to promote transformative learning and social action.
Questions for Reflection
- How can Global Citizenship Education be integrated into formal and non-formal education systems to enhance democratic participation?
- What are the best practices for ensuring that outreach strategies are inclusive and resonate with marginalised communities?
- How can youth-led initiatives within community centres foster long-term civic engagement and leadership?
- In what ways can educators balance transformative learning methodologies with the need for measurable outcomes in democratic participation projects?
Upcoming Events
Join us for the next Democracy Talk, where we will continue exploring critical themes in democratic engagement and education. Stay tuned for updates, and don’t miss out on enriching discussions!
Tune in LIVE on YouTube via this link: https://www.youtube.com/@democrathorizon
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