| Project Code | 2018-3-EL02-KA105-004500 |
| Type of Action | Youth Exchange |
| Countries Involved | EL,SI,IT,ES,CZ,LV |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Budget | 25.075,00 EUR |
| Objectives | To involve 35 young people with fewer opportunities in the Youth Exchange (YE) to increase their competencies. To empower participants’ learning and personal growth by fostering self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a sense of initiative. To stimulate active participation in addressing LGBTQIA+ challenges and promote non-formal education through local activities and educational videos. |
| Target Group | 35 young people aged 18-30 years old |
| Summary of the Project |
| The Active Solidarity project was designed to improve the social inclusion and active citizenship of young LGBTQIA+ individuals, a group that continues to face significant challenges in gaining recognition and acceptance within their communities. In many European countries, there is a profound lack of education on sexual and gender diversity, which has led to widespread homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and other forms of prejudice. These attitudes manifest as bullying, violence, hate crimes, and intolerance, contributing to the marginalization of LGBTQIA+ people. The project recognized the crucial role of non-formal and informal education in addressing these issues and aimed to empower young people by fostering respect for human rights and promoting equity and inclusion.The project engaged 35 young people from six European countries—Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Slovenia, and Spain—who were selected for their diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as their limited opportunities. The core of the project was a Youth Exchange (YE), where participants lived together in a safe and supportive environment, engaging in peer learning and experiential activities designed to explore LGBTQIA+ rights, activism, and personal growth. The methodology centered around “learning by doing,” allowing participants to immerse themselves in a variety of activities that promoted self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a sense of initiative. Through these experiences, the participants not only increased their competencies but also built a sense of community and solidarity.In addition to the Youth Exchange, the project had a significant impact through several key initiatives. Participants produced and disseminated eight informal educational videos aimed at raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues among young people aged 15-30. These videos were made available on an online platform, extending the reach of the project’s message. Local activities were organized in Greece during the YE, and further activities took place in each partner country afterward, ensuring that the project’s impact was felt across Europe. The project also strengthened the network of organizations working with LGBTQIA+ youth, enhancing their capacity to offer inclusive projects and educational opportunities within the Erasmus+ framework. In the long term, Active Solidarity aims to reduce discrimination in all its forms, empowering young LGBTQIA+ individuals to become proactive members of their communities and contributing to the development of a more cohesive and inclusive European society. |
| Results of the Project |
| The project significantly contributed to the increased inclusion of young LGBTQIA+ individuals by creating a network through mobiltiies, allowing these youth to engage more actively in their communities. The outputs increased the visibility of the young people who are LGBTQIA+ and list of outputs are listed below : “Active Solidarity” Short Film : https://bit.ly/AS_filmRecap Video : https://bit.ly/AS_RecapVideoThe Activists Zine: bit.ly/Activist_Zine |
| Significance of the Project |
| The project is centred on exploring and amplifying youth cultures as a pivotal theme, with the aim of enhancing young people’s participation across various spheres of life, including social, economic, political, and cultural domains. By focusing on youth cultures, the project seeks to empower young individuals to engage more actively in both local and international contexts, thereby fostering a greater sense of agency and involvement in their communities.The rationale behind choosing this specific focus is twofold. Firstly, the project endeavours to celebrate and promote the unique experiences and perspectives that different youth cultures bring to society. By making these diverse experiences more visible, the project aims to challenge stereotypes, bridge generational gaps, and foster a deeper understanding within communities. Highlighting the voices and contributions of young people from various cultural backgrounds not only enriches the cultural fabric of society but also encourages greater inclusivity and mutual respect.Moreover, the project places a strong emphasis on providing a platform for LGBTQIA+ youth, who often face marginalization and underrepresentation. By creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can express themselves freely and share their experiences, the project seeks to increase their visibility and strengthen their presence within the broader community. This inclusive approach not only amplifies the voices of LGBTQIA+ youth but also contributes to a more diverse and equitable society. Through these efforts, the project aims to inspire a more inclusive narrative that recognizes and values the contributions of all young people, regardless of their background or identity. |
