UP2YOUTH – Democratic Future in Youth Responsible Hands

Thematic area of the project:
Youth civic education, media education and media literacy

Project leader:
Fundacja Rozwoju Demokracji Lokalnej im. Jerzego Regulskiego (Poland)

Project partners:

  • Vidzemes Plānošanas Reģions (Latvia)
  • EDUcentrum, z.ú. (Czechia)
  • Fondatsiya za Reforma v Mestnoto Samoupravlenie (Bulgaria)

Timeframe:
01 September 2024 – 30 June 2027
Duration: 34 months

Focus of the project:
Strengthening youth civic engagement by enhancing education on democratic values, responsible media usage and media literacy, using innovative digital tools like gamified educational platforms.

Key objectives include:

  • Improve youth work quality and innovation.
  • Develop effective educational tools focusing on civic and media education.
  • Empower young people with media literacy skills to counter misinformation.

Target group:

  • Youth workers, educators and trainers.
  • Young learners aged 18–26.
  • Leaders of youth organizations, policymakers and local authorities.

Main project assumptions:

  • Civic and media education are integral for active citizenship.
  • Modern, interactive tools enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Media literacy is essential to address misinformation and foster democratic participation.

Main project activities:

  • UP2YOUTH-Learning: Workshops and staff exchanges.
  • UP2YOUTH-Creating: Development of an educational game with curricula.
  • UP2YOUTH-Testing: Piloting the game with youth participants.
  • UP2YOUTH-Dissemination: Promotion and sharing of the educational package.

PROJECT RESULTS:

1. UP2YOUTH BULLETIN: From Media Literacy to Responsible Citizenship

How can we help young people navigate today’s information landscape?

How can we address disinformation, develop media literacy and at the same time encourage young people to behave safely, responsibly and respectfully online? These are the key questions explored in the UP2YOUTH project bulletin.

The publication provides an overview of inspiring approaches, educational resources and examples of good practice in media and information literacy. Among other topics, it focuses on fact-checking, recognising manipulative content, digital citizenship, preventing hate speech and promoting dialogue.

Who is the bulletin for? Teachers, trainers, youth workers and other organisations looking for inspiration on how to address these current and important topics with young people.

The publication also highlights the importance of cooperation and sharing proven methods across Europe and offers resources that can be further used and adapted to specific educational needs.

Explore the UP2YOUTH Bulletin and find inspiration for your own educational activities

HERE

2. UP2YOUTH: Lesson Plans

From topics to activities: How can we talk to young people about media, disinformation and the online world?

The UP2YOUTH lesson plans provide practical lessons, activities and methodological approaches that can be used when working with young people. They cover topics such as media habits, the quality of media content, disinformation, manipulation techniques, digital citizenship and the impact of social media.

The material is designed primarily for teachers, trainers and youth workers looking for practical ways to bring current and relevant topics into lessons, workshops or non-formal education.

HERE