Voice Of the Young AGE

The VoyAGE project aimed to increase young people’s interest and awareness of democratic participation by equipping them with essential skills to make their voices heard. Our goal was to empower t...

The VoyAGE project aimed to increase young people’s interest and awareness of democratic participation by equipping them with essential skills to make their voices heard. Our goal was to empower them to engage actively in democratic life and take responsibility as global citizens. Through Learning, Teaching, and Training (LTT) activities, Piloting, and Model United Nations (MUN) simulations, we sought to foster critical thinking, communication, and debate skills. We wanted participants to develop an understanding of EU and global citizenship, increase their cultural awareness, and build confidence in public speaking. By engaging in non-formal education, they established connections with civic initiatives, NGOs, and youth organizations. Ultimately, we aimed to prepare young people to participate in democratic processes, negotiate solutions, and become leaders in their communities. The final international VoyMUN in Turkey was designed as a culminating experience to reinforce these skills and inspire lifelong civic engagement.

We implemented one Learning, Teaching and Training (LTT) activity (PA2), along with Piloting (PA3) and simulation (PA4) activities. The LTT aimed to facilitate the exchange of good practices among partners, focusing on civic education, digital literacy, Model United Nations (MUN), and personal and professional development through non-formal education. Each partner organized LTT activities to share their expertise, helping students and teachers build essential skills for democratic participation. At the LTT, students actively engaged in knowledge transfer, leading interactive sessions with international peers to strengthen public speaking, negotiation, and debate skills before participating in a mock MUN debate. Following this, they replicated these activities in their schools, guiding and equipping volunteer students to actively participate in mock MUN conferences at school and also the local ones in their region. This hands-on experience prepared them for the final international VoyMUN simulation in Turkey,where they applied their skills in diplomacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving on a global stage. Finally, all participating students prepared a podcast series regarding this process to share their experience with others.

Throughout our VoyAGE project, we produced several concrete outputs and results. One key output was an eBook compiling all documents and insights shared by partners during the LTT, serving as a comprehensive resource for teachers and students on civic education, digital literacy, and MUN debates. Additionally, a student-led podcast series explored topics such as the importance of active citizenship, strategies for writing an MUN opening speech, and the role of local communities in fostering democratic participation. A website dedicated to project was also created, hosting all these materials and offering easy access to resources for ongoing use. These resources have contributed to lasting impact: teachers gained organizational skills, expanded their European networks, and became more adept at integrating global issues into their curricula. Students developed critical awareness of their responsibilities as global citizens, improved research and language skills, and learned to articulate and defend their opinions effectively. Through active collaboration with NGOs and peers, the project bridged formal and non-formal education, laying the groundwork for long-term democratic involvement.