LIFT OF DEMOCRACY

<< Background >>We applied to participate in the LIFT of Democracy project because we see the need to strengthen democratic culture, civic engagement, and critical thinking among young people. Today, democracy faces serious challenges: increasing polarization, disinformation, declining trust in institutions, and civic apathy. Young people often feel disconnected from decision-making processes and require new opportunities to participate.The project addresses several urgent needs:Youth engagement and the development of a sense that their voices truly matter;Countering disinformation and extremism through media literacy and digital skills;Intercultural dialogue and solidarity as the basis of tolerance and cooperation;Active citizenship and raising awareness of rights and tools for participation;Capacity-building of youth workers and organizations to ensure sustainable results.Through LIFT of Democracy, we aim to create spaces for dialogue, practical learning, and joint initiatives that help young people become confident and responsible citizens.The project aims to educate people about democracy and human rights. As a result of this project, we want to help develop personalities who will work towards creating a more democratic society.<< Objectives >>The project aimed to empower young people and educators to better understand, value, and actively engage in democratic life. Our main objective was to strengthen democratic participation by providing innovative tools and non-formal education methods that foster critical thinking, media literacy, and civic responsibility. We wanted to create safe spaces where young people could exchange views, debate current issues, and practice democratic values such as dialogue, tolerance and inclusion. They will also gain an understanding of environmental awareness. By connecting youth from different cultural, social, and geographical backgrounds, the project sought to raise awareness of the importance of active citizenship at local, national, and European levels. Another goal was to equip educators and youth workers with resources and strategies to promote participation, combat misinformation, and support marginalized groups in making their voices heard. Ultimately, the project intended to “lift” democracy by making it more tangible, accessible, and attractive to young people, ensuring that future generations remain active, informed, and resilient citizens.<< Implementation >>The project was carried out through four structured activities involving students, teachers, and partner schools. 1. The Historical Adventure of Democracy introduced participants to the roots and evolution of democratic systems through research, presentations, and interactive workshops, helping students connect past developments with today’s challenges. 2. I Gain Empathy, I Protect My Environment focused on building empathy, respect, and responsibility by linking democratic values to environmental awareness, encouraging young people to act as responsible citizens in protecting shared resources. 3. Raising Awareness of Democracy in Our Schools and the Media engaged participants in critical discussions, debates, and media literacy workshops, equipping them to identify misinformation and promote democratic dialogue in their schools and communities. 4. Democratic Violations of Rights and Remedies involved simulations, case studies, and collaborative projects where students explored real-life rights violations and discussed remedies, strengthening their civic competence and sense of justice. Together, these activities combined international meetings, teacher collaboration, and student-led actions to bring democracy to life.<< Results >>Through the project, students and teachers deepened their understanding of democracy, human rights, environmental awareness, and active citizenship. International exchanges fostered universal values, empathy, and responsibility.Participants studied the history of democracy, the European Convention on Human Rights. Awareness of cultural diversity, gender equality, children’s rights, climate change, and social inclusion was raised through workshops, debates, drama activities.Students improved their English and ICT skills, worked with NGOs, and strengthened their European identity. Schools created curriculum-based materials, shared results.Activities included eco and cultural trips, cooperation with local municipalities, visits to the Latvian Saeima. Participants also produced digital resources—an e-magazine, posters, games, quests, presentations, and the e-booklet—for use in geography, history, social studies, and natural science lessons. These materials support topics such as What is democracy?, Forms of government, Citizenship and elections, Human rights ect.The project ended with an e-magazine promoting rights advocacy and environmental responsibility, helping participants grow into responsible and engaged European citizens