Participative debate & green paint - murals of ENGAGE+

"<< Background >>We applied for this project because we had identified clear needs in our youth communities in Iași (RO), Pleven/Obzor (BG) and our own organisations:1. Low civic participation and weak critical thinking among youths - We saw that many of them did not have real, structured spaces to learn about democracy, European values, civic engagement, inclusion and how to express their opinions in a constructive way. They rarely practiced debate, public argumentation or democratic decision-making in real situations2. Environmental responsibility was urgent, but still treated as “not my problem” - We also observed that topics like pollution, recycling, climate responsibility, and local environmental protection were known in theory, but not lived as personal responsibility by many teenagers3. Young people needed ownership, visibility and recognition. They often felt that adults/authorities don’t listen to them. We wanted to test a different model: give them real responsibility, involve them in organising events, let them negotiate logistics, let them vote, and let them literally transform a wall in their city with a message they chose4. Need for attractive, creative formats that keep youth engaged5. Need to raise NGOs partnership capacity<< Objectives >>O1. Developing critical thinking skills in the fields of democracy and environmental education among 20 youths aged 15-20 by the end of the project.O2. Raising awareness of at least 200 youths, aged 15-20, from the communities of the partner NGOs, regarding ecological and democratic consciousness.O3. Enhancing the level of efficient international cooperation of the involved organizations, aiming at developing new partnerships from 2025.<< Implementation >>We combined in creative ways critical thinking with wall paintings, civic & democratic engagement and environmental awareness activities. Together, 20 youths from RO and BG embarked on 1 year long journey, in order: 1) organising local workshop day + debate competition day in both countries on civic involvement, EU values and democracy (open events); inviting mural artists to get inspired and create 4 pictures on the topic; engage in democratic exercise local in Iasi, Romania to vote the picture to be made on the wall from the 4 proposals of the artists; international youth mobility in Iasi with all 20 youths (and 4 leaders) from RO and BG, with non-formal sessions on the topic + HUGE 50sqm WALL PAINTING with mural artists and the youths on a local school. The picture is called ""Education, passport towards success"", unveiled with a youths organised live music concert2) exactly the same activities, in order, on the topic of green measures, polution, recycling & environment, but with the international mobility organised in the popular beach resort called Obzor, with a 100 sqm painted wall. Youths unveiled ""Love our nature"" wall in a cultural live event with 150 people attending3) local dissemination events (min. 2 per wall)<< Results >>✔️ 20 youth participants successfully enhanced their critical thinking, civic engagement and leadership skills in local activities and 2 international mobilities✔️ Over 200 people actively participated in the voting process for mural designs, engaging in a simbolic democratic exercise in both countries✔️ The project reached 150+ attendees at the murals unveiling events (1 per country), including youth, local authorities and tourists✔️ 2 mural paintings (with surfaces of 50sqm & 100sqm) remain as lasting symbols of youth-led action in democracy and environmental sustainability (marked on Google Maps too) - they now serve as touristic objectives for the targeted communities✔️ 40 eco-friendly hoodies were designed, promoting sustainable fashion and climate responsibility distributed among the participants✔️ 2 digital guidebooks to document project progress (non-formal methods approached) and inclusive education practices✔️ dissemination of the guides and the project results achieved, through social media, press and local events (2 per partner country)✔️ 1 roundtable - online closing eve"