Youth-led Actions Rejecting Discriminations

Europe has been facing unprecedented levels of migration, while at the same time, populist discourses and extremist and racism acts are on the rise. The situation is affecting in particular young people, among which anti-diversity attitudes and aggressive behaviors are growing. While much is underway, in line with the European strategies, organizations working with youth still need new and effective methods and tools to fight discrimination among young people and support them in becoming active promoters of diverse communities.The YARD project aims to contribute to social inclusion and intercultural dialogue among youth, by promoting the exchange and transfer of innovative non-formal methodologies to combat discrimination and promote diversity via active citizenship practices. Partners are not-for-profit organizations and a local authority coming from five cities in four EU countries: Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Italy. Activities pilot youth-led actions in each of the five cities, production of a methodological Handbook and a technical Toolkit to implement the local projects, dissemination activities at local and European level.Participating organizations’ staff are upskilled and acquire new methods, skills, etc. to work with youth. Final beneficiaries are the young people themselves, who will take part in testing the methodologies and will thus improve their social and intercultural skills and their ability to participate effectively in the local community and play a key role in social change. Moreover, youth workers, technicians as well as secondary school teachers will be involved in the project, so they can learn new approaches to combat discrimination among youth and support them in acting locally for inclusive societies. Finally, five local networks among not-for-profit organizations, local authorities, schools, etc. supporting youth in fighting discrimination and becoming active and responsible citizens are strengthened in the four European countries.