@ THE HEART OF COMMUNITIES: Developing Learner-led Active Citizenship Initiatives in Europe
We live side by side every day, yet we may not engage meaningfully with those outside our immediate circle of family and friends. How can schools turn some of these fleeting interactions into sustainable connections, to foster respect, understanding and, eventually, celebrate diversity?
This project places young people as change makers @The Heart of Communities. Young people lead on the cohesion process by connecting with their communities through local initiatives, small businesses, charities and collectives to understand what issues arise. They then go on to co-produce active citizenship initiatives to address these issues. Ultimately the young people participate in conversations with decision makers, sharing their experiences and findings to shape policy and influence the outcome. We firmly believe community cohesion is what must happen in all communities to enable different groups of people to get on well together.
Built on a trial phase in Tower Hamlets, the project now extends across communities with differing needs, sensitivities and cultures across Spain, Italy, Finland and Turkey to enhance our work through transnational cooperation.
Funded by Erasmus Plus.