Details
- Programme
- Erasmus+
- Type
- Erasmus+ Youth Exchange
- Target group
- Young people aged 18 to 30 from rural areas, with fewer opportunities
Rural youth · Erasmus+
Rural Young Voices
Erasmus+ youth exchange for 42 participants, bringing rural youth into civic and democratic life: civic literacy, leadership and belonging.
About the project
Rural Young Voices
A youth exchange for 42 participants, 35 of them young people aged 18 to 30 from rural areas, with a focus on those with fewer opportunities. The eight-day programme covers active citizenship, media literacy, leadership and advocacy, includes a meeting with local decision-makers, and has participants create digital resources that encourage other young people to take part.
Objectives
- Promote civic and political literacy
- Develop leadership skills and active participation
- Reduce social isolation and strengthen self-efficacy
- Build collaborative networks among young people
- Raise awareness of the EU's role in democratic life
- Promote a sense of belonging and community responsibility
Why rural young voices matter
Only 29% of young people in rural areas take part in civic or political activities, compared with 71% in urban areas (Eurostat). The gap often comes from a lack of information, motivation and opportunities.
Rural Young Voices responds with non-formal education, simulations, dialogue with decision-makers and tools built by young people themselves.
Many rural young people did not vote in the last European elections and do not know the role of the European Union at local level. The project builds civic and political skills, leadership, collaborative networks and a sense of belonging, and tackles the social isolation that affects around 27% of rural youth.
For 42 participants, including 35 young people aged 18 to 30 from rural areas, with a focus on youth with fewer opportunities.
Locally, a network of active young people leading awareness campaigns and civic events in Portalegre. Nationally, more youth participation in rural Portugal. Internationally, support networks and solidarity among young people from different countries.
The result: tools made by and for young people
Participants co-create a digital platform for youth participation, a media literacy handbook and the e-book “YOUth Participation”, to reach schools, libraries and other young people.
Ready to take part?
Whether you are a young person, a volunteer or an organisation, there is a place for you at New Generation.