The “EYOUth Vote” Youth Exchange project has successfully fostered political awareness and civic engagement among young people, empowering them to take active roles in democratic processes. By focusing on electoral participation, especially within the European context, the initiative has left a lasting impact on participants and their communities, igniting a sense of civic duty and enthusiasm for active involvement in shaping Europe’s future.
Key Outcomes and Benefits of the Project
1. Increased Understanding of Democratic Processes
Through the project, young participants gained a comprehensive understanding of electoral systems and the importance of voting in democratic communities. This in-depth awareness of democratic processes has reinforced the significance of their votes and established a foundation for lifelong civic engagement. Many participants now understand the power of their choices and are motivated to become active contributors to the future of their communities and Europe as a whole.
2. Enhanced Willingness to Participate in Democratic Processes
The project has sparked a renewed sense of purpose among youth, especially first-time voters and rural participants with limited prior experience in Erasmus+ initiatives. This group experienced a substantial boost in mobilization and engagement, particularly visible in their active participation in the local elections on June 24. A follow-up survey indicated that about 85% of participants cast their votes, showcasing the project’s role in increasing youth electoral engagement.
3. Development of Critical and Analytical Skills
Through interactive activities—brainstorming sessions, debates, and forum theater—the program enhanced participants’ critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities. These skills are essential for informed decision-making and active involvement in democratic processes, equipping youth with the tools they need to make a positive impact within their communities.
4. Multicultural Understanding and Cooperation
Participants also acquired skills for engaging in multicultural environments, an essential component for promoting intercultural understanding and cooperation. The project brought together youth from various countries, fostering mutual respect and cross-cultural connections that strengthened European unity and encouraged participants to overcome cultural differences.
5. Cross-Border Collaboration and Cohesion
The collaborative nature of “EYOUth Vote” has led to strengthened cross-border ties, uniting young people from different European countries in a shared purpose. By building these connections, the project has laid the groundwork for continued cooperation and contributed to the development of a cohesive European identity.
Material Results and Community Impact
Production of Educational Resources
Participants created various educational materials—promotional videos, podcasts, and a digital guide for the upcoming 2024 European elections. These youth-friendly resources have been distributed across partner communities, engaging hundreds of young people and encouraging informed civic participation. The materials serve not only as valuable resources for ongoing civic education but also as evidence of the collaborative spirit and commitment of the participants.
Click on the image below to access the project Blog:
Local Campaigns and Community Engagement
The project included extensive local campaigns that reached hundreds of young people. In Razlog, ProVision collaborated with the Youth Club of Creators and the Debate Club at Bratya Kanazirevi OU to engage over 120 students. Meanwhile, the Romanian partner organized informational meetings in Galati, where over 60% of the initial participants were unfamiliar with the European elections, and more than 70% expressed no intention to vote. Following these sessions, over 80% of participants indicated a willingness to vote, highlighting the project’s success in transforming attitudes towards civic participation.
Empowerment and Skill-Building for Lasting Impact
“EYOUth Vote” empowered young creators to bring a community-driven initiative from concept to completion, serving as an inspiring example of what youth-led projects can achieve. The project’s success has inspired participants to continue pursuing public and social initiatives with a new level of ambition and confidence. A sustainability plan was also established to ensure the project’s ongoing impact, including mentoring support and resources to further encourage youth participation in the 2024 EU elections and beyond.