You(th) decide I.
You(th) decide I.
On May 30, 2019, Youthfully Yours SK, with the participation of organizations RMKK and RCM Košice, organized the first part of the educational project You(th) decide! focused on strengthening civic engagement and participation among young people from V4 countries. Using non-formal education methods, we created a safe space for discussion, sharing opinions, and experiences among young participants, representatives of academic senates, student school councils, youth parliaments, representatives of local NGOs, and representatives of local government. Together, we defined civic participation and youth participation. We discussed their possible forms, shared associations related to these concepts, and various perspectives from which we can view them. Thanks to creative methods, we took a closer look at our personal motivation for active participation and for supporting it among young people. We talked about our personal experiences with participation and gained new inspiration regarding the many opportunities we can get involved in in our city. Representatives of organizations and local government, according to them, were reaffirmed in their belief that active youth still exist in Košice, they just need to be nurtured and supported in their growth.
The conclusion of the meeting was dedicated to identifying the needs of young people in the city of Košice, as well as factors that could influence the strengthening of their interest in public affairs. At the next meeting on June 19, we will take a closer look at specific levels of participation according to R. Hart. Through living books, we will introduce several NGOs from Košice along with their activities for young people. Last but not least, we will identify specific problems of young people in Košice and propose possible solutions. We thank RCM in Košice for providing the beautiful premises, Jakub Szepesgyorke, leader of Change Yourself, Marián Švekuš, representative of RMKK, and Slavomír Bucher, employee of the Košice City Magistrate, for their personal participation and sharing of experiences. The activities were led by Youthfully Yours SK member Ivan Rosa.
The educational project You(th) decide is financially supported by the Visegrad Fund, and the activities are sponsored by the Chairman of the Košice Self-Governing Region, the Mayor of Ryglice (Poland), and the Mayor of Břeclav (Czech Republic).
Activities are being developed in parallel in 4 V4 countries in cooperation with partners: