On October 9, 2023, the ‘‘Youth Democracy Academy’’ study session organised with DYPALL network kicked off at European Youth Centre Budapest. The study session aims to equip 30 youth workers and facilitators from 20 countries with knowledge and skills to implement the "Educate for Democracy" training programme developed in their local realities. 

On the first day of the study session, the participants get to know each other and explore key concepts and models of democracy and youth participation by taking a ‘’trip’’ with DEMOCRA-SHIP where they have experienced reflection of different types of democracies through simulation. Later, as facilitators, they got to learn and discuss the importance of non-formal education and experiential learning and their role in furthering democracy at the local level.

On the second day, the participants got to identify and explore the challenges of democracies at local, national, and European levels, the role of youth-led organisations, and meaningful youth participation in promoting democracy, and mapped out successful practices and initiatives aiming at revitalising democracies. They got to reflect on local youth policies and identify the policy gaps that create challenges for meaningful youth participation at a local level. 

‘‘Democracy in Europe is challenged due to the wars, aggressive narratives, dissemination of misinformation and the shrinking civic space. As young people we should serve as fact-checkers, space creators and public debaters to respond to those challenges. We should mobilise despite the constant threats to our well-being and to the environment.’’ - Yasin Bulat, participant in the study session

In the afternoon, Nemanja Marinović from Center E8 gave meaningful input about freedom of speech and media literacy and its connection to democracy. After that, participants had a chance to further develop their skills for information analysis and fact-checking through a thematic activity from the “Educate for Democracy” training programme. 

In the upcoming days, the participants will not only learn but also have a chance to plan and conduct workshops on the topic and acquire essential skills for facilitation. 

 The programme of the study session is developed based on the ՛՛Have Your Say!՛՛ Manual and the ՛՛Educate for Democracy՛՛ training programme.

 For more info visit the webpage of the study session