Youth in Action Programme

YOUTH IN ACTION PROGRAMME
European good practice projects

Focus on: Innovation and Creativity
EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd 3 14/05/2009 10:41:51

More information on what the Youth in Action Programme
has to offer and the conditions for participation are available
in the Programme Guide at the following address:
http://ec.europa.eu/youth

INTRODUCTION
To have a creative mind is a gift that has been offered to each human being. It is
not necessary to be an artist, a painter or an actor to live a creative life. Each of us
- and this is particularly true for young people - has the talent and the will to make
something new, to innovate and to re-invent the world in order to make it a better
place for humanity.
Declaring the year 2009 as the European Year of Creativity and Innovation is a way
of helping to meet these challenges by raising public awareness, disseminating
information about good practices, stimulating creativity and innovation and
promoting policy debate and change at European level.
The Youth in Action Programme provides a variety of opportunities for supporting

in a concrete manner the creativity and innovation of young people and youth
workers, through projects that enable them to embrace the possibility of making a
change, not only in their personal lives and skills, but also for their local community
and their peers.
Projects presented in this booklet focused specifically on Creativity and Innovation

and demonstrate this thrill of creative effort among young people, and their
commitment to making changes for Europe and for the world. The examples are
intended to encourage others to undertake innovative initiatives and to perceive
the world in an original and creative way.
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YOUTH IN ACTION AT A GLANCE
A Programme for ALL young people!
The Youth in Action Programme is the EU Programme for all young people aged
between 15 and 28 (in some cases exceptions are foreseen to involve young people
aged between 13 and 30). The Programme aims to inspire a sense of active European
citizenship and tolerance among young Europeans and to involve them in shaping
the Union’s future by boosting their participation in democratic life.
It promotes mobility, non-formal learning and intercultural dialogue among European

youth, and encourages the inclusion of all young people, particularly those with
fewer opportunities, by supporting a large variety of activities, including youth
exchanges, transnational voluntary service as well as training and networking for
youth workers.
Duration: 2007-2013
Budget: EUR 885 million for seven years
Target group: 15-28 years old (in some cases 13-30),

youth workers and youth organisations

5 ACTIONS:
Action 1 – Youth for Europe

Promoting young people’s active citizenship through youth exchanges,
youth initiatives and youth democracy projects
Action 2 – European Voluntary Service

Developing solidarity and tolerance through voluntary activities abroad
to the benefit of local communities
Action 3 – Youth in the World

Fostering mutual understanding while encouraging cooperation
with Partner countries of the world
Action 4 – Youth Support Systems

Developing the quality of support systems for youth activities and youth
organisations
Action 5 – European Cooperation in the youth field

Encouraging European cooperation in the youth field
PRIORITIES OF THE YOUTH IN ACTION PROGRAMME
European citizenship
Participation of young people
Cultural diversity
Inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities
The following examples of good practice projects were selected from decentralised
sub-Actions of the Youth in Action Programme with a specific focus on Innovation
and Creativity. These projects are often small-scale projects undertaken by local
organisations. Nevertheless, despite their modest means, these projects bring
innovative approaches to non-formal learning process in youth work, which is just
as important as the results obtained during the project. The aim of the projects
presented here is to share and disseminate good practices and to inspire young
people by showing them that even through small projects, change and creative
adventure are possible.
For more information: http://ec.europa.eu/youth

PROJECT TITLE: Burdur Lakers
Action 1.1: Youth Exchanges
Bird protection promoting collaboration and mutual respect in an innovative

and creative manner
Bird watching, bird ringing, and classes in drawing and mapping endangered species
were the main activities in this group cooperation project in Poland and Turkey.
The exchanges helped shape and reinforce a sense of responsibility and ecologic
awareness, promoted the exchange of practical experiences and methods of work,
and developed new ways of group cooperation. But it also involved outdoor games,
a Turkish and a Polish day, dance workshops, an excursion to the Davaz mountains
and a visit to the ancient Sagallasos castle, as well as meetings with representatives
of local professions and the mosque.
The cultural aspects were an important part of the project, which was also aimed
at mutual social and cultural recognition, especially challenge the ideas of young
Poles about Turkey and life in the provinces. The participants were able to learn about
customs, social traditions and the role of religion in the life of Turks, and to form
their own opinions on the subject. At the same time, the young people could develop
their passions and interests in bird protection, in raising environmental awareness,
and in technical skills such as preparation of maps of areas inhabited by endangered
species.
Aleksandra:“For me participating was primarily a great occasion to widen my mental horizons and to
question the stereotypes that people naturally have when they think about unknown ‘differences’.”
Marta :“I am really glad that I was given the chance to get to know Turkey ‘behind the scenes’. I have
abandoned stereotypes about Turkish people, started many new friendships and become really motivated to
learn the Turkish language.”
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: POLAND, TURKEY

ORGANISATION: WARSAW LOCAL GROUP OF POLISH SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS
ADDRESS: 24 ODROWĄŻA STREET, 05-270 MARKI/WARSAW, POLAND
CONTACT: ANTEK.MARCZEWSKI@OTOP.ORG.PL

PROJECT TITLE: The Ugly Duck
Action 1.1: Youth Exchanges
A fairy tale provides a creative way for learning together how to understand
and tolerate each other
“The Ugly Duck” was a multilateral exchange project about tolerance that involved
young people aged 17-25 from six countries. It was initiated by youth group from
Raseiniai art school’s theatre”. Recognising that a lack of tolerance often creates
serious problems of discrimination, cruelty and violence, the members of the group
chose the well-known Hans Kristian Andersen tale of “The Ugly Duckling” as the
central theme for the project.
During the exchange, they used theatre, music, art and dance to learn to understand
and tolerate each other, despite cultural, economic and religious differences. During
the theatre workshops they created a pageant based on the “The Ugly Duck” tale,
and performed it for the local community. During national evenings they shared
characteristics of their own cultures and national dishes.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: LITHUANIA, AUSTRIA, POLAND, ROMANIA, SLOVENIA, TURKEY

ORGANISATION: RASEINIAI ART SCHOOL, THEATRE “SVAJOKLIS” (DREAMER)
ADDRESS: VYTAUTO DIDZIOJO 15, LT-60105, RASEINIAI, LITHUANIA
CONTACT: SVAJOKLIS@MAIL.LT

PROJECT TITLE: GREEN STOP!
Action 1.2: Youth Initiatives
Promoting environment-friendly behaviour through innovative actions
Cutting down on excessive consumption, on litter, and on neglect of personal

responsibility are some of the objectives of “Green STOP!”, a project borne out of the
enthusiasm of young volunteers in Romania. Convinced that people – and especially
young people - would pay more attention to the way they live if they were more aware
of the global impact of their actions, the participants took their message to where
people gather most – to the summertime beaches, and to the cities. The project built
partnerships to collect data about damage to the environment. It gave participants
the opportunity to make people feel responsible for their actions on the beaches,
with the “Hold the green card - be a referee for a day!” activity.
And it encouraged people in Bucharest to leave their cars at home for a day with
the “My day off!” activity. Many types of support were used to draw attention to the
campaign - flyers, debates, the media and the internet, street theatre, face painting,
videos… The innovative methods had real impact on people and encouraged reflection
on the danger the planet is facing. And the team involved in the project learned more
about each method and gained communication skills and experience in working with
people, and in working in a team with respect, tolerance and patience.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: ROMANIA

ORGANISATION: A.R.T. FUSION ASSOCIATION
ADDRESS: GEORGE VALSAN NR. 10, BL. 108, AP. 6, SECT. 6, 060474 BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
WEBSITE: WWW.ARTFUSION.RO
CONTACT: ART_FUSION_ROMANIA@YAHOO.COM
WEBSITE OF THE PROJECT: HTTP://VERDESTOP.COM/

PROJECT TITLE: ZERO GRAVITY TOILET
Action 1.2: Youth Initiatives
Creative musical expression to encourage social participation of young people
Some 30 young people had the opportunity to learn about the music industry - and at
the same time, about creativity and communication - in the Zero Gravity Toilet project.
A collective of artists, musicians and young people exchanged views about the
necessary steps in creating an album: writing the music, and rehearsing as a group
rather than as individuals; production, recording, and mixing, with all the related
technical skills; and distribution, from printing the album and setting up promotion
to contacting radio stations and journalists.
Through this process, every participant also had the chance to increase personal
competences and potentialities, to get acquainted with a professional environment
at local and regional level, and to face the political and social challenge of creating a
European group as a focus point for other young people – emphasising youth rather
than profits. New partnerships with foundations and organisations, universities and
local administrations were developed. Seminars, live performances, the production
of merchandising, the creation of a website, the publishing of a CD and the production
of two documentaries were some of the outputs.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: ITALY

ORGANISATION: ZERO GRAVITY TOILET INFORMAL GROUP
ADDRESS: VIA DELLE ISOLE CURZOLANE 75, 00141 ROME, ITALY
WEB: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ZEROGRAVITYTOILET
CONTACT: ALESSANDROSANTUCCI@GMAIL.COM

PROJECT TITLE: YOUTH JOURNALISTS MEETING
“PROVOCATIONS OF EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP”
Action 1.3: Youth Democracy Projects
Helping young people make their own choices about European citizenship
Encouraging young people to “produce” material rather than merely to unconditionally

“swallow” whatever is offered was at the heart of this four-month project
“Provocations of European Citizenship”. It raised awareness of the concept of active
European citizenship at local level, and helped young people gain new knowledge
about what Europe is and what European citizenship means. It also demonstrated the
importance of the media – and the importance of retaining a critical approach to the
media, too. The working methods used non-formal education: exercises, games and
group dynamics to reinforce independent analysis and response.
A meeting brought together 60 young people with representatives of students and

other non-governmental organizations, including youth journalists, from Bulgaria and
Romania. The exchange of experience and expertise helped to increase knowledge
about the concept of European citizenship, and the participants agreed a declaration
on how to achieve active European citizenship at a local level. The project was launched
at a Conference under the patronage of the Bulgarian Minister of European Affairs,
where participants prepared a Declaration which was presented and discussed with
congressmen from the Bulgarian Parliament’s Media Committee.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: BULGARIA, ROMANIA

ORGANIZATION: ASSOCIATION YOUTH MEDIA NETWORK, BULGARIA
ADDRESS: 11, GEN. SKOBELEV BLVD. SOFIA, BULGARIA
WEBSITE: WWW.YOUTHONLINE.EU
CONTACT: LOZANOV@YOUTHONLINE.EU
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PROJECT TITLE: THE FIRST TYROLEAN FUTURE CITY
FOR CHILDREN IN SCHWAZ
Action 1.3: Youth Democracy Projects
An experimental and innovative city teaching children and young people

about participative democracy
In the summer of 2008, the first children’s city of the future - “Kleinbergwerkstadt
Kolorino” -was created in Schwaz. In this fictional city, children and young people
were allowed to play the adult roles they chose, and to make their own decisions. It
was their contribution that influenced the development of the project. They could
study at university, or start a business or a political career. They could present
themselves as candidates and vote in elections, and election pledges had to be
kept, and responsibility taken for the consequences. Where problems such as high
redundancy or striking garbage collectors appeared in the facsimile city, solutions
had to be found. And in this way, young people were shown what it means to have
rights – and responsibilities.
They could also learn that businesses carry risks of failure when there is no demand
for products, and that integration is needed for people with different languages,
cultures and religions. A special focus of the project was on integration of children
of different origin. For children and young people, migration is a routine component
of their lives, since in the playground, the street or the classroom, children from
different cultures meet all the time. Young people were enabled to develop their
own perspectives about politics, economics, and social affairs. They were shown
that they have the right to choose and to organise themselves, rather than merely
consume what is pre-prepared for them.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: AUSTRIA, GERMANY

ORGANISATION: KINDERFREUNDE TIROL
ADDRESS: SALURNERSTR. 2, 6020 INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA
WEB: WWW.KINDERFREUNDE-TIROL.AT
CONTACT: INFO@KINDERFREUNDE-TIROL.AT; ALBERT.FUCIK@CHELLO.AT
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PROJECT TITLE: RUCKENWIND SHORT TERM EVS
Action 2: European Voluntary Service
Innovative methods to encourage young people with fewer

opportunities to take part in voluntary service
Creation of a children’s nature area, repainting a community building, footpath

clearing and beach cleaning were among the concrete tasks that provided the
backbone of Ruckenwind II, a one-month EVS project for 28 young people with a wide
range of disadvantages from five countries. The project worked with young people
from minorities, who were unemployed or had low salaries or temporary jobs, who
suffered from lack of self-confidence, had low educational achievement, learning
difficulties, or had dropped out of school.
Some had never travelled, or came from disadvantaged areas, suffering from
geographical isolation or rural remoteness. Some had limited language skills, or had
mental health issues, or already had a criminal record. In each country, ministries of
justice, probation services, psychologists and youth welfare and street-level youth
workers prepared young people in advance of the project, then the participants
lived and worked together in a small rural community while they learnt through their
involvement new intercultural, personal and work skills, and became motivated to
go further, to discover Europe and to broaden their individual possibilities. Intensive
support and training was provided, including one-to-one mentoring, role play and
active participation, and small group English classes with professional teachers.
Local community volunteers worked alongside the group, and the very visible results
were very much valued by the community.
Markus:“For me it was my first international experience. And it was cool. I liked to be with other people. (…)
It was not always easy. I learnt to communicate with people with other languages. I learnt to orientate myself
in a new place. My self-confidence grew. I am very proud. It helped me so much and soon after the project I
found my first real job (which I still have!).”
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: UNITED KINGDOM, ITALY, SPAIN, FINLAND, AUSTRIA, FRANCE

ORGANISATION: POINT EUROPA/ CUBIC
ADDRESS: THE MANSE, GARRETT STREET, PL 101 PD, UNITED KINGDOM
CONTACT: TRAINING@LEOKASERER.COM
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PROJECT TITLE: FAIR TRADE PROMOTION PROJECT
Action 2: European Voluntary Service
Voluntary activity focused on fair trade making a difference to the world
“Fair trade guerrillas” were among the devices used in this project to involve
underprivileged youth in work with a focus simultaneously on sustainable development
and on personal realisation. The project hosted volunteers from Lithuania, Germany
and Italy, who researched the benefits of intercultural cooperation and exchange of
good practices between European fair trade organisations, explored the link between
fair trade and sustainable development, and created new methods to promote fair
trade. Fair trade guerrillas were invented by one of the volunteers. They were a group
of eight people with painted faces who went together through the streets of Lund,
in Sweden, asking shop-owners about the conditions in the production of their
products.
In addition, presentations were made in schools, in a range of languages, which

helped underline the international nature of the project and of the common cause
that brings people together in an attempt to make a positive change on the whole
planet by breaking down walls and building bridges across cultures and continents.
The project also organised stands outside during the summer to raise the profile of
the issues, to provide information, and to sell Fair Trade products.
Olga:“During this year I learned not only about Fair Trade but also about how we can work together toward
achieving sustainability in the globalizing world.”
Monica:“The idea of promoting and sensitizing people about such an important topic as Fair Trade was what
motivated me to start this project. I have always thought that it’s important to start with small things in order
to achieve bigger results! This is still my attitude towards Fair Trade and my project within EVS.”
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: SWEDEN, ITALY, GERMANY, LITHUANIA

ORGANISATION: VÄRLDSBUTIKEN (WORLD SHOP) ABC
ADDRESS: WINSTRUPSGATAN 3, 222 22 LUND, SWEDEN
CONTACT: GUNILLAWULKAN@HOTMAIL.COM
WEBSITE OF THE PROJECT: HTTP://WWW.ABCSWEDEN.ORG
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PROJECT TITLE: ”L’ARTE E DIVERSA!!?”
SANATTA ENGEL VAR MIDIR?
Action 3.1: Cooperation with the Neighbouring countries of the European Union
Creative artistic learning techniques to facilitate social integration of deaf youngsters
The universality of the language of art, and its influence in bringing people together,
made it the central tool of this project in Ankara with deaf youngsters from different
cultural backgrounds and five different countries. Painting, dancing and acting
provided a vehicle to integrate these physically disabled young people into social
life, and other non-formal learning activities helped them to communicate, share
their experiences as disabled youngsters in the community, and develop skills for
making partnerships.
Art helped create successful group dynamics. As they arrived, the participants were
hosted in the houses of Turkish participants, helping to break down prejudices and
promote a group atmosphere. During the project, 24 participants gave performances
demonstrating their special skills, which helped them to feel an important part of the
society and strengthened their self-confidence and self-esteem.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: TURKEY, LITHUANIA, ROMANIA, ALBANIA, SERBIA

ORGANISATION: TURKEY YOUTH UNION ASSOCIATION
ADDRESS: 19 MAYIS GENCLIK VE SPOR SITESI ANKARA GENCLIK MERKEZI ULUS,
ANKARA TURKEY
CONTACT: HASLET@TGBDER.ORG.TR
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PROJECT TITLE: OUR RIGHTS - OUR FUTURE
Action 3.1: Cooperation with the Neighbouring countries of the European Union
Building bridges and mutual understanding among young people from Israel
and the Palestinian Authority and from Northern Ireland and Ireland
In this ambitious project, there was no escaping the challenging situations that arose
at some stages from cultural differences. But these episodes, and the resolution
of the issues they raised, resulted in significant learning for all participants. This
multicultural and international exchange of young people, with the topic ‘Our Rights
– Our Future’, took place in Dublin over seven days. It focused on non-formal methods
to help young people explore human rights and global equality, and encouraged
them to explore their own realities and values.
Before they came together, the groups created an internet forum to exchange ideas,
suggestions and photographs, and interactive workshops prior to the exchange
ensured they were all aware of the theme and that the project was in line with their
expectations. Talks, movies, debates, educational trips, street theatre and street
demonstrations and social events all played their part in developing knowledge,
social skills and awareness. The participants’ views were taken into account at all
times by the use of devices such as a graffiti wall, daily evaluations, and cluster
groups with individuals from different countries and ethnic backgrounds. A cultural
evening early in the exchange allowed participants to celebrate their diversity and to
break down barriers.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: IRELAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, ISRAEL,

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY OF THE WEST BANK AND GAZA STRIP
ORGANISATION: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL – IRISH SECTION
ADDRESS: 1ST FLOOR, BALLAST HOUSE, WESTMORLAND STREET, DUBLIN 2, IRELAND
CONTACT: MHOEWER@AMNESTY.IE
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PROJECT TITLE: GREEN DRAMA
Action 4.3: Training and networking of those active in youth work and youth organisations
Using the innovative ‘Green Drama’ methodology as a tool for environmental education
The purpose of the training course was to explore the Green Drama methods used in
the field of Environmental Education in international youth work and developed by
two Finnish educators. The aim of this method is to use drama to foster sustainable
ways of living and environmental consciousness amongst youth. The ultimate goal is
to transform individual actions and lifestyles so they become more environmentally
friendly. In Green Drama, everybody can be involved in the action. Instead of the
creation of a theatrical performance for an audience, the focus is on group interaction,
active partnership and personal experience of the participants. Together they create
an evolving story combining different viewpoints, and everyone is challenged to
evaluate their own opinions. Environmental issues take precedence over aesthetic
or other artistic elements. The method also develops intercultural dialogue between
the participants, since the drama is based on the participants’ own experiences and
knowledge. In the European context, it allows participants to recognise and compare
these experiences in different countries.
The methods used included practical testing and evaluation of Green Drama
methods, sharing methods on environmental education in promoter organizations,
and discussions on how to implement the new methods learned and disseminate the
methodological handbook which was developed during the training course in a new
context by youth workers and other multipliers.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: FINLAND, SPAIN, ITALY, AUSTRIA, GREECE, ROMANIA,

NETHERLANDS, POLAND, PORTUGAL, UNITED KINGDOM, ESTONIA, FRANCE,
CZECH REPUBLIC, MALTA, LITHUANIA
ORGANISATION: NUORISOKESKUS METSÄKARTANO
ADDRESS: PL 16, METSÄKARTANONTIE 700, 73901 – RAUTAVAARA, FINLAND
WEB: WWW.METSAKARTANO.COM
CONTACT: INFO@METSAKARTANO.COM
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PROJECT TITLE: BRAKING BARRIERS GOES ON!
Action 4.3: Training and networking of those active in youth work and youth organisations
Outdoor education as an innovative method for giving learning opportunities

to disabled people
Representatives of seven organisations from four countries - all part of a network

for the inclusion of disabled young people - came together to explore ways of using
outdoor and adventure education in their work. Taking into account a variety of
European approaches and experiences in the field, the participants developed some
initial ideas for criteria for international pedagogical work in the field of motion-
and experience-based learning in different settings. In addition, the project helped
develop and strengthen the international “Breaking Barriers” network and discuss
future cooperation.
The seminar combined theoretical and practical elements, attaching special value
to group work oriented towards concrete results (e.g. the fixing of criteria) and
practical activities that might be used later with the target group. Theoretical inputs
alternated with practical sessions in different areas of outdoor education, such as
climbing, rope courses, canoeing, rafting, and land-art activities, and looked at
different national uses of the methods. Outdoor education methods provide a lot of
learning opportunities for personal and social competences for disabled people, and
this project is the first to explore how methods can be used specifically with young
people.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: GERMANY, PORTUGAL, ROMANIA, SLOVENIA

ORGANISATION: BSJ E.V. MARBURG / ZERUM UECKERMÜNDE
ADDRESS: KAMIGSTR. 26, 17373 UECKERMÜNDE, GERMANY
CONTACT: INTEGRATIONSPRIJEKT@ZERUM-UECKERMÜNDE.DE
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PROJECT TITLE: OPERATION HJERNESTORM
Action 5.1: Meetings of young people and those responsible for youth policy
A festival organised by young people and for young people to provide a creative space for
youth policy and youth involvement
A festival in the centre of Copenhagen to promote youth democracy involved

some 3,000 young people in political debates with local politicians, concerts and
performances and in the development of their own project ideas. The participants
were closely involved in the preparations through a series of workshops with invited
politicians, artists, experienced project makers and representatives of funding
organisations, and this played a large part in the success of the project, because
it meant they were creating a festival which met their needs, where they could
contribute their own ideas and perspectives.
The festival had three different “arenas”. In one of them, experienced project makers
shared their experiences and thoughts about creating local and international projects
with young people who came with their projects for help and advice, against a rich
background of art, live music, films, spoken words and live painting. Another arena
featured debates about democracy, environment, inclusion and exclusion, and the
city, with politicians and non-governmental organisations, leading to new ideas,
including the creation of a forum for youth politics. The third arena was the project
café, where funding organisation gave advice about fundraising and how to generate
eligible projects, and workshops were held about fundraising, marketing, idea
making and writing. The emphasis throughout was on the opportunities for young
people to be active and creative and to participate in the local community and in
society as a whole. The project succeeded in raising awareness of youth politics in
Copenhagen.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: DENMARK

ORGANISATION: OPERATION HJERNESTORM
ADDRESS: VALGÅRDSVEJ 2, 2500 VALBY, DENMARK
CONTACT: TILSTOFFER@GMAIL.COM
WEBSITE OF THE PROJECT: WWW.UNGDOMSKULTUR.NU
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PROJECT TITLE: SUMMER FORUM
OF THE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT
Action 5.1: Meetings of young people and those responsible for youth policy
A European Parliament simulation teaches young people an innovative

form of civic participation
A hundred young people from across Europe gathered in Aix-en-Provence for a

Summer Forum which included a simulation of the European Parliament. Participants
were divided into committees working on European subjects such as civic service,
energy policy, or the fight against racism. After three days of preparatory debate in
the committees, resolutions were then proposed and defended in a plenary assembly
of all the participants. Amendments could be proposed and debated, and a final vote
led to the adoption or rejection of the resolution sent to the plenary.
Every evening, the young European deputies took part in cultural activities, and Europe
was always at the centre of the project, through Euroconcerts, tasting European
cooking brought by participants in the Eurovillage, and theatre improvisation.
The young people involved could thus “live” Europe, both formally and informally,
through common activities and encounters, and make new friendships. The project
offered young people a vivid idea of democracy and of the European institutions, and
they were surprised by their own skills in advancing their own opinions and being
actors in their own future.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, SPAIN, NORWAY, ITALY, PORTUGAL,

GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, CZECH REPUBLIC, POLAND, IRELAND, AUSTRIA, ISLAND
ORGANISATION: PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN DES JEUNES – REGIONAL COMMITTEE PROVENCE
ALPES CÔTE D’AZUR
WEB: WWW.PEJFRANCE.ORG
WEBSITE OF THE PROJECT: WWW.FORUMDETE-AIX2007.EU
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CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROJECTS
ENCOURAGING INNOVATION AND QUALITY
IN THE YOUTH SECTOR
The project examples in the following section were supported under the specific call
for proposals for projects encouraging innovation and quality in the youth sector
(Action 4.4 of the Youth in Action Programme), which was launched in 2007. This call
for proposals aimed to support projects that promote the adoption, implementation
and encouragement of innovative, quality approaches in the fields of non-formal
education for young people and youth workers. Through this call for proposals, the
Youth in Action Programme intended to stimulate the engagement of young people
and youth workers in creative forms of self-expression and participation.
Innovative elements in this call for proposals relate to:
• the content and objectives, bearing in mind developments

in the framework for European cooperation in the field of youth
and the priorities of the Youth in Action programme
• the applied methodology, based on novel approaches in the field

of non-formal education and in the youth sector
Examples of eligible activities under this call for proposals:
• conferences
• training activities
• seminars
• information activities
• networking activities
Duration of activities:
Activities started between 1 December 2007 and 31 January 2008

and projects are running between 12 and 24 months.
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PROJECT TITLE: SPEAK OUT - REACH OUT
Providing media skills to promote inclusion of disadvantaged young people in cities
Young people with few opportunities are the focus of this project in Stuttgart,
Palermo, Toledo and Bucharest. To assist their inclusion into society, the project trains
participants in web design and audio pod-casting, giving an impetus to their personal
development through the acquisition of skills, and encouraging active participation
to promote a sense of citizenship. Groups are trained, and they in turn train national
teams who work together to produce a four-language online radio-magazine, tackling
topics such as: “What has Europe to do with me” and “How can I make a difference”.
The resulting radio-magazine “Speak out! - Reach out!” is available online, providing
high visibility for the project. The new competences in IT tools and other skills help the
social engagement and job prospects of the young people taking part. The teaching
staff involved are invited to promote replications of the project in the future. Further
exposure is assured by dissemination material such as brochures and handbooks,
and through events such as open-door days in each partner country.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: GERMANY, SPAIN, ITALY, ROMANIA

ORGANISATION: INTERNATIONALER BUND – BILDUNGSZENTRUM
ADDRESS: HEUSTEIGSTRASSE, 90/92, 70180 STUTTGART, GERMANY
WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.INTERNATIONALER-BUND.DE
CONTACT: OLIVIA.KEY@INTERNATIONALER-BUND.DE
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PROJECT TITLE: THE POP PROJECT - PATHS OF PARTICIPATION
Innovative work experience and intercultural exchange to help inclusion

of marginalized urban youth
A strong partnership between non-governmental organisations and the public

sector is fostering innovative approaches to working with young people with few
opportunities living in urban areas.
The project starting-point is that similar problems (social problems) may be

experienced and solved in different ways according to the cultural context. The project
develops an interesting methodology to promote the inclusion of youngsters as pro-
active citizens and to familiarize young people with different cultural backgrounds
through intercultural learning and conflict transformation.
Selected youth organisations are involved in job-shadowing, and the information

from these practical experiences is fed into exchanges between youth workers,
followed by a seminar on intercultural conflict and a larger open-space conference
tackling the topic of “Youth work in sub-urban and marginalized areas - challenges
and chances”.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: AUSTRIA, GERMANY, FINLAND, UNITED KINGDOM

ORGANISATION: ELT (ASSOCIATION FOR EXPERIENCE, LEARNING & TRAINING IN YOUTH WORK)
ADRESS: PROJEKTBURO, HERKLOTZGASSE 21/3,AT-1150 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.DIELOOP.AT
CONTACT: KOFLER@DIELOOP.AT; ELT@CHELLO.AT
22

PROJECT TITLE: NON-VIRTUAL YOUTH CITIZENSHIP
IN A VIRTUAL WORLD
Bridging the real and virtual worlds in non-formal education

with disadvantaged young people
The virtual world of “Second life” is being used in this project to provide novel non-
formal learning experiences that suit urban young people excluded from many other
learning opportunities. The project applies Flow methodology as proposed by positive
psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi and explores new areas of youth work through
the combination of both creative and participative activities, picking up aspects of
everyday life and transferring them to online platforms (particularly the virtual world
of Second Life).
Young people are acquiring artistic skills and competences within the framework
of an international project, and youth workers are gaining familiarity with a new
methodology of non-formal education. Best practices in efficient and transferable
non-formal education methodologies benefiting from the FLOW methodology “label”
are being spread across the partner countries and beyond.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: ITALY, BELGIUM, SPAIN, ROMANIA

ORGANISATION: SPAZIO GIOVANNI
ADDRESS: VIA MAGENTA 7, 20052 MONZA, ITALY
WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.SPAZIOGIOVANI.IT
CONTACT: ANNA.BIFFI@SPAZIOGIOVANI.IT
PROJECT WEBSITE: WWW.NONVIRTUALYOUTH.EU
23

PROJECT TITLE: BACK TO THE FUTURE
Innovative non-formal education process connecting generations through life-stories
Inter-generational dialogue and cooperation is at the heart of this project to help

the integration of disadvantaged young people into the social, education and
employment system. The project set up a non-formal frame for mutual learning in
which young and old people are able to share their life stories, and to plan together
an action of high impact and visibility within their local communities. Bridging the
inter-generation gap is an important resource for identity building and personality
development of young participants. Comparing their stories with those told by old
people has a mirroring effect which offers a wider perspective for comprehension
and interpretation of what happened in the past, and provide new meanings and
interpretation keys for their personal stories.
A preparatory international meeting brought together young people and coordinators,

and training sessions explored methods of involving local education authorities. At
the end of the project, local conferences were organized by each partner, addressing
local and national experts, politicians and youth organisation leaders, so as to
spread the outcomes and to channel the innovative contents and methodology to
other youth organizations.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: HUNGARY, BULGARIA, GREECE, ITALY

ORGANISATION: BELVAROSI TANODA ALAPITVANY
LONYAI U. 58 1/3, HU-1093 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
WEBSITE: WWW.BTABP.HU
CONTACT: EDITBTA@INTERWARE.HU
PROJECT WEBSITE: HTTP://YOUTHOPPORTUNITY.EXTRA.HU/
24

PROJECT TITLE: RAFFAELLO - DEVELOPING CREATIVITY
AND SKILLS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN EUROPE
Using communication technologies to promote creativity and self- expression
Young people who live in disadvantaged urban areas often live in a virtual reality with
virtual relationships, characterised by a lack of human contact and emotion, but with
frequent use of chat-lines and mobile phone messages. The Raffaello project aims to
develop their expressive capabilities and skills by linking their use of communications
technology to their areas of interest (music, poetry, short stories….).
The broad objective is to promote the social integration of disadvantaged young

people through non-formal education activities that help them evolve from virtual
interaction to more human and emotional contact. The project relies on ‘peer
education’, and fosters communication and exchange of information and experiences
within the peer group. In addition, national contests allow the participants to vote for
the best performance, with the chance for the winners to take part in a festival in
Germany.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: ITALY, GERMANY, GREECE, HUNGARY, SLOVENIA, TURKEY

ORGANISATION: PATTO TERRITORIALE ORISTANO SOC. CONS. ARL
ADDRESS: VIA CARDUCCI, 21 PIANO II, 09170 ORISTANO, ITALY
WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.SILORISTANO.IT
CONTACT: S.CARLETTI@SILORISTANO.IT
PROJECT WEBSITE: HTTP://RAFFAELLO.EMLOC.GR/
25

PROJECT TITLE: YOUMAP
YOUNG URBAN CARTOGRAPHERS
Digital cartography offering young people a sense of ownership of the town they live in
Through its interactive website, YouMap is supporting the digital mapping of eight
European towns by disadvantaged young people living there. The project allows
them to identify the places that matter to them. This includes social services such as
youth employment or training offices, youth and voluntary service information desks,
associations promoting European mobility, trade unions, health and social services.
But it also covers leisure and entertainment locations, such as intercultural centres or
sports centres, tourism aspects – with sightseeing points or other notable locations
identified in the map. The apprenticeship in cartography and web publishing, along
with the opportunity for exchanges, is a way to promote European citizenship and
a sense of the value of intercultural diversity among young people facing similar
difficulties. Dissemination activities help to improve access for marginalized young
people to their social and cultural urban services
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: ITALY, GERMANY, SPAIN, FRANCE, TURKEY

ORGANISATION: LUNARIA
ADDRESS: VIA BUONARROTI 39, 00185 ROMA, ITALY
WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.LUNARIA.ORG/ENG/INT_VOL.HTML
CONTACT: CORTELLESI@LUNARIA.ORG
26

PROJECT TITLE: OPEN DOOR
Public bodies and youth organisations involve young people in policy making
Contests on how to improve the quality of life for young people living in deprived
urban areas are a central feature of this project to engage disadvantaged young
people with few opportunities in policy-making. Young people are invited to submit
projects addressing this topic, and one selected project per participating country is
going to be implemented. The young people involved have the opportunity to attend
training sessions on youth work and project implementation.
The project encompasses activities such as local press conferences aimed at

advertising the project, a preparatory meeting, a thematic seminar to prepare the
contest, and the setting up of help desks for potential applicants. The project brings
together professionals from public bodies and youth non-governmental organisations
in the exchange of good practices and the development of long-term participative
processes in non-formal education.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: ITALY, BELGIUM, SPAIN, GREECE, SWEDEN, UNITED KINGDOM

ORGANISATION: REGIONE VENETO
ADDRESS: RIO NOVO, DORSODURO 3493, 30123 VENICE, ITALY
WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.REGIONE.VENETO.IT
CONTACT: SERV.RAPP.OMS@REGIONE.VENETO.IT
27

PROJECT TITLE: PEER TO PEER, YOUTH FOR YOUTH
Peer education to combat drugs and alcohol abuse in creative way
Peer-to-peer education is being explored in this project as a mechanism to raise

youth awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol consumption. It focuses on
non-formal education in youth centres in deprived urban areas, to put the youngsters
at the heart of the decision-making process.
The activities of the project are carried out by the youngsters themselves. They produce
material targeting their peers through intensive use of IT tools. The associated youth
workers provide support in turning ideas into concrete implementation. The project
also paves the way for the development of a network of youth centres in deprived
urban areas, with the involvement of local authorities.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: ITALY, IRELAND, SPAIN, FRANCE

ORGANISATION: COOPERATIVA STRANAIDEA
ADDRESS: VIA PAOLO VERONESE 202, IT- 10148 TORINO, ITALY
WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.STRANAIDEA.IT/HOME_ENG.HTML
CONTACT: ANIMAZIONE@STRANAIDEA.IT
28

PROJECT TITLE: JUDGE
JUVENILE DELINQUENTS’ GUIDED EDUCATION
Innovative transnational collaborative methodology for juvenile delinquents
The starting-point of this project was the following diagnostic: most young people with
court convictions come from disadvantaged urban areas suffering from segregation
or social exclusion. This project examines an alternative compensatory programme
for juvenile delinquents aged 16-18, seeking to engage them actively.
The project’s methodology is based on the screening of the different forms of youth
service (voluntary compensatory strategies) available at international level, leading
to the selection of youth custody centres suitable for performing case studies analysis
identifying cultural changes. The project is also developing prevention activities and
methodologies for improving the relationship between young delinquents and the
law, including training courses and support service programmes for delinquents,
educators, protectors and protégés.
The output is paving the way for a cooperative EU-level lobbying strategy aimed at
achieving accreditation for the complex training methodology at national level.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: HUNGARY, BULGARIA, LITHUANIA, POLAND

ORGANISATION: EC-PEC FOUNDATION
ADDRESS: RÁKÓCZI ÚT 22, HU-1072 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
CONTACT: PAPSARA@ECPEC.HU
29

PROJECT TITLE: COMPETITIVE EDGE
Development of innovative and transferrable modules to enhance

the competitiveness of youth organisations
Active participation in youth organisations is low among young people with

few opportunities and living in poor areas, and this project aims to make these
organisations more attractive, so that more young people spend their free time in
a more constructive way. Based on international screening of the participating
countries, a programme of nine modules has been developed to help enhance the
competitive edge of youth organisations.
The methodology is innovative in picking up hot business issues such as

competitiveness, storage and transfer of knowledge and know-how, as well as
valorisation of competences. Project activities have been widely disseminated,
including “hands-on” training programmes and computer applications.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: SLOVENIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, LITHUANIA

ORGANISATION: ZVEZA STUDENTSKIH KLUBOV SLOVENIJE - ŠKIS
ADDRESS: TRŽAŠKA 42, SI-1000 LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.SKIS-SEVZA.SI
CONTACT: VID.TRATNIK@SKIS-ZVEZA.SI
PROJECT WEBSITE: WWW.COMPETITIVE.SI/EN
30

CONTACTS
European Commission ,
Directorate-General for Education and Culture (DG EAC)
Unit D2: Youth in Action Programme
B - 1049 Brussels
Tel: +32 2 299 11 11 - Fax: +32 2 295 76 33
E-mail: eac-youthinaction@ec.europa.eu
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/youth
_____
Education, Audiovisual, and Culture Executive Agency

Unit P6: Youth
BOUR 01/01
Avenue du Bourget 1 -B-1140 Brussels
Tel: +32 2 29 97824 - Fax: +32 2 29 21330
E-mail: youth@ec.europa.eu
Website: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/index_en.php
EUROPE DIRECT IS A SERVICE TO HELP YOU FIND ANSWERS

TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EUROPEAN UNION
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TO 800 NUMBERS OR THESE CALLS MAY BE BILLED.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE EUROPEAN UNION IS AVAILABLE

ON THE INTERNET (HTTP://EUROPA.EU).
ISBN 978-92-79-11637-7
DOI 10.2766/24038
© EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 2009

REPRODUCTION IS AUTHORISED PROVIDED THE SOURCE IS ACKNOWLEDGED.
LUXEMBOURG: OFFICE FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
2009 — 32 PP. — 21 X 29,7 CM
31

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YOUTH IN ACTION PROGRAMME

European good practice projects

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd 3 14/05/2009 10:41:51

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd 4 14/05/2009 10:41:52

The Youth in Action Programme provides a variety of opportunities for supporting

Projects presented in this booklet focused speciﬁcally on Creativity and Innovation

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:3 14/05/2009 10:41:52

It promotes mobility, non-formal learning and intercultural dialogue among European

Budget: EUR 885 million for seven years

Target group: 15-28 years old (in some cases 13-30),

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:4 14/05/2009 10:41:53

Action 1 – Youth for Europe

Action 2 – European Voluntary Service

Action 3 – Youth in the World

Action 4 – Youth Support Systems

Action 5 – European Cooperation in the youth ﬁeld

PRIORITIES OF THE YOUTH IN ACTION PROGRAMME

For more information: http://ec.europa.eu/youth

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:5 14/05/2009 10:41:58

Bird protection promoting collaboration and mutual respect in an innovative

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: POLAND, TURKEY

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:6 14/05/2009 10:41:58

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: LITHUANIA, AUSTRIA, POLAND, ROMANIA, SLOVENIA, TURKEY

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:7 14/05/2009 10:42:04

Promoting environment-friendly behaviour through innovative actions

Cutting down on excessive consumption, on litter, and on neglect of personal

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: ROMANIA

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:8 14/05/2009 10:42:11

Creative musical expression to encourage social participation of young people

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: ITALY

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:9 14/05/2009 10:42:33

Encouraging young people to “produce” material rather than merely to unconditionally

A meeting brought together 60 young people with representatives of students and

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: BULGARIA, ROMANIA

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:10 14/05/2009 10:42:35

An experimental and innovative city teaching children and young people

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: AUSTRIA, GERMANY

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:11 14/05/2009 10:42:35

Innovative methods to encourage young people with fewer

Creation of a children’s nature area, repainting a community building, footpath

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: UNITED KINGDOM, ITALY, SPAIN, FINLAND, AUSTRIA, FRANCE

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:12 14/05/2009 10:42:52

Voluntary activity focused on fair trade making a diﬀerence to the world

In addition, presentations were made in schools, in a range of languages, which

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: SWEDEN, ITALY, GERMANY, LITHUANIA

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:13 14/05/2009 10:42:53

Creative artistic learning techniques to facilitate social integration of deaf youngsters

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: TURKEY, LITHUANIA, ROMANIA, ALBANIA, SERBIA

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:14 14/05/2009 10:42:54

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: IRELAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, ISRAEL,

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:15 14/05/2009 10:42:56

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: FINLAND, SPAIN, ITALY, AUSTRIA, GREECE, ROMANIA,

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:16 14/05/2009 10:42:56

Outdoor education as an innovative method for giving learning opportunities

Representatives of seven organisations from four countries - all part of a network

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: GERMANY, PORTUGAL, ROMANIA, SLOVENIA

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:17 14/05/2009 10:43:04

A festival in the centre of Copenhagen to promote youth democracy involved

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: DENMARK

EAC_D2_YIA_creativity_innovation_310309.indd Sec1:18 14/05/2009 10:43:16

A European Parliament simulation teaches young people an innovative

A hundred young people from across Europe gathered in Aix-en-Provence for a

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, SPAIN, NORWAY, ITALY, PORTUGAL,