LEVEL UP TO EUR-UP!

Engagement with European political processes for young people experiencing barriers to participation on the European level

Description

The European Students’ Union (ESU) is currently working on the preparation of a Study Session entitled  “LEVEL UP to EUR-UP! Engagement with European political processes for young people experiencing barriers to participation on the European level”, supported by the European Youth Centre of Budapest (EYCB) of the Council of Europe.

Objectives  

The main goal of this study session is to empower young people who cannot access European political and social processes due to a lack of information, language barrier and/or socio-economic disadvantages to feel comfortable participating in their first European-level event and to encourage people around them to do the same in the future.

Many events for young people on the European level are inaccessible to certain groups, particularly socio-economically disadvantaged young people and young people who are not confident enough in their English skills to apply (as there are many events which are not translated into their mother tongue).  In ESU’s network of 45 student unions in 39 countries, we hear many stories from young people who have an interest in attending European events and learning more, but who feel that these events are only for young people with a good level of English and with a high level of confidence about European democratic institutions.

The need for a Study Session designed to minimise the barriers facing young people with fewer opportunities and/or less confidence to participate.  So, the European Students’ Union (ESU) proposed a Study Session which begins to explore novel approaches to address this issue.  

When?

The Study Session will take place between 2nd and 7th of March, at the European Youth Centre in Budapest, Hungary. It will gather 30 participants from all Europe and beyond, with lots of diversity in terms of cultural and knowledge background!

An intensive five-day program it’s being developed by a great team of experienced facilitators. The different non-formal activities of the programme will allow participants to explore key aspects of human rights, intercultural diversity, anti-discrimination and youth participation for democratic and active citizenship.