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In a world where democracy, freedom, and human rights are constantly under scrutiny, organisations like ALDA play a crucial role in promoting democratic values. Mayor Ms. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz of Gdańsk(ALDA Member), who also chairs the CoR Working Group for Ukraine, recently emphasised the significance of such organisations during the 12th CORLEAP Annual Meeting held in Batumi, Georgia, on September 7, 2023.

Mayor Dulkiewicz’s words underscored the importance of non-governmental partners, organisations, and associations that direct their democratic efforts towards Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. Among these champions of democracy, ALDA stands out, particularly through its innovative concept of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), which it implements in EaP countries.

One LDAs’ exemplary success story, according to Mrs. Aleksandra, is that of LDA Mariupol. Despite Russia’s seizure of this city, consistent international support has enabled it to continue functioning, thanks to the hospitality of other cities in Ukraine. 

This remarkable resilience showcases the unwavering commitment of organisations like ALDA to promoting democracy and good governance in challenging environments

ALDA’s dedication to supporting Ukraine and its people has been steadfast since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022. In July 2023, the ALDA team convened in Brussels to meet with a delegation from the Ukrainian Parliament, supported by the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR). This meeting presented a valuable opportunity to introduce ALDA’s flagship initiative in Ukraine to Members of the Ukrainian Parliament, ministry representatives, and national associations of cities. Read more about this event here.

ALDA’s dedication is aligned with the fundamental values on which the European Union was founded, including human dignity, freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. In Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to reclaim its land, freedom, and democracy, ALDA stands as a beacon of support, ensuring that these shared values remain at the forefront.

In a world where democracy is continually tested, ALDA’s role in strengthening democracy at the local level is a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation and solidarity. Mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz’s acknowledgment of ALDA’s contribution underscores the organisation’s invaluable role in promoting democracy, citizen participation, and the return to a free and peaceful Ukraine.

As we reflect on these efforts in the lead-up to Europe Day, it is essential to recognize and celebrate those who tirelessly champion the values that underpin our shared humanity. 

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The WYDE Civic Engagement project (Women and Youth in Democracy initiative Civic Engagement) is generously funded by the European Union, with the primary aim of enhancing the emancipation, empowerment, and inclusion of young individuals at all levels of democratic participation: national, regional, and global. The project warmly welcomes participation from all African countries, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

The First Phase of the call for proposals, spearheaded by ALDA and in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), Elbarlament, and People In Need (PIN), commenced on April 3, 2023, and concluded on August 15, 2023. In this initial phase, we received a remarkable 780 applications from 38 different countries. After a preliminary assessment of administrative eligibility criteria, over 466 projects have been pre-selected and are presently undergoing thorough evaluation.The evaluation process adheres to a comprehensive criteria grid, which takes into account the proposal’s relevance concerning the objectives and priorities of the call, its alignment with the specific needs and constraints of the target country(ies) or region(s), the criteria for selecting final beneficiaries and target groups, the value-added elements of the proposal, as well as the coherence of proposed activities with respect to the budget and the proposed timeline, while also emphasising the integration of principles rooted in human rights.

The results of this initial evaluation are scheduled for publication during the last week of September

The top 80 projects will proceed to the next stage, involving a double evaluation in collaboration with our partners. Ultimately, the finest projects will be selected for support and financing within the project’s framework. In total, 12 projects will be granted in this first phase of the call for proposals, distributed as 6 projects for Lot 1, 4 projects for Lot 2, and 2 projects for Lot 3, with a total budget allocation of €200,000.

However, the opportunity to apply is far from over. The second phase of the call for proposals is currently open and will run until mid-April 2024 . To date, we have received over a hundred applications, with more than 20 projects meeting the administrative eligibility criteria. 

If you are still looking for partners, we invite you to participate in the matchmaking virtual event which will take place by the end of January 2024. This event will help you find partners who can assist you in the design and implementation of your project activities. The aim of this virtual matchmaking event is to enable organisations that have a relatively low level of experience to develop their networking and benefit from shared experiences and support from other organisations. This will also help you prepare better proposals for the second call for proposals.

The WYDE Civic Engagement funding program is open to all African civil society organisations, regardless of their level of experience. This means that we will fund both experienced and inexperienced associations. As part of our support, we offer coaching and technical assistance to beneficiary organisations through training and mentoring programs based on their needs.

All participating organisations will be invited to describe their backgrounds and interests. Based on this information, we will highlight the needs and the potential connections that could be beneficial for the organisations. If you are interested in taking part in the event, please register here. Places are limited, only selected organisations will be invited.

Text in French 🇫🇷

Si vous êtes toujours à la cherche d’organisation partenaire, nous vous invitons à participer à l’événement virtuel de mise en relation qui aura lieu fin janvier 2024. Cet événement vous aidera à trouver des partenaires qui peuvent vous accompagner dans la conception et la mise en œuvre de vos activités de projet.

L’objectif de cette rencontre virtuelle est de permettre aux organisations qui ont un niveau d’expérience relativement bas de développer leur réseau et de bénéficier des expériences et du soutien d’autres organisations. Cela vous aidera également à préparer de meilleures propositions pour cet appel à projets.

Toutes les organisations participantes seront invitées à décrire leurs parcours et leurs intérêts. Sur la base de ces informations, nous identifierons les besoins et les connexions potentielles qui pourraient être bénéfiques pour les organisations.

Si vous êtes intéressé(e) à participer à l’événement, veuillez-vous inscrire en utilisant ce lien.

(Les places sont limitées, seules les organisations sélectionnées seront contactées).

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As we join the global commemoration of Democracy Day, we find ourselves in thoughtful reflection upon the enduring values and principles that underpin the democratic systems we hold dear. Democracy, with its rich history and ongoing evolution, stands as a cornerstone of societies worldwide, transcending mere governance to become a testament to the power of collective voices, equality, and civic participation.

This year, in collaboration with our esteemed partners at Brulocalis, we proudly present a quiz that delves deep into the essence of democracy. Brulocalis, a non-profit organisation created and managed by local authorities in the Brussels-Capital Region, has been a steadfast advocate for democracy, tirelessly working to support and promote its ideals.

In our shared commitment to fostering democratic principles, we’ve crafted a quiz that not only tests your knowledge but also encourages a profound exploration of the democratic values that bind us all.

Take the quiz by clicking here!

Accessing the Answers: We understand that the quest for knowledge doesn’t end with the questions. To provide you with the answers, we will share them through our social media channels Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (X) and Instagram. Additionally, if you wish to receive the answers directly to your inbox, simply leave your email address at the end of the quiz, and we’ll ensure you get the inside scoop.

As you embark on this enlightening journey, you’ll encounter ten thought-provoking questions, each designed to challenge your understanding of democracy. Beyond the quiz, we will provide comprehensive explanations for each question, shedding light on the historical context and contemporary relevance of the topics explored.

Join us in celebrating Democracy Day by embracing the spirit of inquiry and the principles that underpin open, inclusive, and democratic societies. As you explore this quiz, we encourage you to share your insights, thoughts, and quiz scores with your network, contributing to a meaningful discourse on democracy that extends beyond this article.

Happy International Day of Democracy 2023!

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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe during the spring of 2020, the Cultural Creative Sector (CCS) has been one of the hardest-hit industries. The increasing significance of entrepreneurship within the arts and culture sector is intricately linked to the rise of creative industries. In a society that does not promote cultural expression, young artists grapple with a dearth of opportunities in the job market, exacerbated by insufficient investments in their specific field. Emerging artists also function as entrepreneurs, and lacking essential skills in certain critical areas, they may face difficulties in establishing their own enterprises or pursuits and sustaining themselves. ALDA recognizes that nurturing independence in young individuals within the cultural and artistic sphere not only unlocks their potential but also aligns perfectly with its mission to empower youth by giving them the tools to shape their own future through creativity and self-determination.

The Erasmus+ project “Create Up” has the overarching aim to minimize unemployment in the creative sector

The Erasmus+ project, Create Up has the overarching aim to minimize unemployment in the creative sector while simultaneously furnishing effective strategies for enhancing relevant, high-caliber skills and competencies. 

Within this context, a comprehensive and in-depth research effort was undertaken to comprehend the specific competencies that individuals require to achieve success in their respective fields. 

The research hypothesis posited is as follows: “Aspiring artistic entrepreneurs encounter significant challenges in establishing themselves within their chosen artistic domain. The overarching thesis that the project seeks to substantiate and subsequently elaborate upon is as follows: The enhancement of essential competencies plays a pivotal role in increasing the likelihood of individuals becoming successful entrepreneurs and converting their creative abilities into sustainable careers”.

The project initiates its analysis by focusing on the EntreComp (european ENTREpreneurship COMPetence framework), which has been introduced by the European Commission. EntreComp offers a thorough representation of knowledge, abilities, and mindsets needed for individuals to exhibit entrepreneurship and generate economic, cultural, or social value for others. Within this analytical framework, Create Up’s primary aim is to identify the key competencies that hold the utmost importance and are particularly pertinent to the specific target group of creative adults.

The primary research within the Create Up project aims to uncover:

  • The requirements and demands of creative adults.
  • The educational programs they have previously undergone.
  • The challenges they encountered during their educational background.

The results of this study can be seen in the two important tools that were used: questionnaire survey and focus group interviews.

  1. The survey of creative adult entrepreneurs involved 122 young artists/entrepreneurs with different but similar backgrounds across six countries: Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, Slovenia, and Turkey. Regarding competencies based on the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework, participants were asked to assess their strengths.
  2. In the next phase of the primary research, 76 participants, primarily creative adults, were interviewed by project partners. These entrepreneurs were questioned about their careers, how they initiated their own businesses, and their level of success. The interviews primarily focused on entrepreneurial skills, encompassing their experience with EntreComp competencies and the significance of adopting a comprehensive strategy for building a progressive career. Respondents unanimously believed that creativity is innate and adequately nurtured in academies. Most respondents perceived a lack of understanding in financial, economic, and legal matters. Project management skills and communication skills were also identified as valuable for planning and organizing work effectively.

The results from this analysis lead the Create Up project to demonstrate the thesis that creative adults are struggling with becoming entrepreneurs, and in this scenario six competences were isolated within the EntreComp framework and selected as the most wanted in the entrepreneurial skills framework: spotting opportunities, financial literacy, mobilizing resources, coping with ambiguity and risk, vision, working with others.

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Sustainable Hub to Engage into Rural Policies with Actors

AT A GLANCE

The project is designed to gather relevant knowledge and opinions that contribute to the formulation of recommendations for future policies relevant to EU rural areas.
It will use results of on-going and past research projects (from FP6, FP7, H2020 and other EU and national funding streams) to engage citizens, stakeholders, policymakers, and scientists in the development of strategic thinking and practical recommendations for the formulation of modern rural policies.
The project will employ state-of-the-art multimedia tools for communicating both ways with citizens and policy audiences. An additional fact? The project will use several approaches to science, society, and policy interactions in 40 Multi-Actor Platforms covering 20 EU countries and at EU level!

OBJECTIVES

  • To map the main drivers of future trends and dynamics of EU rural areas;
  • To establish Multi-Actor Platforms as effective and sustainable Science-Society-Policy interfaces;
  • To create a shared knowledge-based relevant to EU rural policy by taking stock of results of past and on-going research projects;
  • To engage in a dialogue between citizens, researchers and policymakers from EU territories
  • To formulate recommendations linked, if needed, with different scenarios for the development of modern rural policies at European, national and regional levels.
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AT A GLANCE

The PERCEPTIONS project investigates the way the information flow might be distorted and how false narratives might lead to security threats.
The project will research on the narratives and the myths that are circulating about the EU in three countries of migrants’ origin, such as Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia and four Mediterranean countries of arrival, such as Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, and two countries of transit to Europe such as Bulgaria and Kosovo*. These countries together will represent three routes into Europe: Western, Central, and Eastern Mediterranean!
An additional detail? Based on the research insights, the consortium will develop a PERCEPTIONS framework model including policy recommendations, action plans, and a policy strategy for practitioners and civil society organisations to support them into presenting a realistic picture of the EU in these countries.

Objectives:

The project aims to identify and understand the narratives and (mis)perceptions of the EU abroad, assess potential issues related with the border and external security to allow better planning, outline reactions, and countermeasures.

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In her 2023 Debate on the State of the Union 2023 (#SOTEU), the President of the European Commission, Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen outlined a compelling vision for Europe’s future, emphasising the critical role of youth in shaping the future of the European Union. As we eagerly approach the upcoming elections, the message resonates deeply with millions of first-time voters who are preparing to cast their ballots.

The Youth Perspective

Among those preparing to vote are millions of young Europeans who were born in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. These individuals, as they head to the polls, are contemplating the pressing issues that matter most to them: the conflicts at Europe’s borders, the devastating impact of climate change, the implications of artificial intelligence, and their prospects for housing and employment.

The European Union, as President von der Leyen highlighted, has always been a beacon of hope and progress, built on the idea that nations, democracies, and people can unite to create a better future. This same vision of a brighter future is shared by the youth of today, who are determined to confront the uncertainties of the world. They believe, as their predecessors did after World War II, that Europe must once again answer the call of history.

To realise this vision, President von der Leyen stressed the importance of earning the trust of Europeans and addressing their aspirations and concerns. Over the 300 days, the EU will embark on an ambitious transformation journey, with the European Parliament playing a pivotal role.

Climate change

The European Green Deal, at the heart of this transformation, stands as a testament to Europe’s commitment to environmental sustainability. President von der Leyen recognised the critical role of industry in the European Green Deal. ALDA aligns with this vision by supporting local initiatives that promote green and sustainable practices, ensuring a just transition for all. ALDA’s Environment & Climate (E&C) Themartic Hub has been actively engaged in supporting the Green Deal’s objectives, facilitating local democracy and citizen participation in green initiatives.

Empowering Women and Promoting Gender Equity

Another crucial aspect of the EU’s progress highlighted by President von der Leyen is its groundbreaking work on gender equality, mentioning the Women on Boards Directive and the historic accession of the EU to the Istanbul Convention. ALDA’s Thematic Hub on Gender, Inclusion, and Human Rights for women’s rights aligns with the EU’s commitment to ensuring equal pay for equal work and combating violence against women.

The Parliament’s support for proposals to combat violence against women, including the principle that “no means no,” reflects the dedication to fostering true equality.

During the State of the Union 2023, President von der Leyen emphasised the power of a bold and united Europe

Throughout the speech, President von der Leyen also emphasized the power of a bold and united Europe . Despite facing challenges such as a global pandemic and conflicts at Europe’s doorstep, the EU has made remarkable strides. Key achievements include the historic Next Generation EU investment and reform package, efforts to strengthen the health union, and initiatives to enhance European independence in critical sectors.

President von der Leyen also shared a poignant story that underlines the gravity of the situation in Ukraine. A young Ukrainian mother’s journey to find refuge in Europe, escaping the advancing Russian tanks, encapsulates the human tolerance of this conflict. Her tears di lei at the border checkpoint, as she explained to her child that they were finally “home” in Europe, underline the profound trust within the European community.

As we stand in solidarity with Ukraine, it is essential to recognize the unwavering commitment of the European Union. The EU has provided refuge to four million Ukrainians, ensuring access to housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The proposal to extend temporary protection to Ukrainians in the EU reflects our dedication to providing a safe place.

ALDA continues its commitment to Ukraine and its people. With the Flagship Initiative in Ukraine , the Association aims to open seven new Local Democracy Agencies in the country, in addition to the already existing ones in Mariupol and Dnipro, as instruments of peace and cohesion, in order to help Ukrainians to rebuild the country and ensure a just and peaceful future for all. 

With ALDA’s commitment to good governance, citizen participation, and sustainability, we are poised to support their initiatives and work alongside local authorities to create positive change.

Europe’s diversity, represented by its multitude of languages, arts, and cuisines, is a source of pride and strength. Together, as a united and forward-thinking continent, we can address the challenges of today and build a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

You can read President von der Leyen’s speech here . 

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BEtter Water-management for Advancing Resilient-communities in Europe

AT A GLANCE

Global climate change is leading a significant increase in temperature, intensification of extreme weather phenomena, frequent heavy rainfall alternating with periods of lack of water. Strong rainfalls, floods, inundations, landslides, and erosive phenomena have affected our country in recent years, climate models tell us that these phenomena won’t disappear but instead will be more intense in the future!
This situation is further intensified by the increasing consumption of soil and its progressive waterproofing, which compromises the effectiveness of the system of natural infiltration of water and harms the services provided by nature.
The project focuses on the achievement of a global strategy for climate adaptation to flooding risk increasing water infiltration and storage in urban and rural areas, by involving actively local communities. An additional detail? The BEWARE project is designed to increase knowledge, benefit, and real implementation of NWRM (Natural Water Retention Measures) both in the territory of Comune di Santorso and Comune di Marano Vicentino (Vicenza, IT) and other EU municipalities.

Objectives:

  • Promoting a participative approach to implement local initiatives and measures on water-retention actions facing climate change’s challenge;
  • Establishing a local administrative, financial and technical context favourable to the diffuse employment of NWRM;
  • Enhancing the link between European policies and local contexts actively involving citizens and key-stakeholders on the EU goals on climate change;
  • Demonstrating that small diffused works and implementation of best practices can guarantee hydraulic safety and face climate-change consequences effectively;
  • Encouraging the replication of the actions proposed in other geographic areas of Italy and Europe.
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Small Alliance Representing Territories (ITAT2049)

AT A GLANCE

The SMART project stems from the need to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of local communities and offer tourists new opportunities to discover and experience the Alpine area.
The project will result in the creation of an innovative museum circuit promoting small cultural excellences and new ways of experiencing the territories.
A practical guideline for tourism and cultural stakeholders and recommendations for policy makers, will be published to promote the harmonisation between regional and local policies related to accessible tourism.

Objectives:

  • Valorization of local identities and cultural, historical and natural heritage;
  • Promoting design for all through multisensory paths able to make territories discovery subjective and inclusive;
  • Spreading multimedia tourist itineraries using augmented reality and artificial intelligence

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Empowering Urban Youth for Climate Action

AT A GLANCE

The project is conceived to increase EU citizens’ knowledge, awareness, and engagement on sustainable patterns of food consumption and production for climate change, mitigation, and adaptation. The project is designed to reach young people, between 18 and 35 years old, committed to change their food consumption behaviours and to actively promote the shift towards ecological and inclusive urban food systems, contributing to the EU’s efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The project will be implemented in over 21 locations and 17 countries, in particular 16 EU Member States and 1 country in the Global South (Brazil)! The consortium includes 17 Local Authorities (LA), 4 LAs specialized agencies, and 8 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

Objectives:

The overall objective of the project is to raise awareness and increase engagement among youth on the topics of sustainable patterns in food consumption and production, with a focus on climate change, mitigation, and adaptation.

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AT A GLANCE

The EPIC project addresses the challenges of the integration of migrants by targeting medium-sized cities that need to develop expertise in areas such as housing, labour integration, integration policy, and/or counter-narratives.
At the same time, these cities will lend their expertise to support their counterparts in other Local Authorities (LAs). This will allow a transfer of knowledge and know-how among Local Authorities and support direct peer-to-peer practical learning that foresees the exchange of knowledge, skills, and personnel on migrant integration matters.

Objectives:

EPIC – the European Platform of Integrating Cities aims to improve the integration of migrants at local level by creating a network of Local Authorities (LAs) and their implementing partners (NGOs) that will A) share knowledge and best practices of migrant integration, B) engage in peer-to-peer exchanges based on mutual priorities and different expertise and C) integrate efficient practices within their local policies.

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From 6 to 9 September, 2023, E-Voice project partners and beneficiaries met in Šibenik (Croatia) for the second Transnational Partners Meeting, during which the work undertaken so far by the partners was explored. The project, under the “Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV)” programme, is carried out by a partnership of 7 countries – Italy (Gazzo), Romania (Mioveni), Croatia (Sibenik), Bulgaria (Union Of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities – UBBSLA), Spain (Fondo Andaluz de Municipios para la Solidariadad Internacional- FAMSI), Belgium (Association of Cities and Regions for Sustainable Resource Management- ACR+) and France (ALDA – The European Association for Local Democracy). During the three days, the representatives of 6 countries gathered together to focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youngsters’ mental health through some interesting lectures and interactive workshops. The meeting aimed not only to define the next steps for the project but also provided an opportunity to deepen partners’ understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives and education of young people.

The meeting began with an insightful lecture by Professor Marko Kovačić, an expert in Youth Studies at Edward Bernays University of Applied Sciences, who pointed out that youth is now living during a “cascade of crisis“: several entangled crisis are currently challenging new generations’ mental health, which were unfolded during stimulating group activities.

Afterwards, partners had the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Šibenik and discover more on its history, culture and development with the help of a tour guide who explained that Šibenik is a “City for Youth”: inspired by the European Charter on Local Youth Work, the Association of Cities in Croatia together with the Croatian Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes publishes yearly a call inviting cities to apply for a ‘City for Youth’ certificate. To obtain this recognition, a city has to match criteria based on the analysis of existing models in Europe: there are a total of 81 criteria, divided into 8 thematic areas concerning youth participation, demography, youth employment, mobility, health and sport, youth work and culture, education and information. In order to be a ‘City for Youth’, youth policies must be successfully implemented  in at least the 50% of the thematic areas. A great example of a city that cares about its youth! 

The 3-days meeting gave to the project consortium the opportunity to be inspired on innovative youth policies and initiatives

The last day partners had the chance to touch first hand the results of a fruitful best practice implemented by the city of Šibenik during the pandemic: the Trokut Incubator of Šibenik. It is a coworking and office space that supports freelancers, digital nomads, developers, startups, and other entrepreneurs. Its primary goal is to provide education, reskilling, and, more specifically, to strengthen the young entrepreneurial and IT community. An awesome best practice to support youth’s business ideas.

During the 3 days meeting partners exchanged methods and good practices to support youth in the post pandemic period and learned what Šibenik is implementing in this regard. The next phase of the project will take place in Sevilla (Spain) in November: stay tuned for further updates!

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Aménagement Urbain du Territoire pour REinventer les Mobilités et ENgager les Tunisiens

AT A GLANCE

The AUTREMENT project addresses the challenges of sustainable urban mobility and planning in the Tunisian cities of Kairouan and Mahdia. To do so, the project works along the following main areas: capacity building by providing municipalities of both cities with training in the field of local governance; public space design and planning through several micro-projects (7 in Kairouan and 3 in Mahdia) to renovate and better develop both cities; mobilization and awareness-raising activities among citizens to help engage them in their city.

Objectives:

The AUTREMENT project aims to promote, on the one hand, a greater citizen participation in local governance and a sustainable urban development, and to promote, on the other hand, soft mobility especially by encouraging biking, in both Tunisian cities of Kairouan and Mahdia. Hence the project intent to improve their economic and tourist attractiveness as well as the daily lives of their citizens

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AT A GLANCE

DAFLS project responds to the needs of the Faculties of Philology in North Macedonia and Serbia to diversify their training offer in order to provide new professional perspectives to their graduates and to increase their employability. At present, these faculties focus, in a classical philological approach, on the study of language, literature and civilisation, and mainly prepare for professions in teaching, research and translation with limited opportunities. However, the opening up of national economies to globalisation and the integration of countries into the European Union has created, on the one hand, a demand in companies for multilingual and multi-skilled staff with international business management skills. On the other, the current negotiations for accession to the European Union are increasing the needs of administrations for staff with in-depth knowledge of European programmes, skills in terms of managing European funds and running European projects in networks with other institutional or private, local or international partners.

Objectives:

  • Meeting the needs of the labour market by developing the teaching of applied foreign languages and training in European project management
  • Contributing to the internationalisation of partner institutions by creating co-degree courses, taught in English and structured around mutualised courses
  • Supporting the pedagogical transformation of partner institutions through the development of e-learning modules that multiply the ways of learning languages and through teaching in virtual classrooms

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Participation Inclusion and Engagement of Communities in Europe

AT A GLANCE

Born from the statement that it is becoming rarer and rarer for people to be in touch with their local communities and to create networks that are both local and offline in today’s world, PIECE seeks to establish and empower community spaces and activities that can help people connect and build networks within their local communities.

Objectives:

PIECE aims to address the needs of communities in Europe through the training, education, and empowerment of community workers. Through this project, beneficiaries will enhance their skills and employability and in turn enhance the social inclusion, skills, and employability of the people they will train, involve in their activities, and come in contact with thus creating a virtuous circle of empowerment.

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A cross disciplinary service learning platform integrating design, business, botanics and technology

AT A GLANCE

Green Skills 4 Cities” aims to establish a transdisciplinary educational platform targeted at the development of skills in the field of NBS implementation in cities. The project will bring together trainers and learners from the fields of botany, technology, design, and economy and cities involving them in an unique transdisciplinary learning environment aiming at the development of curricula targeted at working in the public sector.

Green Skills for Cities aims to develop three programmes: the Training for Trainers Programme, the Short Term Programme and the Long Term Programme. All the resources for the programmes will be stored in an Online Resource Repository Platform which will be open to anyone who is interested in looking at the resources or developing the programmes for themselves. In addition, the partners will host online webinars and in-person national symposiums.

Objectives:

  • Develop curricula of professionals targeted at NBS implementation, thus increasing cities sustainability;
  • Increase the quality and relevance of higher education, focusing on the transdisciplinary dimension, to better respond to the labour markets needs;
  • Reinforce networks in the field of urban sustainable development, establishing collaborations between HEIs, RTOs and municipalities, thus facilitating the introduction of the learners in the labour market;
  • Produce results that are reusable, transferable and up-scalable.

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Educating for Inclusion

AT A GLANCE

The project outcomes and results aim directly at the inclusion of people with fewer opportunities, specifically migrants, which are prone to intersectional marginalisation through a combination of ethnic discrimination and social-economic deprivation.
The project identifies the need for capacity building that enables migrant associations to get involved in the inclusion and diversity strategies through curriculum building and capacity training aimed at low participation barriers in democratic co-creation processes at the local level.
Communication and cooperation between local municipalities, migrant residents and migrant associations require intercultural capacities and target-group specific methods from both the public policy-making bodies and the migrant associations.

By combining municipal and migrant community actors from different national contexts and city sizes, we have joined a wide spectrum of knowledge, experiences and perspectives on inclusion and diversity in European cities. The localities of Berlin, Germany; Gdansk, Poland; Copenhagen, Denmark; Palermo, Italy; Budapest, Hungary represent a variety of sizes and contexts but share common goals and challenges.

Objectives:

At the REGIONAL/LOCAL level:

  • To encourage the initiation, negotiation and implementation of migrant-sensitive policies and strategies in and by further localities and organisations inspired by partners’ activities in the same region or country, to want to create new models for successful paths of migrant inclusion at a broader level through storytelling and the exchange of experiences.
  • To raise awareness of the need for local inclusion and diversity strategies and policies and encourage regional and national policymakers to consider the needs of residents of all backgrounds when planning and implementing local actions and policies, especially in education, housing, services and employment fields.

At the EU level, it’s planning to:

  • Create inclusive communities and tackle discriminatory policies between actors from municipalities, migrant associations and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Encourage EU policymakers to collaborate and coordinate with migrant associations and actors when planning and implementing local strategies and policies, especially in the fields of education, housing, services and employment.
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Approximately 25 participants from civil society and local authorities in the Republic of Moldova benefited from a study visit to Iasi, Romania, in the EU4Accountability project framework, where they exchanged experiences and best practices in the field of voluntary sector work, community development and social accountability.  

About 25 participants learned about the organisation of social enterprises in Romania, the legal framework and cooperation with local authorities, and their social and economic impact. In this context, programmes in the field of social services, inclusion and integration of vulnerable groups in the labour market, lobbying, advocacy and support for NGO development were presented.

The visit to the Refugee Centre, organised and supported by Bethany Social Services Foundation, allowed for an exchange of impressions and best practices between participants who have been on the front line of the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. Participants learned about the integration services, psychological support and translation provided by volunteers at the centre, as well as the tailoring of support to the needs of beneficiaries. 

Participants had the chance to learn from insightful contributions in the field of voluntary sector work, community development and social accountability. 

The visit to Iasi County Council  provided insights into public funding mechanisms for the non-governmental sector, legislative aspects, and cross-border project best practices. Representatives of the Iasi Municipality spoke about the importance of developing partnerships at local community level and presented examples of municipal programmes to support youth and cultural projects. The participatory budgeting process is managed by the Local Office for Participatory Democracy, which implements projects and works through the Iasi Neighbourhood Centres. 

A good example of social enterprise development is the food hub Roade și Merinde, which provides a platform for farmers and small producers to test and market quality local products. The Foodhub’s mission is to bring local food and craft products to new consumers and to promote the culture of consuming traditional and ecologically grown products.

The study visit concluded with a visit to the Dream Art Center Iasi, a social enterprise offering creative spaces, painting workshops, music lessons, and instruments for children. Approximately 10% of the center’s students come from vulnerable families and receive free services and support from volunteer mentors.

The activity is carried out in the framework of the EU4Accountability project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations in Moldova to better play their role as actors of governance and to increase the social accountability of local and central public administration in Moldova. 

EU4Accountability is funded by the European Union in the Republic of Moldova and implemented by ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy, European Partnership for Democracy and People in Need Moldova.

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