Celia, Project manager at ALDA, with colleagues joined the 3 STEPS event!
A presentation of the 3 STEPS project was made by ALDA FRANCE’s team to members and volunteers of different associations working with migrants on the topic of inclusion and integration of young (low-skilled) migrants and refugees, on 25 September in the Lieu d’Europe.
Participants were presented with both methods that the project aims to adapt in France – “Basic Education Classes” and “TANDEM NOW” – selected as best practices by the European Commission in 2017. It was followed by an exchange on the programme of the future training of teachers/educators on intercultural competence, inclusion and shared values, and training of mentors on the above-mentioned subject through a ‘blended mentoring approach’ to develop their social and professional skills.
3 STEPS: sharing experiences in working toward the inclusion and integration of young people
Similarly, those that joined the event shared their experiences in working toward the inclusion and integration of young people and gave back feedback on the methods and tools presented by the project team.
This exchange serves as a basis for the implementation of future trainings for trainers/educators and mentors within the 3 STEPS project by ALDA before the end of the year; to which participants expressed their interest.
It has been a great event, and many more are on the way!
From the 24th to the 26th of September, the municipality of Lavarone welcomed European partners of the project DESIRE and the Rude Awakening.
→ The Rude Awakening project is ending on a high note.
We are glad to have been able to meet even if it was for the first and last time in the framework of the project. Indeed the project started in January 2019 and 2 months after the World health crisis started. The project has been run in an online mode. Today, all the partners are happy to have collaborated together to create a great tool: a video game.
→ A good start for the DESIRE project
It was the first time for the partners to meet together face-to-face and share the local activities already done. On this occasion, the project website has been presented to all the partners. Now, all the information regarding the project is gathered in one website. Discover the DESIRE website soon! Keep it posted.
This international event was the opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices among the partners of both projects. It was a time of exchange and of learning from each other.
Partners of The Rude Awakening and Desire together in Lavarone
“The Rude Awakening – a multimedia journey in the footsteps of frontline soldiers’ everyday life”, is a European project that aims to raise the awareness and interest of younger generations (between 13 to 20 years old) on the topic of war and peace. With the support of digital and audiovisual contents based on the stories of WWI soldiers, “The Rude Awakening” wants to lead a new educational and emotional perspective on war and peace, whereby visitors will learn by doing as they fill the shoes of a soldier all along the museum visit, thus better understanding war memories and soldier life thanks to technology. It’s a co-funded project by the European Union MEDIA programme, a sub-programme of Creative Europe, which gathered Fondazione Belvedere-Gschwent as the lead partner, and as project partners: Comune di Lavarone, ALDA, 101 Percento, Mémoire pour la vie, Gornjesavski Muzej Jesenice, Danube Connect, World of NGOs and the Macedonian Center of Photography.
For more information on the project and how to join it, please contact the artistic Director, Mr Renzo Carbonera: progetti@fortebelvedere.org
After the summer break it is time to start courses and trainings again… Hurry up, only 3 spots are still available!
Starting in October 2021 the online course will focus on “European Funding: new programming and new opportunities”- Italian version. During the course attendees will be provided with experience-based, good tips and insights useful to know when approaching this topic (course infopack here).
WHY OUR COURSES?
Based on ALDA’s long lasting experience, being actively operating within the sector of European democracy support and project development for more than 20 years, ALDA + is able to provide valuable and professional courses on several topics, mostly related to European funding, Policy Analysis and Project Development.
WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS GET?
By joining the course participants will get:
Practical knowledge to be able to understand and recognised the differences among the European funding programmes
Teaching materials will be distributed during course, providing concrete examples of projects implemented
Support after the training is available! Our staff will answers questions and doubts also after the course
Certificate of attendance will be given at the end of the course
Professional Trainers will guide participants through the course
TRAINERS
Marco Boaria is the Head of ALDA’s Resources and Development Unit, since 2004. With more than 15 years of experience, he has developed projects in different areas, based on different programs of the European Union (and beyond), interacting with different DGs of the European Commission. He has worked as project coordinator, with particular focus on issues such as democracy, participation, youth and has assumed the role of external supervisor in European projects developed by public and private entities. His specialization as a trainer mainly concerns the following topics/areas: project cycle management, European funds, participatory methods, non-formal education, youth.
Anna Ditta has 10 years of experience in the field of project development and implementation, particularly with reference to European Union funding programs. She holds a degree in International Political Science from the University of Padua and a Master in European Studies and Project Management from Brussels. She worked for several years for the Veneto Region, Brussels Directorate, dealing specifically with cooperation with the Balkans. At ALDA she deals with fundraising and project development, focusing on active citizenship, youth, cooperation with third countries in the field of participatory democracy and good local governance.
Lavinia Traina works in the Programmes and Development Department of ALDA and she is in charge of the development of projects funded by the European Union. Interested in the issues of good governance, human rights, social inclusion, active citizenship, youth, environment and sustainable development, she is involved in the drafting of projects within the ERASMUS+, Europe for Citizens, LIFE, IMCAP and Creative Europe programs of the European Union. She has worked in the management of projects dealing with human rights, with particular attention to the defense of vulnerable people such as women, indigenous peoples, migrants and homeless with experiences in Italy and abroad.
USEFUL INFORMATION
ONLINE TIMETABLE: 14October 2021 17.00-19.00 21 October 2021 17.00-19.00 28 October 2021 17.00-19.00 4 November 2021 17.00-19.00
COSTS: 200 euro (10% discount for ALDA members and students under 26 years old)
Attendees will be involved within a reality that has more than 20 year of experiences, established in 1999 at the initiative of the Council of Europe to coordinate and support the network of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), which are self- sustainable, locally registered NGOs acting as promoters of good governance and local self-government, with which ALDA collaborates in many activities. Our history and activities in a glance:
After the training on European Funding, it’s now time to better understand the project cycle management!
Starting in November 2021 the course will focus on “development of the projectidea”. The course will be delivered online and in Italian. During the 4 days course attendees will be provided with concrete examples and professional insights on how to developed a project. Take a look at the the agenda and infopack here
WHY OUR COURSES?
Based on its long lasting experience, being actively operating within the sector of European democracy support and project development for more than 20 years, ALDA + is able to provide valuable and professional courses on several topics, mostly related to European funding, Policy Analysis and Project Development.
WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS GET?
By joining the course participants will get:
Practical knowledge to be able to understand and recognised the differences among the European funding programmes
Writing and Reporting Workshop during which participants will see how to write a project and manage its budget
Teaching materials will be provided during course, providing concrete examples of projects implemented
Support after the training is available! Our staff will answers questions and doubts also after the course
Certificate of attendance will be given at the end of the course
Professional Trainers will guide participants through the course
TRAINERS
Marco Boaria is the Head of ALDA’s Resources and Development Unit, since 2004. With more than 15 years of experience, he has developed projects in different areas, based on different programs of the European Union (and beyond), interacting with different DGs of the European Commission. He has worked as project coordinator, with particular focus on issues such as democracy, participation, youth and has assumed the role of external supervisor in European projects developed by public and private entities. His specialization as a trainer mainly concerns the following topics/areas: project cycle management, European funds, participatory methods, non-formal education, youth.
Anna Ditta has 10 years of experience in the field of project development and implementation, particularly with reference to European Union funding programs. She holds a degree in International Political Science from the University of Padua and a Master in European Studies and Project Management from Brussels. She worked for several years for the Veneto Region, Brussels Directorate, dealing specifically with cooperation with the Balkans. At ALDA she deals with fundraising and project development, focusing on active citizenship, youth, cooperation with third countries in the field of participatory democracy and good local governance.
USEFUL INFORMATION
TIMETABLE: 12 November 2021 15.00-18.00 19 November 2021 15.00-18.00 26 November 2021 15.00-18.00 3 December 2021 15.00-18.00
COSTS: 300 euro (10% discount for ALDA members and students under 26 years old)
CONTACT: Please email Eleonora Bertin for any further question or call +39 0444 54 01 46
OUR REALITY
Attendees will be involved within a reality that has more than 20 year of experiences, established in 1999 at the initiative of the Council of Europe to coordinate and support the network of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), which are self- sustainable, locally registered NGOs acting as promoters of good governance and local self-government, with which ALDA collaborates in many activities. Our history and activities in a glance:
In October 2021, ALDA Secretary General – Antonella Valmorbida – will join the second Marmara Urban Forum (MARUF). Organised by the ALDA Member Marmara Municipalities Union, the event gathers experts and professionals from all over the world to discuss the necessity of rethinking the urban space and policies in the aftermath of COVID-19.
In lights of recents events, such as the health crisis and forced migration, reconsidering the urban spaces, reflecting on the cities in relation to their people and communities are crucial aspects that need to be discussed at international level. Therefore, based on the six axes, which are “healthy,” “inclusive,” innovative,” “resilient,” “sustainable,” and “creative” cities, Marmara Urban Forum will serve as a platform of mutual learning and exchange of knowledge on these important issues.
Entitled “Cities Developing Solutions: Re-Think, Co-Act”, and in line with the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the forum is addressing daily issues from climate change and local development; to public health and infrastructure. Over 90 partners – be they international organisations, universities, NGOs – will join the second edition of MARUF. Just to mention a few, together with ALDA, also UN-Habitat, the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, Energy Cities, CDP, WRI, UNDP will be present at the event.
Ms. Valmorbida, as been invited as keynote speakers in two different sessions.
Beginning on October 1st (15.00 UCT+3), the first discussion she will join in entitled: “City Networks: Keep calm and meet globally“. Sitting with her at the virtual table:
Anna Lisa Boni, Secretary General, EUROCITIES
Floriane Cappelletti, Communications&Overall Coordination, Energy Cities
Júlia López Ventura, European Regional Director, C40
Karen Vancluysen, Secretary General, POLIS
Moreover, with a special focus on “Local Administration Reform Project III” – (LAR III), Antonella Valmorbida will also participate at the session taking place on October 3rd at 14.30 (UCT+3), together with:
Neslihan Yumukoğlu – Project Manager, Local Administration Reform Phase III Project, UNDP
“I don’t want young people to change country, I want young people to change the country.” (Rinaldo Sidoli)
ARC Research Centre of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Milan, Alliance for Social Generativity, with the support of Fondazione Cattolica are looking for 50 young leaders to share ideas and energies and become the real engine of our country, through Social Generativity.
On 30 September in Vicenza, participate in 50xcento, a free training and activation experience on the theme of Social Generativity, a new paradigm for the development of a territory and its community, aimed at a heterogeneous group of 50 young people from the Vicenza area.
But what is Social Generativity?
Social generativity is a new way of thinking and acting, both personal and collective, which describes the possibility of a type of socially oriented, creative, connective, productive and responsible action, capable of having a positive impact on the forms of producing, innovating, living, caring, organising and investing, by injecting new life.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE – who are the young contribution leaders
50 young people aged 20 to 40 years, resident and/or domiciled in the territory of Vicenza and its Province, who wish to take up the challenge of the “50xcento” and share the logic of contribution, to be active protagonists of a new season of development, local and national, with people at the centre, starting from the spaces and opportunities for growth offered and present in the territory of Vicenza.
Together to be the real engine of Italian development, through Social Generativity
HOW – Learning by doing: theory at the service of practice.
Overall, the 50xcento day can be thought of as an articulated collective performance, which begins with a traditional conference setting and evolves progressively, in a crescendo.
Through the use of different and integrated languages, making the most of the performative aspects in the group work, the participants will be presented with the theme and the pillars of Social Generativity and proposed a performative action:
1st Pillar – Desire: Reflection and dialogue on the following questions: What is blocking the future today? What prevents us from looking beyond? What inhibits desire in my area?
2nd Pillar – Bringing into the world: constructing and generating elements that are considered to be positive for one’s own city, future and society
3rd Pillar – Taking care: having lunch together to underline the importance of conviviality as a value for building sustainable and productive social dynamics.
4th Pillar – Letting go: the performative action to be carried out involves leaving the elements built in the second pillar in a point considered significant in one’s own territory, and taking a photo.
At the end of the training day, the young participants in the 50xcento will have the opportunity to participate in the presentation of the European project CAP- PERI (CAP – Peer Education Resources in Italy), co-funded by the European Union Programme IMCAP, in which the following organisations participate ALDA – Association of Local Democracy Agencies (Vicenza), IRS – Institute for Social Research (Milan), Replay Network (Rome), ISBEM – Euro Mediterranean Biomedical Scientific Institute (Mesagne) and CESIE – European Centre of Studies and Initiatives (Palermo).
Through this initiative, participants will acquire various soft skills that will enable them to generate and seize opportunities for development and change in their local contexts and become cultural promoters around social generativity, initiating supra-local relations and networks of exchange of reflections and generative practices with other territories.
Participation in the CAP-PERI conference offers a concrete example of the development of a project idea and also provides an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with experienced organisations and to draw inspiration, stimuli and ideas.
Membership of the event is free of charge, there is no cost to participate. Lunch is included. Timetable: 9.00 – 18.00 Venue: ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy – Viale Milano 36 – Vicenza
Recently ALDA colleagues, Giulia and Lea from Middle East and Africa Department joined the DEVOTE meeting in Zonguldak, Turkey. Yet, what was it about?
Teams from the 6 partner organizations attended a hybrid transnational meeting on September 15th and 16th in Zonguldak, Turkey and through the Zoom platform online. It was the occasion to finally meet in person, but also to discuss the progress made after one year of project’s implementation and to talk about the future steps to be taken.
Zonguldak was the occasion to finally meet in person, but also to discuss the progress made
What we achieved so far:
The publication of our report of primary research and literature review outlining the current situation of the integration of students with migrant backgrounds into schools.
The very next step:
The publication of the Educational content translated in all 6 languages of our partner organizations – coming soon
DEVOTE – Developing the Competencies of Teachers to Integrate Students from Migrant Background into European Schools, is a project funded by the Erasmus+ Programme and implemented by a consortium of 6 organizations from France, Slovenia, Turkey, Greece, Italy and Belgium.
The aim of the project? Equipping teachers and educators with skills and tools to strengthen the inclusion of students with migrant backgrounds and to improve their success in education.
With great enthusiasm, the DEVOTE project is making great steps forward, and this meeting Zonguldak, Turkey, encouraged once more partners and people involved in keeping on with this initiative, supporting students and teachers in Europe and beyond!
***
Check DEVOTE’s website, subscribe to its newsletter and follow the project on social medias if you want to know more:
The five day event, which took place all over the city of Amiens (France) for the first three days and held online for the last two, was a sizable gathering of many different people. Every day was filled with various activities, like workshops, tours and talks, that functioned as learning experiences as well as moments to socialise and network, all in the name of citizen participation. Participants were encouraged to choose from an array of possibilities to fill their day with as many informative and constructive opportunities as they wished.
In Amiens, inventing together the democracy of tomorrow
The main focus that brought everyone together was the one sentence at the heart of the event «Imaginer ensemble la démocratie de demain».
During the three days of in-person debates on citizen participation, many speakers – coming from different structures – were able to share their ideas, opinions on different topics linked to the main focus, and thus provided an opportunity for all participants to reflect on their own practices, learn and share new and more effective ones and then bring that knowledge home.
Thanks to Morgane’s participation in this event, ALDA is certain that learning about this amazing experience from her will be greatly beneficial to our cause and future plans concerning citizen participation.
The city of Ravenna recently celebrated the 700th anniversary of the death of the epic poet and father of the Italian Language, Dante Alighieri. With this major event passing by and in the occasion of the third transnational meeting, participants of the VALID project took the days of September 10-13 to visit the culturally monumental city and engage in various cultural exchanges and activities, alongside partners of the event presenting their own delegations of the project. Participants included representatives of partner municipalities, local authorities of Ravenna, youth and culture groups, NGOs, artists, and interested citizens.
Looking at the activities that those involved participated in, they had plenty of opportunities to exchange amongst one another experiences such as what their respective groups are involved in and do, and special attention was paid to the theatrical and artistic side of Ravenna. The delegations had the opportunity to hear about several initiatives that the Municipality of Ravenna supports.
The “Teatro delle Albe” theater group, which is a partner of the city, presented multiple performances done by the youth of Ravenna such as plays, and the final results of a Rap Lab. This all tied further into the topic of Dante and what he means to the people of Italy. The aim of the theater troupe is to promote the local culture and bring the people of Ravenna together, and they took the time to share how they have gone about that and helped further promote the local cultural abundance. Part of the program is delegated towards the inclusion of migrants through theater, in particular, a group from Senegal, and showing that despite our differences, we can all find a shared heritage to unite us.
The participants experienced the rich culture of Ravenna
The participants experienced the rich culture of Ravenna, and explored around the city, seeing the art, and major landmarks, many preserved for hundreds of years, such as the San Francesco Basilica. Functioning as both a library and a museum, the ancient site is a piece of history in the present and houses art related to Dante and the Divine Comedy.
As part of the celebration the Valid project partners took part in the traditional reading of the Devine Comedy in front of Dante’s tomb. Several event participants read part of the Divine Comedy to the Tomb in their respective languages, with the event being livestreamed. The spectators were able to hear the lines of the famous poem in Slovenian, Macedonian, Albanian, Bosnian and Italian. It is part of a daily happening in which anyone can sign up to read part of the Divine Comedy to the tomb, restarting on a yearly basis, as the city’s gift to Dante.
Now back at home, all delegations are organizing their own local paths and working with their communities after this event to identify various community art forms and facilitate their own dialogue and exchanges for phase 2 of this third transnational meeting.
*** The VALID project is a bottom-up level project centered around building a strong network of towns to foster intercultural exchange and encourage intercultural dialogue and active local participation. It takes place across a period of around 2 years and involves the organization of several international events across multiple countries, this being one of the major stops. Ravenna is a very culturally rich city, and all the partners involved were able to experience that firsthand.
ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida will be among the keynote speakers at the Webinar “Public Administration as a Green Leader” that will take place on 23 September 2021, via Facebook Live.
In light of the 2021 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report the focus of governance should shift in order to reflect the needs of citizens concerned about climate change and its consequences. One way to do this is to “turn public administration green”. But what does that mean? “Turning public administration green means formulating a vision to be shared with and by the population and upholding a commitment to sacrifice short-term (economic) interests to ensure long-term sustainability.”
Turning public administration green means formulating a vision to be shared with and by the population
The webinar will also showcase best practices to make office buildings more environmentally sustainable, minimise the impacts of meetings and events, promote sustainable commuting and business travel etc.
It will be moderated by the Head of the Department of Democracy and Governance, Dan Popescu, and the other speakers are:
Maja Marincek, Undersecretary, Public Procurement Directorate, Ministry of Public Administration, Slovenia;
Marion Rumpl, Competence Centre for Sustainable Procurement at the Procurement Office of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Germany;
Gerhard Weiner, Head of the Service Center of the Sustainable Public Procurement Action Plan in Austria
ALDA is glad to be part of the event, and sharing its experience and knowledge with other international realities, together for a greener Europe and world!
ALDA is pleased to announce that the next webinar in the ALDATalks series has been officially scheduled for September the 24th 2021, at 2 pm CEST.
The event is open exclusively to Members of ALDA, and it will be held online in English, with the possibility of French simultaneous translation.
The Conference for the Future of Europe (CoFoE) represents a crucial occasion for the European Parliament, Council of Europe and European Commission to listen and collect citizens’ ideas and opinions on the future of the European Union.
ALDA is organising various activities within the conference, which you are warmly invited to join, but this webinar specifically is a chance to share with members new tools and opportunities to understand how you and your organisation/s can contribute ideas, clarify any doubts and answer every question.
If you are a Member check your email and get the link to register!
Join ALDA’s active participation in the Conference and you too can give a meaningful contribution to the identification of the next European challenges and priorities!
AGENDA
Explanation of the concept and main objectives behind the CoFoE. By Antonella Valmorbida – General Secretary of ALDA and member of the Steering Committee of the Civil Society Convention
Presentation the Civil Society Convention on the Future of Europe, a joint declaration which ensures the effective involvement of citizens. By Ruth-Marie Henckes – Advocacy and Communications Coordinator at EPD – European Partnership for Democracy
Explanation of how the CoFoE platforms work and how you can contribute with your ideas, comments and suggestions By Sofia Gatteri – Communication Officer at ALDA
ALDA invites its members to register at the following link!
The “Game to EMbrace INtercultural education” – GEM IN project builds on this incentive to promote intercultural education by using non-formal and playful approaches, enhancing the acquisition of social and civic competences to young people.
The purpose of the project is to support intercultural education at school and in non-formal youth environments as a vehicle to foster social inclusion, cross-cultural dialogue and active citizenship by promoting European values.
At the same time, the project intends to provide inputs and policy recommendations for intervention strategies to promote intercultural education and active citizenship through an innovative educational framework.
What is the best way to learn? Playing of course with GEM IN!
The educational framework’s aim is to be a guide for all the teachers, educators, project managers and people using the game as an educational resource thanks to its complete explanation of all the steps that were taken to create the game and its contents, keeping in mind the values and the methodology promoted through the whole project GEM IN
For example, during the piloting phase of the project in Cyprus, children had the opportunity to learn about another culture and what inclusion means through the game developed by GEM IN; and not even the covid-19 pandemic could stop this learning (by playing) experience when students were able to play and interact with the game online, as well as offering insightful and constructive feedback.
It is with great sorrow and profound sadness that we inform you that our colleague, Victor Cotruta, in charge of projects in Eastern Europe with our team in Chisinau, passed away yesterday, September 14th.
Victor will remain in our memory as a great colleague, motivated and committed to its work which he’s always carried on with a rare enthusiasm. But Victor was even a better person, goodhearted, helpful, and a real friend of many of us also outside work.
Victor had an experience of over 25 years working in the field of project management and coordination, with a particular focus on environment, participation and education.
He held a PhD in statistics and was Professor at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, but his passion was the third sector, thus since 2009 when the Eastern Partnership (EaP) was launched, he was deeply involved in activities related to the promotion of the initiative, managing projects implemented in Moldova and in other EaP partner countries.
Before joining the team, he was already a partner of ALDA, through his own organisation in Moldova, working together with ALDA for the establishment of the Civil Society Forum for Eastern Partnership, where Victor and Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, were members of the Steering Committee for the first years.
We all were lucky enough to work with Victor and got a chance to see what a great man he was. We will terribly miss him.
Our Secretary General will attend the funerals in Chisinau with our colleagues, tomorrow.
In his memory, ALDA is announcing a day of mourning, on Monday September 20th, when all offices will be closed for a time of reflection in our network, with a moment of commemoration. More information will be sent to all colleagues, friends, and partners.
Our deepest sympathies to its family, his close colleagues in our Chisinau office, friends and to all who knew and loved him.
“It was an interesting trip and thank you very much for this project” – here is the comment of a young participant during the final conference of the project JOURNEY.
JOURNEY – Joint Organization to Unite Rural Networks of Entrepreneurial, funded by the Erasmus+ programme, was implemented by a consortium of 8 organizations from 5 countries: Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Georgia and Azerbaijan.
The online event was attended by a great number of participants and by several stakeholders, among which:
Mr Christelle Philips, Project officer of EACEA- European Education and Culture Executive Agency from the European Commission,
Mr Petro Krainik, National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine,
Ms Olha Oliinyk, Lead Coordinator of Journey Project and Deputy Head of the Secretariat Head of the Center for Сommunications, Еxternal relations and Fundraising of Vinnytsia Regional Association of Local Self Government Bodies
During its two years of implementation, JOURNEY worked to reduce youth unemployment in the countries of the Eastern Partnership by increasing the entrepreneurship competencies of youth living in rural areas. In this vein, the experts from the Associations “Microfinanza e Sviluppo ONLUS” Mr Matteo Solivo, “DYPALL Network” Mr Mateusz Hoffmann, and “Sustainable development solutions” Ms Silvia Bivol, shared their experience and knowledge in the field of the Erasmus for young entrepreneurs, the involvement of young people in rural entrepreneurship and skills of entrepreneurship.
Check the platform JOURNEY and discover the free online courses
The teams from Georgia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan, both mentors and trainees, expressed their positive experience and acquired knowledge and information within the programme.
Coming to the project achievement, JOURNEY proudly achieved all the planned results and objectives: – 21 mentors trained; – 1 course of 10 modules in 4 languages for rural youth; – 9 online trainings (27 hours) for 3 target countries; – the new web platform “JOURNEY”; – 3 Stakeholders Committees to discuss about the main problems youth faced and the ways to support them; – 10 Clubs of Young Entrepreneurs (6 local+1 central Club – in Ukraine, 2 – in Georgia and 1 – in Azerbaijan); – 3 Follow-up workshops gathered 90 youngsters in Ukraine, Georgia and Azerbaijan (face-to-face!); – 1 digital Youth Exchange
“Believe and invest in every single citizen” – with these words ALDA Secretary General – Antonella Valmorbida commented on the key role that democracy plays in our society. Yet, since its very beginning, the Association has been committed to spread democracy as a shared value, as well as a living condition. In light of that, on the occasion of Democracy Week 2021, ALDA is happy to celebrate this anniversary inviting everyone to play an active role!
Yet, how to, and how is ALDA turning this complex idea into concrete actions? Check out these three examples on how the Association is making democracy a real fact!
1) Democracy is Choice, Freedom, Participation.
Building conditions that allow people to live freely, to choose freely are among the milestones of Europe, as well as ALDA’s mission. Yet, making this possible is a daily exercise that requires the participation of different actors, and players. Having that in mind, it comes with itself that ALDA not only stimulates civic engagement, and citizens’ involvement; but it is also a crucial player in creating bridges between people and institutions. Thus, since the beginning of the 2021, ALDA is fully engaged in the Civil Society Convention on the Conference on the Future of Europe, having Ms. Valmorbida as elected member of the Steering Committee. Furthermore, the Association is actively promoting several events on the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) platform, and it will be glad to see many of its members, partners and friends online too, shaping the Future of Europe together.
2)Democracy is Synergy and Dialogue.
Based on these two aspects as well as a multi-stakeholder approach, ALDA is committed to reach common goals together with its great network. Counting on more than 350 members, be they Local Authorities, Civil Society Organisations, and thanks to the 15 Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), the Association is still investing in the development of a network composed of actors and representatives coming from the different components of communities. Thus, the idea is to support the development of democracy in Europe and beyond, as clearly explained within the ALDA flagship initiative ”European Support to Local Democracy” a valuable manual with concrete examples and tools on how to make democracy a reality.
3)Democracy is Glocal. By supporting local democracy and citizens engagement in Europe, the Neighbourhood and beyond, ALDA is a strategic partner when it comes to localising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, when developing its projects, ALDA has the 17 SDGs in mind and designs its activities in order to not only raise awareness on them, but also to stimulate a change and promote concrete actions for their success. As testified by its projects, ALDA is able to turn international goals into a daily and local attitude, which calls on every citizen to join.
Finally, democracy, as the origin of the word suggests [demos = people], is integral to the society and to its people. Hence, ALDA is very much committed, as demonstrated in more than 20 years of activities, to support citizens, organisations and bodies that are willing to make the difference and work for the implementation of it in Europe and beyond.
Actions to reform the media sector in Kyrgyzstan are going on, as never before… with Media Dialogue!
On one side, a campaign against hate speech – #ChallengeHate – has been launched on September 6th, by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and the Institute of Civic Development. Such a campaign comes right during the run up to the country’s Parliamentary elections… and that’s not the fate! Indeed, Media Dialogue wants to harness the power of the media in safeguarding conflict-free elections.
For this reason, last Wednesday September 8th, Alexandru Coica, ALDA Regional Coordinator for Eastern Europe and Central Asia held a series of monitoring visits with the beneficiaries of the grants, aimed at stimulating a bigger impact at the local and national level.
The actions implemented allowed to test alternative business development strategies in the media sector
These grantees have implemented projects in the field of media entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan and the actions implemented allowed to test alternative business development strategies in the media sector and thus demonstrate their efficiency.
The meetings were attended by several organizations, as “TV Academy”, LLC “Tentek”, LLC “Bakai Nur Mega” (Next TV), PF “New Media” (Temirov Live).
On September 17th 2021, ALDA is organising a special conference meeting to welcome the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2021.
The event will start at 12pm and will take place in hybrid form, with some participants and speakers in Novo Mesto and others connected online. Organised within the framework of the Week of Culture of Novo Mesto, the Conference will be launched by Antonella Valmorbida – Secretary General of ALDA and Steering Committee member of the Civil Society Convention on the Future of Europe. Ms Valmorbida will give participants a comprehensive overview of the significance and importance of the Conference as a unique opportunity for citizens from all over Europe to freely express opinions and suggestions that will shape European policies in the years to come.
Keeping in mind that in 2021 Slovenia is also celebrating 30 years of independence, the conference aims at offering an exchange platform for a fertile discussion on the recent history of the European Union, its past challenges and future perspectives, taking into consideration the key role of citizens in shaping the future of the Union.
A discussion on the recent history of the European Union, its past, challenges and future perspectives
The first project in the spotlight, the project DESIRE, funded by the Europe for Citizens programme, focuses on the importance of the Schumann Declaration for the constitution of the European Union; follows the project PERCEPTIONS which is working to identifying and understanding the narratives and (mis)perceptions of the European Union in non-EU countries. Finally, we will talk about DEVOTE, a project aiming to strengthen the integration of students with migrant background in schools, prevent early school leaving and improve their success in education by providing training, coaching and guidance to teachers.
To join the conference online, register through this link
With great enthusiasm LDA Kairouan Tunisia organized an art and theatre show – performed by 30 young people with disabilities. Performers, aged between 8 and 30 years old, had different disabilities ranging from mental disability and autism to motor disability and deafness. Yet, this is exactly the plus that made this initiative a touching and great moment.
Resulting from a consistent and committed work of 8-month theatre workshops, the show presented variety of artistic performances from poetry and singing to theatre and dancing. The delight and excitement of participants, their energetic and dynamic movements on stage, and their embodiment of the characters they played echoed the success of the show.
The young performers belonged to three specialized rehabilitation centers for people with disabilities: Association for Supporting the Hearing Impaired (ASDA), The General Association for The Physically Impaired (AGIM), and The National Union for The Mentally Impaired (UTAIM).
Inclusivity is the keyword to social theatre! “Theatre is for everyone” – Tunisia
More about the show!
Youth with autism and mental disabilities performed choreographies, by wearing traditional outfits. Their vivid and harmonious dancing, inspired by Tunisian folklore, sparked joy and excitement.
Moreover, participants with deafness disabilities performed an amusing theatrical piece based on mime, tackling social and humanitarian issues revolving around justice, perseverance, love, and kindness. Thrilling music accompanied the performers who relied on their expressive facial expressions and agile body movements.
Yet, this in not everything! Wearing white outfits, actors with physical disabilities performed a piece of theatre that addressed discrimination and unemployment as a form of self-advocacy. The story, unfolded in an imaginary land, was located between life and death. Some of the characters yearned for life while others disagreed as they found death the path to salvation from their hardships.
Inclusivity is the keyword to the social theatre!
The objective was to provide a platform for inclusion, personal growth, and soft skills training. The social theatre was a great source of learning through its dramatic games, inclusivity, encouraging expression, and openness to self and others. Indeed, educators and theatre operators noticed the stunning development in the participants’ linguistic, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. Driven by passion and joy, pupils learned a set of new competencies and best practices from their teachers and also from each other.
Awareness about worldwide humanitarian issues
Youth actively contributed to the scenario by providing their visions and suggestions about themes, plot, and characters. They also came up with the idea of giving tribute to Palestinian children who lost their lives during the last attack on Gaza. Through their action, they proved that they do not live in a small bubble but are also interested in global and humanitarian issues.
The project aims to promote the rights of people with disabilities and to create a culture of inclusion through theatre. Indeed, the success of this activity is the outcome of the supervision and effort of the whole partners, and also thanks to the unwavering trust of parents and the youth in the importance of their participation and belief in their capacities.
***
This activity is part of the project “Ricomincio Da Te” (Starting from You) co-financed by the Italian Agency of Cooperation for Development (AICs), in partnership with COPE Italy, LDA Tunisia, Kairouan municipality, Social Affairs Tunisian ministry, and the rehabilitation centers in Kairouan ASDA, AGIM, UTAIM.
