Article writing by Cristiano Buonocore
The Erasmus+ youth exchange project “Civic Champion” recently concluded, bringing together five organizations from five different countries. Coordinated by the Italian association Pro Loco Parete, the project involved Oyoun Masr Association from Egypt, MoMenTor from Bulgaria, Fundatia Iubire si Credinta from Romania, and Green Youth from Georgia. Over the course of eight days, participants explored the impact of media on active citizenship and informed decision-making.
Active Citizenship and Media: A Vital Dialogue
Throughout Civic Champion, young people from various countries examined how media and social networks influence civic participation and access to accurate information. The project encouraged participants to reflect on the role they each can play in promoting active, well-informed citizenship, especially in a digital era where media communication often shapes public opinion and daily life.
Follow-Ups and the Introduction to the 4F Project
A key part of Civic Champion was the opportunity to engage with the results of the Fast Fashion Fast Forward (4F) project, which focused on raising young people’s awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion. Through this exchange, participants and stakeholders of Civic Champion explored the educational tools and online platform developed by 4F. This sharing session enriched the participants’ skills and awareness, illustrating how parallel projects can interact and enhance one another. The 4F project materials, for example, were presented as concrete examples of how active citizenship and environmental awareness can merge, inspiring new initiatives for a more sustainable world.
The Legacy of the Project
Civic Champion thus concludes with the goal of having provided participants with a platform for dialogue and reflection on the topics of active citizenship, media roles, and the importance of critical information. The follow-ups and shared materials will help sustain the network of connections, ensuring the values gained during the project continue to spread. With the hope that this work of awareness-raising will continue, Civic Champion proved to be an important milestone in the personal and civic growth of the young participants—and a testament to how bringing together diverse cultures and perspectives can generate a positive impact in their home communities.
