Program: Erasmus+, KA154-YOU – Youth Participatory Activities
Project Leader: Reflections on Europe
Project Duration: March 2024 – February 2026
Project Description:
Do you remember the “European Union from A to Z” project? It was one of our first projects, which we carried out in 2019-2021, and why are we mentioning it? Because we have great news for you – it has just lived to see its sequel!
Certainly the last 3 years have been challenging for everyone. COVID-19, the economic crisis, inflation and the war in Ukraine – these are topics that have dominated our lives. In the Collins dictionary, the word of the year for 2022 has become “permacrisis,” indicating an extended period of instability and uncertainty. We want to at least help young people overcome these difficult times. The motivations of our project
are rooted in the need to promote and strengthen participation in democracy and civic life by debating the future of Europe among young people who are the foundation of our Union.
The main goal of this local project is to engage young people between the ages of 15 and 20, especially those living in smaller towns and villages in the Świętokrzyskie Province. This diverse demographic group includes people facing various challenges related to health, geographic location, social situation, financial resources and ethnicity. The overarching goal is to actively engage and support these young people throughout the project.
Project goals:
-Engaging youth in social life and activity
-Supporting youth who face different obscatles
-Supporting and encouraging youth to be active and organize various actions, especially after pandemic period, when social activity was noticeably smaller
Main activities:
- Numerous workshops on the European Union, the way it functions and the opportunities it offers young people in various areas of life. Through the workshops we want to fill the gap in the programs of formal education and meet the expectations of young people and take a comprehensive approach to the subject of the European Union – from its history, institutions and values, to trying to answer the question of what is the future of the European Union and what is the role of young people in this process. At the workshop there will be time to take up the topics of ecology (the European Green Deal and the use of the “Eco Dictionary” tool, which we developed in a project with KA2 with a leader from Greece) and disinformation – particularly in terms of the war in Ukraine and interference in the EU’s democratic processes.
- Conducting a Campaign by our youth Ambassadors before the upcoming elections to the European Parliament (VI 2024) on the basis of the form developed at the workshop.
- Preliminarily, the youth proposed the following catalog of ideas: social media campaign including recording Tik Tokas/Reels (digital tools), organizing a contest of knowledge about the European Parliament, happenings, etc.
- Questionnaires – we intend to conduct consultative surveys among young people living in the Świętokrzyskie region regarding firstly the quality of life in the region (questionnaires developed by ROE and the Youth Parliament), and secondly regarding European issues (based on questions from the Eurobarometer). The survey will be conducted “offline” in institutions or at discussion meetings, and “online.” Thanks to the network of contacts that the partners have, the survey will be conducted in various institutions – schools, ngo’s, local governments, universities. We intend to reach 500 young people.
- A series of discussion meetings on topics of greatest interest to young people in the formula of education peer education in the presence of experts and decision makers in the world cafe formula
- A geocaching adventure – after finding the caches we have placed, those willing will be able to share their thoughts on the European Union
- Study workshops in Strasbourg – the main objective of the task is to build a sense of unity and make young people aware of the importance of the common good that is the EU and raise awareness about the EU. Additional goals: to improve participants’ language skills, improve soft skills, including intercultural skills, learn about new cultures and people, inspire young people to develop. The main result will be, above all, to show young people (with fewer opportunities, from small towns and villages) new opportunities and build a sense of Europeanness. For most participants, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see how EU institutions work. The visit will last 4 days, including 2 days of travel
- Study workshops in Brussels – As with Strasbourg, we want to introduce young people to the workings of the European Union and its various organs. We want to let young people see “from the inside” and “experience” what they hear about on TV, read on the Internet or learn at school. We are planning a preparatory meeting on the importance of the city in the context of the EU and its institutions – the EP, EC, EU Council, a visit to the EP, a guided walk, the Parlamentarium, the House of European History (European workshops), the Atomium, Station Europe, meetings with MEPs and experts,
- Anti-Conference on the Future of the EU – The format of the Anti-Conference creates a space for mutual learning, collaboration, creativity and increased engagement as participants present topics. This type of meeting is entirely participant-driven, so young people choose for themselves what they want to talk about.
What’s behind us?
1. Training “Me, European”
From May 10th to 12th, we held the “I, European” training in Wólka Milanowska as part of our project “The European Union from A to Z – Next Gen.”
We started the training by getting to know each other through various integration games and activities, which helped us strengthen our relationships and deepen our knowledge about one another.
Next, we expanded our knowledge in workshops led by Piotr Kaczyński, an expert on the European Union. Together, we had the opportunity to explore the basics of the history and development of the EU. The main goals of our workshops were to equip our Ambassadors with fundamental knowledge about the EU using non-formal education methods. As a result, we not only gained theoretical knowledge but also developed soft skills, such as teamwork, conducting discussions, constructive argumentation, critical thinking, and planning events and campaigns. There was also a discussion on European institutions.
Finally, we focused on planning pro-voter turnout and informational campaigns, the results of which you will soon be able to see. This is just the beginning of the project—stay tuned, because we will soon invite you to participate in more activities!
We are carrying out this project in partnership with the Youth Parliament of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship.
2. Pro-turnout campaign
On June 9th, 2024, European Parliament elections were held in Poland. A few weeks prior, our volunteers launched a voter turnout campaign on Instagram, aiming to encourage people to participate in the elections. The campaign began with a short quiz, featuring questions about the European Parliament. After each question, an explanation of the topic followed, allowing users to further deepen their knowledge in this area.
From May 21st to June 9th, our Instagram profile @rozprawyoeuropie featured daily posts from our volunteers answering the question, “Why are you voting in the European Parliament elections?” There were a total of 20 reasons presented, reflecting the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the EU in 2024. Starting June 6th, we also shared updates on which countries’ citizens were voting on specific days. On June 9th, we posted photos from polling stations sent by our adult volunteers. The day after the election, we published a summary of the campaign.
As part of the campaign, we posted 44 stories on our Instagram profile, with each story reaching around 250-300 people.
We believe that through our efforts, we encouraged our followers to vote in the European Parliament elections!
Instagram stories featuring the quiz with explanations, 20 reasons to vote, election updates from EU countries, voting photos, and a campaign summary: HERE.
3. Information campaign #1
In June 2024, young ambassadors from the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship carried out an information campaign focused on the values of the European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Bartosz, Karolina, Armando, and Kamil started by planning the format, communication method, and the content for the campaign. The campaign’s content was shared on the Instagram profile @rozprawyoeuropie from June 17th to 24th.
For the first three days, the Instagram stories featured basic information and interesting facts related to the Charter of Fundamental Rights and EU values. On the fourth day, a quiz with multiple questions on the same topic was posted on the stories. As part of the campaign, the young ambassadors conducted a street survey to assess their peers’ knowledge in the areas covered by the campaign. The survey was published as a reel on Instagram. The campaign was summarized in a post.
The information campaign reached a broad audience – the street survey reel was viewed about 2,600 times by over 1,000 people and received 57 likes. The summary post was liked by 55 people and seen by 700 accounts. Each story containing educational content and quiz questions was viewed by around 300 people – data as of June 1st, 2024.
You can check out the results below:
- STREET SURVEY
- Stories containing facts and basic information on the Charter of Fundamental Rights and EU values, as well as the quiz: HERE
- SUMMARY POST
4. Information campaign #2
Świętokrzyskie is becoming increasingly eco-friendly!
In July, we ran an informational campaign on our Instagram profile, prepared by Marcelina, Julia, Kuba, and Antek. From July 15-20, we posted daily ecological facts in our stories and also published four eco-challenges as part of a competition. On July 24, together with the Starachowice University of the Third Age, we organized an event to conclude the campaign. The meeting took place at the UTW headquarters!
At the start, @laszewicz.j introduced the aims and progress of the “EUAZ – Next Gen” project and the ecological campaign conducted in July by our youth ambassadors. Next, participants listened to a lecture by Ilona Witkowska from the Świętokrzyski Agricultural Advisory Center in Modliszewice on ecological farming methods. After that, our representatives discussed how to make daily life more eco-friendly. Following the theoretical part, it was time to put the acquired knowledge into practice – participants worked together to plant seeds that will soon sprout into chives, marjoram, and basil. These plants can be used to prepare various dishes. Growing herbs at home is an eco-friendly practice as it helps reduce consumption related to purchasing products from stores.
The meeting was a perfect opportunity to gain ecological knowledge and strengthen intergenerational cooperation. Seniors from Starachowice and youth from various parts of the Świętokrzyskie region participated in the event, including representatives from @mlodziezowy_sejmik.
The event was funded by the European Union under the project “European Union from A to Z – Next Generation.” However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
TOUR DE ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE
The next stage of the project is the “Tour de Świętokrzyskie” – a series of meetings held across all counties of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship in cooperation with the Youth Assembly of the Świętokrzyskie Region. Our representatives visit schools, cultural institutions, and other places important to young people to talk together about the issues that matter to them. Each meeting is an opportunity for dialogue with local decision-makers and experts who answer questions and share their knowledge.
Additionally, we organize workshops in the World Café format, allowing for a deeper exploration of the topics developed during previous campaigns. These sessions create a space for open exchange of ideas and collaborative problem-solving.
Take a look at how these inspiring meetings unfolded!
#1 Starachowice County
During our visit to Starachowice County, we had the pleasure of welcoming representatives of the local authorities – Ms. Małgorzata Galas-Bąba and the Mayor of Starachowice, Mr. Marek Materek. They engaged in an open dialogue with young people about the importance of civic activity and ways to get involved in shaping the future of their local community. We also discussed how the European Union contributes to the development of the region.
We were also joined by Dominika Chmielewska, an EU expert, who shared her personal experiences and spoke about the many opportunities young people can benefit from thanks to Poland’s membership in the European Union.
After these inspiring conversations, it was time to dive deeper into key topics such as disinformation and the European Green Deal. Using a modified World Café format, we explored what disinformation is, how to counter it, and how it appears in everyday life.
We also tackled the European Green Deal through a parliamentary simulation. Participants took on the roles of Members of the European Parliament, working together on proposals for Green Deal initiatives.
A big thank you to all participants for your engagement and the thought-provoking discussions!
#2 Skarżysko County
This time, we visited Skarżysko County as part of the “Tour de Świętokrzyskie”! We kicked off the event with a panel featuring regional decision-makers who honored us with their presence. Andrzej Bętkowski, Chairman of the Świętokrzyskie Regional Assembly, and Jan Maćkowiak, Regional Councilor, answered questions about EU-funded investments in our voivodeship. They also shared fascinating insights into the cultural heritage of the region, along with personal stories that made the discussion especially engaging.
Our volunteer, Piotr Styczeń, gave an inspiring talk about the opportunities the European Union offers young people, including programs like DiscoverEU and Erasmus+. He also shared his personal experiences with such initiatives and reflected on his strong sense of local pride.
Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without the workshop sessions!
One group participated in a brainstorming session on the opportunities and challenges presented by the European Union. They later held a debate covering topics such as federalization, the number of member states, environmental policies, and economic development.
Meanwhile, the second group explored the impact of disinformation. They gathered information on its consequences, discussed strategies to combat it, and reflected on how it affects our daily lives.
Thank you, Skarżysko, for your energy, curiosity, and meaningful participation!
#3 Kielce County
Our next stop on the “Tour de Świętokrzyskie” was Kielce County — and it’s time to sum up everything we accomplished there! As you know, this tour is a series of peer-led discussion events focused on topics that matter most to young people, held in the presence of experts and decision-makers. And this meeting was no exception!
We began with a panel discussion featuring Mr. Damian Sławski, Mayor of the Miedziana Góra Municipality. What is it like to hold the office of mayor? What projects in the municipality are funded by the European Union? These were just a few of the many questions discussed during this insightful conversation.
Next came a unique Q&A session with disinformation expert Oskar Frydrych. But this wasn’t your typical lecture—we even acted out scenes to better understand how disinformation works and how we can spot it in our daily lives!
To wrap up the event, we split into two workshop groups. One group took on the role of local leaders, receiving a fictional €10,000 in EU funds to design a project that would solve a chosen social issue. They had to develop a complete concept and present their solution. The second group focused on values—asking big questions like: What really guides our choices in life?
By the end of the day, participants had explored their ideas in depth, clarified doubts, and defined values that matter both personally and globally.
#4 Ostrowiec County
This time, we visited Ostrowiec County, where we were warmly welcomed by the Non-Public General Secondary School named after Stanisław Konarski. Thanks to their hospitality, we had the chance to meet and engage with local youth in a meaningful way.
We began with a discussion panel focused on the European Union and the wide range of opportunities it offers young people. Our representatives, Klaudia and Piotr, also spoke about social activism in the region and shared practical ideas on how to get involved in the life of the local community.
Our next guest was Sebastian Majewski — a passionate cycling enthusiast and expert, who shared his insights and experiences. His talk sparked a broader conversation about ecology and how everyday choices — like choosing a bike over a car — can contribute to protecting our planet.
We then moved on to thematic workshops led by volunteers from ROE and MSWŚ. These sessions provided an excellent opportunity to dive deeper into the topics discussed, ask questions, and work collaboratively in groups.
#5 Opatów County
On February 20th, we visited the high school in Opatów for another inspiring stop on our “Tour de Świętokrzyskie”!
The event began with a panel discussion led by our volunteer, Piotr Styczeń, who spoke with young Opatów County Councilors about their experiences in youth engagement—and now, county-wide initiatives! Our guests shared their journeys of becoming councilors at such a young age and emphasized the importance of civic activity in one’s personal and professional growth. Their stories showed that when you’re truly passionate about something, nothing can stand in the way of achieving your goals. Their drive to positively influence their community was the perfect summary of their inspiring messages.
Of course, we didn’t skip the practical part — two dynamic workshops full of ambitious ideas!
The first group worked on creating a “Catalogue of EU Opportunities” ????????. They started by listing their own experiences with the European Union and then broadened the conversation to include the many benefits and programs available to young people.
Meanwhile, the second group tackled the topic of disinformation. Divided into three teams, they explored real-world examples of disinformation, analyzed its impact on society, and developed strategies to combat it. The session encouraged critical thinking and fostered strong collaboration.
#6 Włoszczowa County
On February 25th, we visited General Secondary School No. 1 named after Gen. W. Sikorski in Włoszczowa to engage in another valuable conversation with young people — this time focused on the European Union.
The first part of the event featured a dialogue led by MSWŚ councilor Wiktoria Więckowska, who spoke with Jolanta Tyjas, a councilor of the Świętokrzyskie Regional Assembly. Their conversation touched on key issues facing youth in the region, including challenges specific to Opatów County, the availability of recreational infrastructure, and the importance of civic engagement. They also discussed how young people can benefit from the opportunities offered by both the European Union and local authorities.
Following the panel, we heard from experts representing the Yellow Sheep Foundation — Mateusz Piątkiewicz and Paweł Skoczek — who shared their personal stories of involvement in social projects, described their current local initiatives, and introduced the ERASMUS+ program. Their talk showcased the many ways youth can participate in international education and social change.
To wrap up the event, volunteers from ROE and MSWŚ councilors conducted interactive workshops. These sessions focused on combating disinformation and explored the broad range of opportunities the EU provides for young people today.
#7 Sandomierz County
On February 27th, we visited one of the true gems of the Świętokrzyskie region — Sandomierz County — where we met with students from the prestigious I Liceum Ogólnokształcące Collegium Gostomianum in Sandomierz.
The event began with a presentation about the wide range of opportunities the European Union offers to young people. Our expert, Piotr Styczeń, focused on the Erasmus+ program and the benefits of youth exchanges. Participants learned how to apply, what participation entails, and the valuable personal and educational experiences that such programs can bring — many of which are organized by our very own association.
In the second part of the meeting, ROE volunteers and MSWŚ youth councilors led World Café-style workshops. The discussions centered on environmental issues, the EU’s role in supporting young people, and key initiatives such as the European Solidarity Corps and DiscoverEU. The format encouraged open dialogue and creative thinking among the students.
A big thank-you to all participants for your energy, curiosity, and thoughtful contributions. This “Fat Thursday” will definitely be a memorable one for all of us!
#8 Jędrzejów County
On March 3rd, we held the eighth meeting of the “Tour de Świętokrzyskie” series in Jędrzejów — part of our ongoing effort to raise awareness among youth in the Świętokrzyskie region about the European Union and the opportunities it offers.
The event began with a discussion panel featuring local authorities, including Jędrzejów County Head Paweł Faryna, Deputy Head Maria Barańska, Mayor Marcin Piszczek, Regional Councilor and Principal of I LO in Jędrzejów Wojciech Zwierzchowski, and Municipal Councilor Tomasz Puchrowicz. The panelists shared insights into their daily responsibilities, personal experiences in public service, and how EU membership has influenced their roles and local development.
After the panel, we welcomed Michał Bień, an ichthyologist and Director of the Polish Angling Association in Kielce, for a guest expert lecture. His presentation brought a unique ecological and scientific perspective to the day’s discussions.
To wrap up the event, students from three different high schools in Jędrzejów participated in interactive workshops, where they explored topics related to the EU and youth engagement. The session concluded with a collaborative summary of key insights and takeaways from the discussions — all in a friendly and open atmosphere that encouraged the free exchange of ideas.
#9 Końskie County
On March 20th, we held the next meeting in the “Tour de Świętokrzyskie” series, this time in Końskie County, where we had the pleasure of meeting students from II Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie in Końskie.
The event kicked off with a panel discussion led by MSWŚ councilor Karolina Szustak, joined by Julia Sielska and Natalia Kaps, representatives of the Inspiration and Development Foundation in Końskie. During the panel, they shared valuable insights about the opportunities and benefits of volunteering, encouraging their peers to get involved in social activities and contribute to their communities.
In the second part of the meeting, ROE volunteer Julia Tomczyk and MSWŚ councilor Wiktoria Więckowska conducted interactive workshops with the students. The workshops focused on the core values of the European Union and their relevance for young people, as well as EU programs available to youth, including Erasmus+, volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps, and DiscoverEU.
#10 Busko County
On April 10th, we visited the 10th county in our “Tour de Świętokrzyskie” series — Busko County. Once again, the event was organized by volunteers from the Association Rozprawy o Europie and members of the Youth Parliament of the Świętokrzyskie Region.
We began the meeting with a discussion panel featuring key local leaders: Jerzy Kolarz, the County Head of Busko, and Grzegorz Cepil, a Regional Councilor. They shared their insights on the benefits of EU membership for Poland, the opportunities the EU provides to young people, as well as challenges faced by youth in Busko-Zdrój. Topics like disinformation and artificial intelligence were also addressed, providing a rich conversation on the current and future challenges facing society.
Following the panel, we were joined by two experts — Łukasz Pysiak, Chairperson of the Youth Parliament of the Świętokrzyskie Region, and Karol Bidziński, a school counselor at the Technical and IT Schools Complex — who expanded on the theme “From Activity to Openness: Does Social Engagement Develop European Union Values?”
After these inspiring discussions, it was time for the workshop sessions. Participants had the opportunity to engage in conversations, develop conclusions, and create mind maps on topics such as:
- Disinformation
- Opportunities the European Union offers to young people
- Social Engagement
- Challenges facing the European Union and potential solutions
The event concluded with a summary of the workshop conclusions and an engaging reflection on the discussed topics.
#11 Pińczów County
Last Tuesday, we reached the 11th stop of our “Tour de Świętokrzyskie” — Pińczów County. The meeting took place at the Vocational School Complex in Pińczów and was organized by volunteers from the Association Rozprawy o Europie and members of the Youth Parliament of the Świętokrzyskie Region.
We kicked off the event with a panel discussion featuring Anita Koniusz, the Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, who addressed all questions about the work of the regional government and explained the impact of the European Union on the region.
Next, we were treated to an exceptional lecture by Tomasz Hałatkiewicz, Director of the Świętokrzyskie and Nadnidziańskie Landscape Parks, who introduced the rich natural heritage of the local area.
In the second part of the event, participants engaged in workshops, working in groups on the main topics of the project.
#12 Staszów County
On April 28th, the ROE Team and MSWŚ Parliamentarians visited Staszów County and the Stefan Wyszyński High School to engage in discussions with local youth on topics such as the European Union, the opportunities it offers to young people, and the fight against disinformation.
The meeting started with welcoming remarks from Justyna Świetlik, a representative of the City and Commune Office of Staszów, who greeted us on behalf of the Mayor, Leszek Kopeć.
The next part of the event was a panel discussion focusing on social engagement, held in a Q&A format with the expert, Zofia Mogielska, the supervisor of the Youth Parliament of the Świętokrzyskie Region. She shared her personal experience with activism and highlighted the benefits of being an active citizen.
The event concluded with World Café workshops, during which participants had the opportunity to learn more about the opportunities the EU offers, the fight against disinformation, ecology, hate speech, and social engagement.
#13 Kazimierza Wielka County
On April 29th, the final meeting of the Tour de Świętokrzyskie discussion cycle took place, marking the completion of the European Union from A to Z – New Generation project. The final stop for our volunteers and Youth Parliamentarians was the Maria Curie-Skłodowska High School in Kazimierza Wielka.
The event began with a panel discussion featuring a local decision-maker, Marek Krupa, the Secretary of Kazimierza County. During this session, he answered questions about the impact of EU funds on the development of the county and the challenges faced by local youth.
Next, we moved on to an interactive lecture by our expert, Agata Jackiewicz, the President of the Świętokrzyskie Region of the Women in the Center Association. She discussed the benefits of Poland’s membership in the European Union. There was also time for questions from the audience and a lively discussion on the topic.
The last part of the event consisted of two separate workshops led by ROE volunteers and MSWŚ Parliamentarians. Despite the different formats, both workshops focused on the European Union, addressing topics such as ecology, the fight against disinformation, the opportunities the EU offers to young people, social engagement, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
