Introduction
Many young people in Europe feel disconnected from politics and European issues. They do not see themselves as European citizens or feel engaged in discussions about the European Union (EU). The “Speechless in Europe” project, also known as “Sprachlos in Europa” and “Sans voix en Europe,” was created to change this. By using creative and interactive methods, the project aimed to help young people express their thoughts about Europe in new ways.
Project Overview
“Speechless in Europe” was an Erasmus+ project that ran from September 2014 to August 2016. It focused on young people aged 16 to 27 from Germany (DE), France (FR), Italy (IT), and Hungary (HU). The project received an EU grant of €193,815 and was part of the “Strategic Partnerships for Youth” initiative. Its goal was to develop innovative dialogue methods to include young people who are usually not involved in European discussions.
A Different Approach to Dialogue
Traditional political discussions often focus on young people who are already interested in politics. However, this project aimed to reach those who feel “speechless” when it comes to European issues. It used a combination of online and offline activities to encourage participation. The project introduced creative storytelling formats such as:
- Photography
- Video
- Sketches
- Street art
Young people were invited to share their personal experiences and opinions about Europe through these creative methods. They also had the chance to tell the stories of other young people from different countries, promoting cross-cultural understanding.
The Role of Multipliers
The project did not only target young people but also involved “multipliers.” These were youth workers, teachers, local government representatives, and other professionals who work with young people. Around 80 multipliers per country were trained in the project’s methods. This helped to spread the project’s impact beyond its initial participants and ensured that more young people could benefit from these innovative dialogue techniques in the future.
European Storytelling Festival
One of the highlights of the project was the “European Storytelling Festival.” After sharing their stories online, young participants had the opportunity to present their work at this festival. Around 40 young finalists attended, showcasing their creative expressions of European identity and citizenship.
Long-Term Impact
Through its activities, the project aimed to reach between 50 and 100 young people per country. However, because of its online nature, many more could participate. Additionally, with the project’s dissemination efforts, an estimated 5,000 multipliers across Europe could benefit from its methods even after the project ended. A handbook and curriculum were also developed to ensure that these innovative approaches continue to be used in youth work.
Conclusion
“Speechless in Europe” successfully created new ways for young people to engage in discussions about the EU and European citizenship. By using creative storytelling and interactive activities, the project broke language barriers and made European dialogue more inclusive. It showed that all young people, even those who feel disconnected from politics, can have a voice in shaping the future of Europe.
