It turned out that in a small community the knowledge of both the young people and the public as a whole on the mission of the European Union and its expansion is insufficient. The public, the organizations and the companies didn t have enough information on the European organizations. To fill this gap, it was decided to implement a series of initiatives involving young people as volunteers.
Establishing a school European center
The Center is located at the St. Kliment Ohridski High School. Since its establishment, 312 young people have used the Center s services. Information was provided on: EU structure, mission and goals; the European integration process and related activities; youth European forums; positive practices on youth s role and participation in decision-making at local level; open EU programs financing youth activities and initiatives. Ten youth volunteers were recruited to provide services at the youth Eurocenter. The Center was equipped with computers, printer, projection screen, chairs, slide projector, telephone and magnetic board.
Publication of youth newsletterThe purpose of the newsletter was to promote the activities during project implementation. Three issues were printed (once every two months) in a circulation of 300; the copies were disseminated in schools, community centers, libraries and other educational institutions, non-governmental and business organizations and media in the municipality of Elhovo, as well as in the municipal administrations of the neighboring municipalities.
Europe and Us trainingsThe purpose of the trainings was to improve young people s awareness of the European Union and the European integration and were organized at two levels: focus group trainings; and trainings for a wider audience.
Youth EurodaysThis event was the culmination of project implementation . Within five days, the public attention was focused on the promotion of the European idea. Some of the events organized as part of the Youth Eurodays included: student essay competition under the motto Young Elhovo, Young Europe; a business exhibition; Elhovo on the Way to Europe discussion forum; promotion of the Young Elhovo, Young Europe video.
Filming a documentaryAll project activities were filmed, in order to be promoted through the Strandzha Cable TV and other media, as well as to provide for the long - term use of the experience accumulated as a model for youth participation in the promotion of the EU goals and policies.
The membership in the Trakia Regional Association of Municipalities provided the Municipality access to expert assistance in the implementation of some project activities.
The results and the best practices from the project will be disseminated and used as basis for future joint European integration activities by the Municipality of Elhovo and its twin city of Lalapasha, Turkey.
A School European Center was established to provide information and services in the area of European integration. So far, 312 young people have used the services provided by the Center.
50 young people completed trainings on the European expansion process. Youth Eurodays were organized, where more than 300 participants discussed the role of the citizens in the accession process. A 30-minute documentary video was filmed. Three youth newsletters were published and disseminated . The young people in the municipality of Elhovo gained confidence and the public was provided much needed information on European integration issues.
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