"E-citizneship and Democracy for Europe'S benefit"

In today's global context, democracy faces unprecedented challenges, marked by the emergence of authoritarian tendencies in some nations. There is a pressing need to cultivate a profound understanding of democracy, particularly among teenagers who, despite gaining voting rights at 18, often fail to grasp the significance of their vote and its direct impact on their community's well-being and their collective interests. Additionally, the modern era has seen a transformation in the way teenagers interact with the world, largely influenced by their immersion in digital technology. This shift has occasionally led to self-centered, narcissistic, passive, and apathetic attitudes toward local, national, and European community issues. Recognizing these trends, our project aims to empower young individuals to become active and engaged citizens. Our project draws inspiration from the European Commission's 2000 position paper titled 'Towards a European Dimension of Education and Active Participation of Citizens” and the values outlined in Article 2 of the Treaty on the European Union and the ET 2020 objectives.' These documents underscore the vital role of secondary education in nurturing active citizenship, equity, and social cohesion.

The objectives of the project are: Familiarization with the evolution of democracy, create a sense of belonging to the E.U. through cultural heritage, motivate students to respect their rights and the rights and opposite views of others, develop soft skills (communication, critical thinking, respect for diversity and human dignity, cooperation and collective decision-making,), familiarize them with contemporary problems in local, national, European level and trigger action, upgrade their digital skills, promote intercultural dialogue, realize the power of social networks, handle this power, learn their rights and obligations in cyberspace, use the digital means in forming collective decision making, equip teachers with tools for formal and non formal learning. Using a strategy of social and emotional learning we triggered students to present their views, participate in discussions and organize corresponding actions transnationally with their peers. Additionally through digital simulation platforms, ways to protect their personal data and best practices for using social media forums they improved digital readiness, resilience and capacity while the project gainΕd a nationwide and European democratic dimension.

The project’s objectives were achieved through comprehensive and targeted activities taking place both physically and virtually. In addition to virtual visits to monuments of ancient Greece, ancient Rome and the seat of the European parliament, priority was given to a set of activities planned in an intercultural environment. Within three face to face meetings in Kalambaka, Bruxelles and Vieste, different strategies such as role play, group discussion, simulations, multimedia presentations, interview and debate workshops, interviewing the local authorities, undertaking the roles of European Union deputies, writing reports about their experiences were applied to boost perception of active citizenship working with their peers while creating friendship bonds in their free time. Additionally through digital simulation platforms, ways to protect their personal data and best practices for using social media forums they developped digital readiness, resilience and capacity. Finally,members of the local community were invited to attend organized Open days/Erasmus+ events at each school, 6 small (organised thorughout the project's life)and one big dissemination event as well as 4 workshops for students of different schools.

• 4*2 multimedia presentations for a)ancient Greek democracy and Roman Republic and b) fundamental rights in the European Union c) hate speeches on line d)my city my culture • A presentation on Youth Engagement through Digital Participation in the E. U. • An e-book decoding the individual rights and obligations comparing the Greek, the Italian and the E.U. constitution. • A collection with famous quotes for democracy, and a workshop on digitalizing them for integration into digital panels. • Comprehensive content for two workshops: "The Art of Debate and the Power of Dialogue" "Becoming a Skillful Interviewer" Audiovisual resources showcasing interviewers in action. • A questionnaire about democracy • A mobile application for active citizenship: a)best practices to handle fake news, to use social media, to recognize hate speech and protect your personal data • 3 guided virtual tours with supplementary materials, featuring visits to the British Museum, the Acropolis, and the European Parliament's seat in Strasbourg. • 2 informative videos providing virtual tours of the Greek and Italian parliaments (historical origins and essential functions). • An e-platform for school-based public consultations and a user-friendly guide.