Active Memories

The project idea stems from the will to promote a radical change of perspective towards the perception of being young in times of pandemic: from victims of unhappy circumstances limiting their fre...

The Active Memories Project (ACTMEM) utilized storytelling methodologies to foster cross-border youth experiences and comparisons, aiming to develop resilience, creativity, and community awareness. The project facilitated intergenerational communication and communication, promoting intergenerational understanding and communication during time of crisis such as the pandemic. The ACTMEM project achieved its objectives by creating a blended training path based on storytelling methodologies, a manual for youth leaders, and an open narrative space, which provided practical guidance and supported youth involvement. • Transforming the experience of the pandemic into an opportunity for the development of self-confidence and key competences among young people • Promoting inclusive, creative and innovative approaches to storytelling among young people, so as to combat social isolation and reinforce their resilience in response to the times of crisis • Fostering the participation of young people in civil society by spreading good practices related to solidarity actions in times of crisis; • Promoting the EU values among young people and in particular active citizenship and the pillar of being united in diversity.

At the beginning of the project, partners researched best practices for storytelling methodologies at both national and EU levels, selecting 10 methodologies for the project. In March 2022, a one-week training event was held in Arezzo, Italy, with 50 participants, including 40 youth leaders from four countries. Following this, from April to October 2023, the trained youth leaders conducted 31 local workshops, engaging 530 youths across Bulgaria, Germany, Portugal, and Italy. The transnational event and local workshops produced various outputs, including video diaries and blogs, which were uploaded on the Actmem website and digital space for narration. In November 2023, a blended online event with 30 young leaders discussed four themes: transforming the present with past memory, cultural identity, improving migration policies, and overcoming crises. As a result of the activities, partners produced the ActMem Manual, offering a report on the project and practical advice for using autobiographical methods in social and educational fields. The project results, including the manual and the digital narration space, were shared on the project website, social media, and during five multiplier events, engaging 234 participants.

ACTMEM Project Results: R1 - ActMem Workshops: Developed a blended training program using storytelling methodologies. Youth leaders tested and replicated this training through local workshops. The process led to a Manual for youth leaders that offers guidance on conducting these workshops. R2 - ACTMEM Web Platform: Created an interactive platform for young people to share stories, with around 40 stories by project end. It includes features for collective narration and aims to foster networking and reflection on pandemic experiences. The platform offers tutorials, training materials, and storyboards. Intangible Outcomes: Youth Leaders: Improved knowledge of memory-based educational methods for building resilience. Young People: Enhanced resilience, digital storytelling skills, and teamwork in an international context. Partner Organizations: Increased understanding of youth issues during the pandemic and improved educational practices. Other Stakeholders: Gained skills in educational practices relevant to youth development.