The Training Course ‘Citizenship for You’ took place in Limassol, Cyprus over a period of eight days (including travel days) and with 25 participants from Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Estonia and Ireland. The participants were members of youth organizations. The objectives of the course are multifaceted with the overarching aim being to encourage the development of participants as active and responsible citizens through the exploration of civil, political and social components of citizenship within the framework of the European Union. More specifically, it allowed for a conceptual and theoretical understanding of the notion of European Citizenship, develop the necessary skills and attitudes for active participation in civic life whilst simultaneously exploring the role of European Citizenship in youth work. The correlation between the 2014 European Elections and active European Citizenship constituted an ongoing theme of the project. The methodology adopted emanated from principles of non-formal learning. More specifically, activities on citizenship education, as contained in the Council of Europe COMPASS training manual, were implemented with a view to promoting the necessary skills and attitudes that underlie active citizenship. Participatory activities such as team games, role play and wall magazines were employed throughout with theoretical presentations being combined with debates and interactive discussions. The group also had the opportunity to participate in a workshop conducted by a lawyer on the rights and duties of European citizens. There was also be a 'Europe Day' where participants learn all about the history, founding principles and values of the European Union and an 'Intercultural Learning Day' where participants explored the semantics of this notion within the framework of European Citizenship. Participants prepared and carry out an awareness raising campaign on any aspect of their choice pertaining to European Citizenship. Towards the end of the course, participants prepared and implement a presentation on the learning outcomes of the training course. This was open to youth workers, NGO workers, journalists and other interested individuals. The central purpose of the two-fold methodology, combining the cultivation of attitudes and skills on the one hand and knowledge on the other, constitutes an effective and long-term embracement of European citizenship. The project included participants with fewer opportunities. AEQUITAS was the hosting organization.
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