“I decide!”: A Youth Citizenship Programme Begins Another Year
The Open Lithuania Fund (OLF), together with its partners and associates (the public institution “OSFL Projects” and the Association “Civic Initiatives Center”), is implementing a long-term youth education program “I’m Also a Decision-Maker!”.
The programme aims to change the attitude of young people towards their participation in public governance. Young people are encouraged to take interest in politics and the affairs of their native city, they are informed about their participation possibilities in public affairs, and their participatory skills are developed. The model of youth citizenship education, tested in Lithuania and abroad, takes place in six municipalities of Vilnius County: Širvintos, Šalčininkai, Švenčionys, Ukmergė, Elektrėnai and Trakai.
Outline of the programme for 2018:
May – September 2018. The Thought Shaker “Scroll your mind” in six cities of Vilnius Region: interactive games / discussions of young people with public leaders from the show world and society in general. Create the face of your city as you want! If you have walked an old lady across the street, does this mean that you are a citizen? Is it trendy to be socially active? What are the benefits of your active contribution to the environment?
7 September 2018. About 300 young people from six cities in Vilnius Region take part in the discussion festival “Exactly!”, where ideas important for the country and the region are discussed. It is an excellent example of democratic participation in decision-making! Delve into the discussion forum in Birštonas. Explore the diversity of attitudes and thinking of different groups of the society. On 7 September this year, come along with us and the youth from various towns and be part of a reviving society.
“It’s a place where I found not only a lot of good emotions, new knowledge and new acquaintances, but also a lot of motivation for the whole school year! Viltė, 18 years old.”
“The best time of my life! I met a lot of like-minded people and expanded my horizons. To every student, I suggest going to this festival! Augustina, 16 year old.” “Here you realise that decisions are made not only in clerks’ offices, but in fact, we all can contribute. Let’s create a more beautiful Lithuania together.
October – November 2018. Participation in the “Day of Action” in your city municipality. Possibility to create projects and express ideas about what you would like to change in your city. The idea, selected in cooperation with the municipality, is transformed into a change in the city. Participate, say what you would like to change in your city, and explore with others how you can do it.
November 2018 – November 2019. Implementation of the most innovative and most relevant ideas in six cities in Vilnius Region. Implement your own project!!! Together with experts and the team, make your city open for change.
Share with others what you have learnt and achieved. Be a conscious and active citizen. Get started today!
The project “I decide!” is carried out in accordance with Priority 10 “Society-oriented smart public administration” of the Lithuanian Strategy under the Operational Programme for the European Union Funds’ Investments in 2014-2020, Measure No. 10.1.2-ESFA-K-917 “Initiatives stimulating society’s disapproval of corruption and support for citizen engagement in public governance”. The project is funded by the European Social Fund and the State Budget of the Republic of Lithuania. www.esinvestijos.lt
