FUTU4U Project: Empowering Young Voices for Democracy

The city of Fano became a hub for youth engagement and democratic dialogue on February 10-11, 2025, as the FUTU4U workshops took place at the Memoteca. This inspiring initiative brought together trainers, young participants, and European experts to promote active citizenship and democratic participation among youth.

Strengthening Trainers for Impactful Learning

The event commenced on February 10 with a Train the Trainers session. Finnish trainers collaborated with their Italian counterparts, equipping them with the necessary skills and methodologies to facilitate an engaging and impactful youth workshop the following day.

Launch of “My Voice” – Democracy Workshop

On February 11, the “My Voice” – Democracy Workshop was officially launched. This interactive session aimed to empower young Europeans aged 18-30 with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate actively in civic life. Local students enthusiastically joined discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative exercises designed to deepen their understanding of democracy.

Inspirational Sessions and Expert Contributions

The workshop featured an engaging lineup of speakers and discussions:

Institutional Greetings from Local Leaders:

  • Lucia Tarsi – Social Policies Assessor
  • Davide Pieretti – Youth Policies Delegate
  • Roberta Galdenzi – Director of the Territorial Social Area

Key Sessions:

  • An introduction to FUTU4U and its role in promoting youth participation in democracy.
  • Insights from Alice Maffoni (European Youth Parliament Italy – EYP Italia) on opportunities for youth engagement.
  • Interactive discussions led by Finnish project partners Pasi Hario, Riikka Nenonen, and Saara Bouzoubaa Teerineva, guiding participants through democratic processes and active citizenship.

A Hands-On Approach to Democracy

FUTU4U is a European initiative dedicated to fostering social inclusion and a sense of belonging, with a strong focus on young people. Through dynamic group activities, roundtable discussions, and open forums, participants were encouraged to reflect on democracy’s fundamental principles and their role in shaping the future.

The workshop’s interactive structure allowed young participants to: ✔ Develop a deeper understanding of democratic processes
✔ Enhance their critical thinking and civic engagement skills
✔ Exchange diverse perspectives in a collaborative environment
✔ Gain confidence in voicing their opinions and taking action in their communities

Looking Ahead

FUTU4U is proud to have contributed to strengthening youth engagement in democracy. We look forward to seeing these young voices take an active role in shaping the democratic future of Europe!

A special thank you to Mediateca Montanari – Memo and Dedalo Informagiovani Fano for their warm hospitality and invaluable support in making this event a success.

Stay connected and join us for upcoming workshops—let’s shape the future of democracy together!

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