According to the results of diagnostic workshops carried out by our organisation among youths living in the Śląskie province, only 5 to 20% of adolescents are active in public life. This results mostly from low interest in public affairs, excessive engagement in social media and digital entertainment, and the lack of positive role models of social activity.
We have decided to engage youths participating in the project in the subject of ecology, since the Żywiec region is facing such threats as draught, deforestation or air pollution. We have held a series of workshops during which young people developed their leadership skills in running promotional activities and social campaigns, in planning and implementing simple projects. Then they utilised their knowledge to organise four Ekoakcje, namely environmental initiatives or campaigns for their local communities. We also organised Oxford debates teaching their attendees the habit of fact-checking and seeking agreement between various parties representing different opinions on various issues. It improved youth’s knowledge and public speaking skills.
Finally, we organised an online summarising meeting observed by the representatives of media, local authorities and local NGOs. During the event we presented video footage from green initiatives run by our participants, while young people gave short speeches on youth leadership and pro-environmental initiatives.
These activities have helped our participants take more active part in social life. Young people come to us due to numerous reasons, such as the desire to be themselves, interest in ecology, the need to meet new, friendly individuals, or just because they wish to develop. But during the project we witnessed deeper changes among youths. Some of them, facing their own problems, were not opened, they spoke little, kept their distance. Thanks to their participation in the project, they could overcome their barriers. At the end, those who were initially insecure, become group leaders and even made public appearances during debates. We know that some youths are still active, namely they have taken part in a series of meetings with young activists from Norway.