Understanding Europe

I DEA

The participation of young electorates at the age of 18-24 for the European elections in 2009 was only at 27%. Hence, prior to the European elections 2014 the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe initiated a series of events called Understanding Europe. This includes a series of EU Crash Courses which each take four hours and aim at imparting a basic knowledge about European politics to pupils interactively and strengthen their political participation in Europe. With the support of the European Youth Parliament we offer the EU Crash Courses in other European countries as well, among others Italy, Ukraine, Hungary, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan and Belgium. The four-hour EU Crash Courses is meant for pupils of secondary schools across Belgium, from 4th grade onwards. It aims at engaging pupils in an open discussion about current European topics and imparts basic knowledge about the European Union in an interactive way. It includes a quiz, Q&A-round, presentations, workshops, debates and work group. The course focuses on four main topics: Why does the EU exist? –Milestones of European History Who is the EU? –Actors of the EU How do I have a say in Europe? - Participation of the Youth in European decision- making What is security and what does it mean to me? - Journey through different aspects of security EU Asylum Policy & Talk-show –Introduction to the European asylum system

The participants of each group will then present what they have learnt to the classmates. Finally, the discussion time gives them the opportunity to ask all the questions they have about European topics

CON TEN T

and debate them with the others.

TRAI N ERS

The project is built upon a peer-to-peer approach and voluntary youth participation. Young seminar trainers are trained to conduct the EU Crash Course directly in schools. They collaborate with pupils of similar age based on a spirit of partnership and mutual understanding. The peer-topeer-relationship provides the floor to express fears and criticism openly. The peer trainers support the independent work of the young participants in small groups and they can tend to different needs in the classroom through an interactive mix of methods in the course material.

AI M S

We want that one single Understanding Europe Crash course breaks down the structure of the EU, the consequences of its existence and its main actors. Ideally, the students will interest themselves in European affairs more than usual. This is our ultimate goal; that each one gets informed constantly and fulfils its duty as a European citizen.