Learning Democracy: Call for Participation for Youth Exchange

The GIGA is excited to invite five young people (between the ages of 18 and 30) from Germany to take part in a Youth Exchange activity on learning about, for, and through democracy with tabletop games. The activity, which is funded through the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership Youth in Action programme, will take place from 28 November to 4 December 2021 in Almuñecar, Spain.

The Project DEMOGAMES

Democracy places high demands on citizens. Political decisions have an impact on many different areas of life, they often affect future generations or neighbouring countries, and they are influenced by global developments. The importance of youth participation for the future of economic, societal, and political development is widely acknowledged. Democracy education enables young people to recognise and represent their interests, to participate in political processes, and, in doing so, to meet their fellow human beings and their concerns with respect.

The project “Democracy and Games: Analog and Digital Game-Based-Learning Tools for Youth Work” (DEMOGAMES) will generate educational tools, methods, and materials for democracy education in non-formal youth work. It aims to make a substantive contribution to several of the areas of action of the renewed EU Youth Strategy proposed by the European Commission for 2019–2027.

Game-Based Learning

In this activity, participants will approach the topic of democracy in a participative and engaging manner through analogue and digital game-based-learning techniques. Several game-based-learning tools will be presented, with the main purpose being to engage, connect, and empower young people. On the one hand, participants will be able to play-test custom-built game prototypes on different democracy-related themes; on the other, they will be able to take part in the further development of several thematically anchored board-game prototypes themselves.

Objectives of the Activity

• To increase the factual knowledge as well as the comprehension and critical understanding of democratic norms, values, and institutions

• To train young people’s skills within democratic processes (e.g. analytical thinking, co-operation, and communication skills)

• To discuss the importance of core democratic values like freedom, fairness, equality, and justice

• To enable young people to reflect on their attitudes towards democracy and the importance of tolerance, responsibility, and respect for social inclusion and solidarity between different cultures

• To develop a working understanding of the mechanics of board games and their ability to connect social/societal topics with leisure activities

Participants’ Profile

The activity will involve participants from different countries. The GIGA is seeking to recruit five participants currently living in Germany. Potential applicants wishing to participate in this event should have the following profile:

• Be aged between 18 and 30

• Be resident in Germany

• Be interested in youth initiatives

• Be interested in non-formal learning about, for, and through democracy in an intercultural setting

• Have a basic knowledge of English (at least level B1)

Please note our COVID-19 Disclaimer and do not arrange any travel without first consulting the GIGA.

Travel and Accommodation

As the project is partially financed by the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership Youth in Action programme, accommodation and daily expenses will be fully covered by the organisers. Travel costs will be reimbursed by the organisers – up to a maximum amount of EUR 275 – upon presentation of related documents and a boarding pass.

Application Procedure

Please send a short CV in English and a letter of motivation (maximum 1 page) to: [email protected]. The application deadline is 22 October 2021. Participants will be informed about the selection outcome by 1 November 2021.

COVID-19 Disclaimer

The training will take place in line with updated health and safety regulations. The organisers are aware of and continue to monitor developments around the COVID-19 pandemic closely. Selected participants will be given advice on how to arrange their travel, will be informed about recent developments, and will receive detailed instructions on appropriate safety measures. The local organisers are also taking social-distancing measures into account in their preparations.