Transnational Partners Meeting Held in Croatia
From April 5 to April 8, 2024, representatives from the partnering organizations of the DOUACT Project gathered in Zagreb, Croatia, for the Third Transnational Project Meeting (TPM).
This event was hosted by the Croatian partner LUMEN, and brought together key stakeholders to engage into in-depth discussions on the project’s progress and future direction.
The meeting focused on evaluating the implementation process across managerial, financial, and communication levels.
Members reviewed the activities carried out so far, assessing their alignment with the project’s deliverables, and laid out detailed plans for the upcoming phases. This review allowed the team to ensure that all objectives were being met effectively and that any challenges were addressed promptly.
One of the key points on the agenda was the preparation for the Final Event of the DOUACT Project, which is expected to take place in Morocco in December 2024. This upcoming event will serve as a significant milestone, highlighting the culmination of the project’s efforts and its impact on the communities involved.
In addition to the strategic discussions, the meeting also included a cultural element with a visit to the street art of the city of Ludbreg. This visit not only provided inspiration but also connected the participants with the local cultural scene, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on art as a tool for social change.
In conclusion, the TPM in Zagreb was a crucial step in ensuring the successful completion of the DOUACT Project, bringing together diverse perspectives and solidifying the next steps in its journey.
Social Entrepreneurship (SE) Challenge
Launched on March 21st, the DO U ACTism Social Entrepreneurship Challenge gathered over 37 participants, including teams from various countries, partner staff, and a panel of three expert judges.
This competition encouraged young talents to develop innovative solutions for pressing social issues, focusing on SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace and Justice). Participants were tasked with creating sustainable, tech-driven initiatives to empower marginalized communities and drive social change.
Kicking off with an online introductory session, offering participants a deep dive into social entrepreneurship and the expectations for their projects. Afterwards, teams met in person to refine their ideas, develop business plans, and prepare prototypes for their final pitches.
The journey culminated on March 28th, when teams presented their innovative ideas to the judges, showcasing creative solutions to social challenges. From educational initiatives to tech-based platforms, each project demonstrated the potential for real-world impact.
By fostering innovation and promoting sustainable solutions, the S.E Challenge has laid the foundation for a new generation of change-makers, ready to address global challenges and create meaningful social impact.
It has also empowered young social entrepreneurs to use technology as a tool for change, with the winning team set to further develop their idea and present it at the final manifesto in Agadir, Morocco, in December 2024.
A huge thanks to all the participants for their dedication, creativity, and passion throughout this journey. Their hard work and innovative thinking were at the heart of the challenge’s success, and each contribution helped shape a vision for a more inclusive, socially responsible future.
Launch of Pilot Projects in the Netherlands
Another success story unfolded through the Netherlands pilot project, demonstrating the powerful role of creative activism in addressing social challenges. In partnership with KWC Block 33 and Buurtkamer Vrederust, the initiative aimed to unite communities and raise awareness through artistic expression.
From June to July, participants from Culemborg and The Hague took part in a series of interactive workshops. These sessions focused on photography, filmmaking, and graffiti, providing participants with the tools to use art as a vehicle for social activism. Through these creative mediums, individuals were encouraged to explore how art could be leveraged to highlight community issues and inspire meaningful conversations.
Several impactful community projects emerged from the workshops. In The Hague, a mural centered on environmental concerns became a conversation starter for local residents, while in Culemborg, film screenings and exhibitions offered a platform for reflection on key social challenges. These projects not only showcased participants’ creativity but also created lasting connections within the communities involved.
The project concluded with meetings between participants and local authorities, where the outcomes of the workshops were presented. These discussions opened up new possibilities for policy changes and greater support for community-driven initiatives.
This successfully brought together diverse groups, strengthening community bonds and promoting social awareness through Artivism. The initiative highlighted the potential of art to create lasting social impact and foster collaboration between communities and decision-makers.
Launch of Pilot Projects in Croatia
Another Success Story, the Launch of DOUACTism Pilot Project in Croatia launched by LUMEN, from January 2024 till April 2024.
This series of workshops brought together young activists from different communities to develop their skills in art, activism, storytelling, and civic engagement. Through these initiatives, participants have taken concrete steps to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Workshop Highlights:
1. Workshop 1: “Engagement through Art”
Held on January 15, 2024, at Ludbreg High School in Ludbreg, Croatia, this workshop brought together 15 young individuals aged 15-25. The session introduced participants to various art forms and encouraged them to explore societal issues through collaborative art creation, which culminated in a public exhibition that raised awareness about the challenges they addressed
2. Workshop 2: “Digital Activism and Social Media”
This workshop took place on February 10, 2024, at Technical Club Ludbreg, with 12 young participants aged 18-30. This session focused on equipping young activists with the skills needed to use social media for advocacy, featuring training, case studies, and hands-on practice, which led to the launch of a local environmental digital campaign that saw significant community engagement.
3. Workshop 3: “Empowerment through Storytelling”
Conducted on March 5, 2024, at CeZam Youth Club in Čakovec, Croatia, this workshop engaged 14 participants aged 16-28. This workshop focused on teaching storytelling as a tool for social change, with participants crafting and sharing impactful personal narratives, some of which gained traction on social media and inspired broader community involvement.
4. Workshop 4: “Innovative Approaches to Non-Formal Education
Held on March 25, 2024, at P4 Varaždin in Varaždin, Croatia, with 13 young participants aged 17-29. During this session, participants brainstormed new non-formal education methods, developed innovative tools, and tested them in pilot projects, with several of these tools now being considered for implementation by local civil society organizations (CSOs).
5. Workshop 5: “Youth Engagement and Civic Participation”
This workshop took place on April 20, 2024, at Udruga Kopriva in Koprivnica, Croatia, with 15 participants. It focused on fostering greater civic participation, encouraging participants to identify local community issues and develop actionable plans for engagement. The participants initiated several community projects, with support from local organizations, aimed at enhancing civic participation and addressing local needs.
All of the above have been instrumental in empowering young people to drive social change through art, digital activism, storytelling, and civic engagement.
Launch of Pilot Projects in Kosovo
We are excited to share the details of the pilot projects conducted by SIT in Kosovo, in collaboration with local partner organizations, from October 2023 to March 2024.
During this period, 40 participants received training in Artivism and Doughnut Economics, which empowered them to identify and address pressing community needs.
Following the training, five community-based pilot projects were launched:
1. Greening Community Spaces in Mitrovica:
– A group of young volunteers in Mitrovica enhanced a shared community space by planting over 20 trees and providing essential tools for maintenance. The space supports activities for youth, women, and people with disabilities.
2. Gender Equality Mural in Gjilan:
– In Gjilan, participants created a mural focused on gender equality and education, raising awareness of these issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3. Mental Health Campaign in Prishtina:
– The Prishtina group launched the “Minds Matter” campaign to raise awareness of mental health, featuring a symbolic event and a panel discussion aimed at breaking the stigma around this topic.
4. Sustainable Development Goals Mural in Fushë Kosova:
– Participants in Fushë Kosova developed a mural centered on the SDGs, using art to educate and engage the community in global sustainability efforts.
5. Emotional Isolation Awareness Posters:
– The final project involved creating posters to address emotional isolation and promote the sitandtalk.org platform, which offers counseling sessions for those struggling with personal issues.
Each of these projects reflects the dedication and creativity of the participants, who have turned their training into tangible actions that address critical needs in their communities. Their achievements are expected to have a lasting and positive impact, contributing to sustainable change.
Launch of Pilot Projects in Lebanon
We are thrilled to announce the success of our recent pilot activities for the DOUACTism Project, conducted by the Lebanese Development Network (LDN) on February 17 and 24, 2024.
These workshops gathered young community activists, youth workers, and city representatives to delve into innovative initiatives based on Non-Formal Education (NFE), focusing on the concepts of Artivism and Doughnut Economics.
On the first day, project assistant Alec Donerian opened the meeting with a comprehensive introduction, elaborating on the core values of the topics under discussion.
Afterwards, project assistant Yara El Hakim delivered an insightful presentation on the Doughnut Theory, explaining its visual framework for sustainable development and how it combines planetary boundaries with social boundaries.
Drama Therapist Jawhara Boutros Elias conducted a special training session on Artivism, aiming to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through artistic expression. She emphasized the use of creative methods to cultivate knowledge, foster understanding, and motivate change among youth.
On the second day, participants presented five community projects, showcasing their visions of a thriving city through art, all framed within the Doughnut Theory:
1. Theatre Dialogue on Gender Equality: This powerful performance highlighted the challenges of gender discrimination. It emphasized the importance of gender equality and inspired viewers to actively advocate for inclusive environments.
2. Dialogue about Recycling: An engaging representation of waste management’s importance, this project raised awareness about recycling, encouraging participants to adopt sustainable habits and advocate for better recycling infrastructure.
3. Painting about Violence Against Women: A poignant artwork using dark and red colors to depict the gravity of gender-based violence. It prompted participants to address this issue, support survivors, and work towards safer, more equitable societies.
4. Painting about Equality, Peace, and Justice: A vibrant representation of the ideals of equality, peace, and justice, sparking animated discussions among participants about these critical themes.
5. Collage about Children and Hunger: An evocative portrayal of childhood hunger and food insecurity, emphasizing the urgent need for action and inspiring participants to support initiatives combating hunger.
These sessions not only engaged the target groups but also highlighted the innovative approaches of the DOUACTism Project in promoting sustainable development and social change.
Training of Trainers (TOT)
After developing ACTivism, Doughnut Economy Theory, and SE Challenge Non-Formal Education (NFE) materials, the DOUACT project reached a significant milestone on October 9-10, 2023, by conducting an intensive two-day online training program for teachers and youth workers.
The training explored essential topics such as Artivism, Doughnut Economics, Doughnut Economics City Portrait, and Social Entrepreneurship.
With the participation of more than 25 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) representing five different countries, the training provided an exceptional opportunity for learning, collaboration, and fostering positive change.
Twenty-one participants attended the workshop. The feedback collected projected innovative approach, clear perspective and impactful presentation of Social Entrepreneurship.
Toms Shoes story constituted an attractive item which highly interacted with the participants aspiration while others emphasized how the session changed their perspective and insights into the topics discussed.
The program was a resounding success as it sets the stage for future workshops and ongoing collaboration among the CSOs involved.
The DOUACT project continues to empower and educate individuals, promoting social inclusion, addressing climate challenges, and expanding job opportunities through innovative and impactful methods.
Transnational Partners Meeting Held in Lebanon
On June 21 and 22, 2023, the DOUACTism Project Transnational Partners Meeting (TPM) took place in Beirut, bringing together representatives from various involved parties. This significant event aimed to foster collaboration and coordination among the project’s diverse stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the project’s objectives.
The agenda for the meeting covered a series of topics related to the Work Packages (WPs) and the activities planned for implementation. Central to the discussions were exercises focused on the concept of Doughnut Economics, emphasizing sustainable development that balances ecological and social boundaries.
The agenda included a wide range of point including program and financial management, which are crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in the operations.
The capacity-building workshops for youth organizations and youth leaders were highlighted as essential components for empowering the younger generation and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive positive change.
In addition, the meeting also addressed the pilot projects and the development of an online platform, pivotal for testing innovative ideas and facilitating broader engagement and dissemination of information.
The topic of youth political participation and dialogue with decision-makers was particularly emphasized. Recognizing the importance of involving young people in the political process, the project aims to amplify their voices and address their concerns.
The communication strategy was another key item on the agenda. Aimed at enhancing the visibility and outreach of the project’s initiatives to communicate to a wider audience.
The primary goal of the meeting was to provide the quality continuation of the project, thoroughly evaluate the activities undertaken, and meticulously plan the next steps.
The expected results from this gathering were to update the calendar of activities to provide a structured timeline, and too benchmark for assessing progress.
Production of Non-Formal Education (NFE) Material
We are excited to present three innovative handbooks designed to engage, connect, and empower trainers and youth workers, after producing Non-Formal Education (NFE) materials as part of the DOUACTism project.
The first handbook focuses on blended learning methodology and training on Social Entrepreneurship. It serves as a comprehensive resource for trainers to develop educational approaches and setup entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship challenges. It includes theoretical input, individual and group activities, group challenges, presentations, role play, case studies, discussions, and other interactive methods to meet the learning needs of participants.
The second delves into the Doughnut Economy. Utilizing the theory, this resource is crafted to empower youngsters through non-formal education principles as it incorporates a variety of interactional methods tailored to meet participants’ educational requirements.
The third is centered on ACTivism, encouraging the use of various forms of art as a tool for social change. It is designed to empower youth workers and trainers with innovative resources designed to inspire and mobilize participants.
You can now access these handbooks here.
Uniting for Impact: DO U ACT Initiative Gathers Organizations
January 26th 2023 brought together people from Morocco, Croatia, Kosovo, Lebanon and the Netherlands all together in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Why did some people have to travel more than 4000 kilometers and meet other colleagues from different cultures? Why did some travel more than 4000 kilometers to connect with colleagues from other cultures?
Young people all over the world are facing different challenges; therefore, two non-governmental organizations from the Balkan region, two from the Middle East, and one from Western Europe will collaborate over the next 24 months to develop innovative methods to engage, connect and empower young people to promote social inclusion and prevent climate challenges and lack of job prospects.
As we work together to engage, connect, and empower young people outside formal education, we will learn, evaluate, develop, and implement innovative non-formal education (NFE) formats.
After months of working together and meeting online, several of us finally met in person. Utrecht, a smaller Amsterdam, a lovely and chilly city at the time, helped us develop our action plan for the DOUACT project.
We began our discussion by choosing photographs representing ourselves and our project goal. Everyone picked their favorite pictures, which were spread out on the floor. Hope and motivation could be seen. The participants discussed why they chose the photographs they did and what they hoped to get out of this fantastic project.
Furthermore, the MasterPeace office in the Netherlands reintroduced the project, and other partners soon began the discussion with further questions about project implementation. After COVID-19, everyone was so excited to talk face to face, discuss the project in-depth, and finally have the opportunity to start a project without restrictions.
Partners discussed their roles and duties, while MasterPeace presented their advanced non-formal education (NFE) formats. These NFEs are among the most effective tools for working with youth and empowering youth workers. LUMEN of Croatia also showed their NFE formats. They provided the participants with various resources and discussed their experiences working with young workers and young people in Croatia.
LDN from Lebanon presented their communication and dissemination planning. Their fantastic work in Lebanon enables them to support the implementation of the project in all other countries. Together we agreed on some tools and approaches we will use during the implementation of DOUACT.
Following that, we learned more about cross-cultural team collaboration and communication. Collaborating is tough when all participants come from diverse cultures, countries, and continents. Participants had the opportunity to get to know each other culture by sharing their experiences on one topic that the groups selected. Some groups talked about the respect of older people in their culture and how we have been raised in our families and societies. We recognized that our cultures differed, but we also discovered certain similarities. We choose a partner to observe how a lack of communication may cause problems when we ask each other for something. It was difficult to express things to your partner when they couldn’t ask questions and had to sketch everything you said. It was a lot of fun, and we learned much about each other.
We spent the evening exploring the lovely city of Utrecht.
Those two days went fast, but they helped us get to know each other better and understand the project and our duties. In the following months, we will work hard in our communities while implementing the project. We will meet many youth workers and young people. The most important thing is that we will impact our societies, connecting young people, empowering them through promoting social inclusion, preventing climate dilemmas, and expanding job opportunities.