Växjö and Kalush, Ukraine

This project focuses on increasing youth participation in local governance by addressing a significant gap in democratic awareness among young people. The main ambition is to empower youth aged 17-25 to actively engage in decision-making processes within the Kalush community. This goal aligns with a broader vision of strengthening democratic governance and enhancing critical thinking skills among young people, particularly around civic participation and local policy influence. To support this ambition, Kalush has outlined two primary organisational readiness goals. The first goal is Policy Implementation, aiming to raise youth awareness and utilization of democratic tools through the creation of a “School of Democracy.” This initiative seeks to provide young people with essential knowledge and practical skills for engaging in local governance. The second goal is Community Participation, which involves expanding the network of qualified facilitators who can lead non-formal educational sessions within the School of Democracy and create a framework for experience exchange with Swedish partners. They will design and produce educational materials specifically for the School of Democracy. This will be followed by the implementation of training sessions, both for youth participants and facilitators, to ensure effective program delivery. Kalush also plans to involve local youth NGOs, which will contribute resources and expertise to enhance the curriculum and support the ongoing education process. Evaluations and pilot programs will be conducted to refine teaching methods and gauge the program’s impact, ensuring the School of Democracy meets its objectives. Through these steps, the project aims to build a sustainable foundation for youth engagement in Kalush’s local government.