Fundesplai recently participated in the European Youth Congress (DJHT) held in Leipzig, Germany. This international gathering provided a valuable opportunity to discuss and share strategies around the key challenges of youth participation in Europe, as well as to build alliances with other European organizations.
In the days leading up to the congress, Fundesplai representatives collaborated with organizations from Germany, Greece, and the Czech Republic to prepare a joint workshop. This session, held during the congress, focused on exploring ways to foster critical, active, and engaged citizenship among young people.
New Alliances for an Active and Committed Youth
Throughout the congress, participants exchanged methodologies and best practices to strengthen youth participation, while also identifying current obstacles. One of the most prominent conclusions was the growing disaffection of young people toward institutional politics, often driven by a lack of trust in institutions and the feeling that their voices are not being heard.
Another concerning issue raised was the rising support for far-right ideologies among certain youth sectors in various European countries. This trend highlights the urgent need to reinforce education in democratic values, inclusion, and critical thinking through both educational and social channels.
Fundesplai’s participation in the European Youth Congress was a rich and inspiring experience, bringing new ideas and synergies to continue working toward a more conscious, critical, and active European youth.
Initiative: A Core Value of Fundesplai
Since its founding, Fundesplai has worked with children and young people to promote values such as initiative, encouraging their participation in their communities so they grow into engaged citizens. The organization advocates for a model where children, from an early age, are not only listened to but also play an active role in shaping their daily lives, including during educational midday activities.
Within this framework, the ParticipAcció project was born as a tool to foster real and meaningful participation during midday educational time. Through spaces such as assemblies, representative lunches, dining committees, and children’s commissions, boys and girls make shared decisions, take on responsibilities, and help transform their everyday environment. ParticipAcció is a clear example of how participation can be cultivated from a young age, leading to active and committed young people.