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A new Erasmus+ initiative is set to empower university students in Romania, Slovenia, and Serbia through debate and dialogue. The project, called Debating for Diversity: Fostering Intercultural Understanding and Civic Engagement, aims to enhance critical thinking skills and promote active participation in democratic processes among young people in the region.
Coordinated by Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) in Romania, this collaborative project includes partners Za in proti, zavod za kulturo dialoga (ZIP) from Slovenia and Otvorena Komunikacija (OK) from Serbia. The initiative targets university students aged 18-25, aiming to address a significant gap in civic engagement and critical thinking among the region's youth.
Building Bridges through Debate
Running from September 2024 to January 2026, the project will organize 24 debate sessions across the three countries. The sessions will be conducted in multiple languages – including Hungarian, Romanian, Serbian, Slovenian, and English – promoting linguistic diversity and fostering intercultural dialogue.
Students will gain opportunities to refine their debate and communication skills while engaging in discussions on key social issues. Topics include human rights, democracy, and the impact of new technologies, providing a platform for diverse perspectives to be shared.
Local and International Debate Sessions
In the first phase of the project, each partner organization will host a series of debate sessions in their respective countries, with the goal of directly involving over 100 students in critical discussions. The sessions will provide a space for students to practice public speaking and engage with different viewpoints.
The students will have an opportunity to meet at a three-day International Debate Forum in Slovenia, where participants will attend workshops and debate sessions, exchanging ideas on global issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence. This event aims to foster intercultural understanding and provide a unique learning experience for students and trainers alike.
Led by MCC, the project emphasizes strong communication and coordination among the partner organizations. With extensive experience in non-formal education, MCC will oversee the project's implementation while benefiting from the debate expertise of ZIP and OK.
A Step Towards a More Inclusive Future
The project's ultimate goal is to boost youth engagement in democratic processes, equipping participants with skills that encourage active citizenship. By focusing on debate as a tool for learning, the initiative hopes to foster resilience and leadership among young people, empowering them to advocate for transparency and accountability in their communities.
Debating for Diversity is poised to make a significant impact on the youth of Eastern Europe. As the project unfolds, it promises to inspire a new generation of critical thinkers and active citizens committed to shaping a more inclusive, democratic society. Through collaboration and dialogue, the initiative sets the stage for long-lasting change, empowering young people to play a pivotal role in their communities and beyond.
The project is funded through the Erasmus+ program's Small-scale Partnerships in Youth (KA210-YOU) action, with a total budget of €60,000. This funding supports training programs, educational resources, and events that encourage intercultural understanding and civic engagement. The initiative aligns with key priorities of the Erasmus+ program, such as promoting active citizenship, bridging social divides, and fostering a sense of European identity. It aims to create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue, regardless of their socio-economic status.
