CERV
2023-CITIZENS-CIV
Democracy
and
Foster Inclusion
Start Date
1/9/2024
End Date
30/04/2026
Enabling Migrant Girls to Shape Women's Policies in the European Consultative Body
The Voices of Change (VOC) project seeks to address the disengagement of young migrant girls from democratic participation by fostering active citizenship, inclusion, and empowerment. Through the creation of a European Consultative Body, the project will bring together both migrant and local girls to contribute to policymaking and engage in EU democratic life. With 21 partners from 16 countries, VOC aims to raise awareness of rights, enhance civic participation, and ensure the voices of migrant girls are heard by policymakers, promoting mutual respect and cultural understanding across Europe.
Giving migrant girls the power to shape their future and strengthen democracy!
The Voices of Change (VOC) project aims to combat the disengagement of young people, particularly girls from migrant backgrounds, from traditional democratic participation. The project’s focus is on encouraging active citizenship, improving inclusion, and empowering these girls to contribute meaningfully to democracy. VOC will create a European Consultative Body dedicated to Civic Engagement for Migrant Girls, bringing together both migrant and local girls to participate in the political process and help design policies for migrants and refugees. It specifically targets young girls from non-European and European partner countries, aiming to foster mutual respect and cultural understanding. VOC’s main goal is to help migrant and refugee girls understand the policymaking process, engage in EU democratic life, and express their views on various Union issues. The project’s specific objectives include raising awareness about their rights and EU values, increasing their participation in democracy, connecting them with European institutions, and ensuring their voices are heard by policymakers, with an emphasis on intersectional concerns. VOC also aims to establish and enhance the consultative body’s functionality. The project includes a consortium of 21 partners, plus one associated partner, from 16 countries, working together to strengthen their joint capacities, share good practices, and expand their network at the EU level, thereby increasing the international reach of their activities. Additionally, VOC engages citizens, residents, migrants, associations, and various social and political groups to ensure the project is relevant and effective in addressing these issues.
The project aims to empower 42 girls with migratory backgrounds from outside Europe and 42 girls from European partner countries, aged 19-30, to participate in decision-making processes related to women’s policies within the European Consultative Body for Migrant Girl Civic Engagement. It will ensure diverse representation, promoting a more inclusive understanding of migration-related issues. Participants will improve their skills in policy analysis, advocacy, public speaking, and networking through 13 training sessions. The project will facilitate connections and collaborations between participants and various stakeholders involved in European migration policies, fostering an exchange of ideas and hands-on experience. It will also enhance participants’ understanding of European policies, boost their self-confidence, and provide advocacy opportunities for girls with migration backgrounds. Additionally, the project will bring together partners from 14 different European countries and fields, offering networking and relationship-building opportunities, as well as learning and capacity-building experiences, thereby enhancing partners’ reputations and increasing their access to future funding and partnerships.
The project consists of the following partners:
Roma Tre University is a young university thought for young people. Founded in 1992, it has rapidly grown both in terms of students and courses offered. It has gained an excellent rating among the most prominent academic rankings, especially within the younger universities.
TIA Formazione is an APS registered to RUNTS- New Register of third sector from October 2022, active from 2011.. It is member of several networks and active in eu wiritung, trainings and implementation from 2012. Founded by Ines Caloisi and Adriana Barbolla, its core values are represented by respect for human rights in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Nice Charter. Our actions are oriented towards creating a more European society, an actor that plays a political role in an international context, therefore promoting activities oriented towards European integration is our main objective. In order to achieve our values, we have chosen the main activities that are implemented through training projects that promote an innovative approach by focusing on EDUCATION, the primary sector around which our wide-ranging projects move. TIA Formazione’s “core activities” are designed for two main targets: young people and adults.
Platform INS is a Dutch non-profit dedicated to fostering social harmony, solidarity, and dialogue while combating polarization and extremism. Through various intercultural and interreligious programs, it promotes mutual understanding and social cohesion, with a focus on reducing prejudice and supporting equal opportunities. Since 2017, its ‘Art of Living Together’ initiative has brought communities together through events, workshops, and expert meetings. Platform INS also assists newcomers, refugees, and vulnerable groups with integration into Dutch society, supported by both national and EU-funded projects. With over 30 years of experience, the organization has established a strong network of partnerships with public institutions, NGOs, and local organizations, allowing it to deliver training, workshops, and mentoring to strengthen social cohesion across the Netherlands
The Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization recognized by the Italian government. Under the Belgian law, it was founded in 1950 to promote contacts between Belgium and Italy. The Chamber of Commerce is also part of Assocamerestero, the Association of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad representing: 86 Chambers in 63 countries 160 service points 20,000 members (88% local companies) 300,000 business contacts The Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce, located in the heart of Brussels, close to the European Institutions, is the point of reference for all companies wishing to promote their business and expand their network of contacts in Italy and Belgium. Its main activities are divided into: Education and Training – our European Master Training Desk organizes specific classes, masters and webinars, for all the entrepreneurs, professionals, students, who want to become experts in the field of European projecting. Growing within Europe – European Affairs and Projects Initiatives; this office is responsible for the implementation and writing of European projects, mainly under the Erasmus+ programme, Creative Europe, SMP, ESF+, Cerv. Business community – the Chamber has a key role in the promotion of matching activities between Italian entrepreneurs and Belgian buyers and vice versa.
EuropaMente, founded in 2021, is a Third Sector Organization dedicated to social and educational projects that promote solidarity, equality, and integration within the EU. Registered with the Italian Third Sector Register (RUNTS) since 2023, EuropaMente promotes social inclusion through an intersectional approach, focusing on gender equality, restorative justice, and inclusive education using non-formal methods. They engage in fieldwork and collaborate with international partners to organize youth exchanges, training for youth workers, and manage EU funded projects, supporting marginalized groups and fostering peaceful coexistence, human rights, and civil rights.
GAL Napoca Porolissum is a public-private partnership financed through the LEADER program of the National Program for Rural Development. The LAG was founded in 2011 and it has 40 partners (14 localities and 26 from the private sector). Our employees are involved in different project and most of them are English and French speakers. In order to develop and implement the two local strategies, LAG Napoca Porolissum underwent a very rigorous analysis of its territory. Thus, the local strategies are highly oriented to local context and its potential. Our LAG uses a” bottom-up” approach in order to contribute to the socio-economic development of its territory. LAG Napoca Porolissum is working to demonstrate that local development is the key to attract projects, skills, opportunities and networks for community growth. The main objectives of the LAG are: facilitating the development of agriculture through promoting and organizing short supply chains; processing and marketing of local products; organizing producer groups; getting a balanced and sustainable local development; creation of jobs through promoting social inclusion and reducing poverty and the development of the economy in poor areas. In addition to selecting projects within calls for measures from the development strategy, we are always focused on national and international projects and we have implemented several human resource development programs for the population in our territory. LAG Napoca Porolissum Association supports local entrepreneurship among young people, by financing business plans in various fields such as services, production or craft. The Association is also concerned about staff training, who participated to different sessions based on methods in education. One of the main goals of our association is to promote green and sustainable tourism, digital work and green economy, as well as innovation.
Innovation Hive is a private non-profit organization located in Greece, specialized in the fields of research and innovation. Our actions aim to enhance the economic and social cohesion of European societies while our goal is to find solutions to the new innovation challenges, achieve growth, sustainability and maximize the impact to the society. The organization’s philosophy in order to achieve these goals is based on co-creation methodologies and a quadruple helix approach. The engagement of stakeholders from industry, science and society is aiming to create links between the businesses, the academia and the civic actors in order to develop a combination of knowledge, skills, tools, values and motivation. The final goal is to make the difference in local societies and to succeed at the highest level the principles of social innovation concepts.
The International Institute for the Implementation of Sustainable Development (MIITR) is a private NGO established in 2017 in Maribor, Slovenia. Its main activity is research and development in sustainability, comprehending environmental, economic, social, and, lately, smart and digital dimensions, especially when considering innovative forms of learning. MIITR personnel has a high proficiency knowledge, competencies, and expertise in economic, environmental, social, and computer sciences, as well as in project management, promotion and dissemination activities. MIITR is also a part of the Volunteering Network of Slovenia and a municipal youth center. It currently has certified youth workers, employees with extensive teaching and youth work knowledge, and a base of volunteers actively participating in our activities. In 2022/2025, we lead a local youth sector program: “Empowering young people for sustainable personal development”, financed by the Municipality of Maribor, aiming to offer young people an international experience and sustainable knowledge gain. The mission of the MIITR is to provide research, education and awareness raising as well as consulting in the fields of sustainable development, highlighting the importance of social and green entrepreneurship, social innovation, circular economy, youth inclusion and up-to-date non-formal e-learning to accelerate society towards a more sustainable one. We strive to work on relevant societal issues and improve the quality of life of both youth and adults.
NEST is an umbrella organisation for promoting and execution of transnational mobility. The organization assists network partners to support adults and youth and functions as a hub for research and EU project design with a focus on impacting Berlin community, specifically the Wedding neighborhood. The NGO co-operates with stake holding parties throughout Europe with the intent to exchange best practices in non-formal education, digital literacy, and employability, as well as in social inclusion and disadvantaged urban / rural development projects – with the objective to represent a transnational hub for innovation in NGO best-practices & coordination schemes between NGOs and stakeholders in Europe. NGO NEST aims at human, social and socioeconomic development of people. The NGO is actively involved in scientific and field research thanks to the expertise of the board members such as community building development, intercultural dialogue, education through Sport and migration management. NEST works internationally in cross-cultural projects by interpreting the local reality in Berlin.
Regional Volunteer Center was established in 1997 as a program of the Foundation in Support of Local Democracy. The main aims of our organisation are to help people understand the idea of volunteering and educate youth about alternative ways of spending spare time and helping others. The Center’s focus includes three pillars: Volunteering, Station:Youth and International Mobilities. RCW has an accreditation in YOUTH and in ESC.The Regional Volunteer Center is the most active organization in Poland when it comes to Erasmus+ and other international programs. Since 2010 we have run dozens of projects for youth, youth workers, adults and more. we have experience being a regional Youth in Action and Erasmus+ Training Point. We have organized youth exchanges, training courses, structured dialogue projects as well as various strategic partnerships,the Erasmus+ Sport project,and the Capacity Building in the Field of Youth. While implementing such projects we focus on leadership, education through sports, digital skills,and new forms of education as well as on youth policy and human rights.
PLACE is a migrant-led organization based in Paris, France, with an intersectional approach, empowering people with a migration background, along with public and private actors, to drive systemic change in arts and media, business, entrepreneurship, and public leadership. Our goal is a society where meaningful inclusion and diverse representation of people with a migration background is the norm. We work with individuals from any migration background, recognizing that migration is a multi-dimensional phenomenon composed of diverse stories. We offer equitable support tailored to the unique experiences of each individual. Our impact is achieved through joint efforts with the communities and sectors we co-lead across Europe and Africa. Our actions include fellowships for leaders in various sectors (artivism, business, entrepreneurship, public leadership), capacity-building training, inclusive policy labs, advocacy, mentoring, and networking opportunities. We also facilitate participation in events, referrals for fellowships and grants, as well as internships and job placements. By fostering collaboration between public, private, and civil society actors, PLACE aims to dismantle systemic barriers and promote diversity as a key driver for innovation and sustainability. We envision a future where human rights, social justice, and the full engagement of people with a migration background are central to thriving and inclusive societies.
Founded in 2017, Mundus Bulgaria is a Sofia-based non-profit dedicated to enhancing the quality of education by leading impactful international projects within the Erasmus+ framework. We strive to connect Bulgarian youth and adult learners with enriching European opportunities, with a focus on civic engagement, community building, entrepreneurship, education, sports, and sustainability. Our mission is anchored in the promotion of non-formal education as a powerful tool for both personal and professional growth, fostering active civic participation across diverse backgrounds and promoting social inclusion at all levels: individual, local, national, and international. By creating accessible learning opportunities, we seek to make education more inclusive through non-formal learning pathways. Mundus Bulgaria is actively engaged in cooperative international partnerships and leads a national VET consortium, consistently delivering programs that support social integration, smooth young people’s entry into the workforce, and advance lifelong learning among adults. Our initiatives aim to bridge educational gaps, encourage active citizenship, and drive sustainable social impact in Bulgaria and beyond
Cultural Foundation 1948 is a non-profit organization founded in 2020 in Cyprus, aims to drive positive social change locally, nationally, and regionally through education, research and cultural heritage preservation. It emphasizes inclusive cultural engagement, democratic participation, and tackles contemporary societal challenges such as racism, youth engagement, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and public health, among others, to foster overall societal progress. This is a concept that extends beyond cultural events and activities to a wider understanding of culture that includes initiatives focused on educational, social, and political interventions within society. It is a Cultural Foundation aiming for a multi-faceted impact on society in areas such as culture, politics, sports, science and research, the study of history and contemporary society, as well as various other social activities. Drawing on radical and progressive roots, the foundation consciously and boldly addresses a range of issues that concern society and beyond (public health, education, nationalism, working conditions, women’s issues, migration, the environment, etc.)
Differenza Donna APS-NGO is a women’s organization founded in Rome in 1989, with the goal of exposing, combating, preventing and overcoming gender-based violence by spreading a gender culture that supports women’s rights and promotes an inclusive, democratic and participatory society. Since its origins, Differenza Donna has designed and implemented several Anti-Violence Centers and women’s Shelters as strategic and dedicated places, to support the autonomy, independence, and freedom of women and children emerging from violent dynamics. Differenza Donna manages numerous facilities: 12 Anti-violence Centres, 3 Anti-violence help desks, 4 Women’s Shelters in Campania, Basilicata, and Lazio regions, 2 Semi-autonomy houses, 2 Shelters for women victims of human trafficking, and 6 Anti Violence help desks within the most important hospitals in the Lazio region. Moreover, since July 1° 2020, it has been running the Italian National Helpline Violence and Stalking 1522, funded by the Department for Equal Opportunities at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. The Association also boasts a Legal Department that aims to transform the legal and judicial culture, call out sexist stereotypes and prejudices, and affirm a feminist culture in the courtrooms. Over the years, Differenza Donna has established a prestigious position beyond the Italian context; it has been part for 10 years in Palestine where it opened the largest anti-violence centre in the Middle East with the United Nations and the World Bank. Currently present in Syria in Damascus, for the implementation of the only public shelter in Syria together with UNFPA and the Italian Cooperation. With over 35 years of experience, Differenza Donna has supported over 60,000 women and 85,000 children victims of SGBV, trained thousands of professionals, and established crucial partnerships and protocols nationwide
ASBL founded in Brussels on 1 Feb 2020. The aim and objectives are : – To create initiatives whose aim is to promote the development of the notion of “European” in the different cultures. – The association proposes, among other things, to contribute to the creation of a European identity and culture in young people. -the association “PROJECTS FOR EUROPE”, with its own organizations, proposes as an entity to promote and valorize European artistic and cultural resources with a particular attention to young and emerging artists through the broadcasting, diffusion of news, studies and deepening in the field of secondary artistic heritage, abandoned or little considered by the institutions.
Eesti People to People is a non-profit organisation registered in Estonia in 1997 and with activities since 1993 as a chapter of People to People International NGO. The purpose of People to People aims to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among peoples of different countries and diverse cultures. Eesti People to People has three members of the board and more than 100 volunteers at the moment. There are many people with fewer opportunities among NGO members and among target groups – ethnic and national minorities, migrants and refugees, neet, youth and seniors. The main topics for NGO staff members as trainers are inclusion, equality, gender, entrepreneurship, digital and media literacy. Eesti People to People is member of People to People International – Europe, Estonian Round Table for Development Cooperation AKÜ, Estonian women umbrella organisation ENUT, Anna Lindt Foundation, Skillman and Youth4Media International networks
SOSU Ostjylland is the second largest Social and Healthcare college in Denmark. We provide different educational programs – as well as supplementary training of educated staff members – for social and health care institutions and home care for the elderly. Besides we educate and train staff for the child care sector. We provide VET education and youth education including EUX as well as EUD10 – 10th grade of the primary school. We continuously develop innovative pedagogic and didactic training material and organize work practice, and we work closely together with the employers in the field. We have more than 25 years’ experience in training and further education of care staff and since 2007, validation of prior learning has been a part of our activities. We have about 200 full-time employed staff members and 20 external professionals connected to our daily praxis. The total amount of learners is about 1200 full-time students and about 2.000 professionals already employed and participating in shorter or longer supplementary training courses. Our students are aged from 15 to 60 years old and have more than 50 different ethical and cultural backgrounds
ART+INN, established in 2022 in Vilnius, Lithuania, operates with a unique perspective, addressing societal challenges through a creative lens to advance sustainability, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion. Our core belief in education as a cornerstone for societal progress drives us to focus on empowering vulnerable individuals, offering a diverse range of activities spanning from research initiatives to innovative practices like drama therapy and forest bathing. Functioning as an independent educational organization, ART+INN collaborates closely with secondary, vocational, higher, and adult education institutions to enhance educational practices and foster innovation. Our collaborative efforts encompass various aspects, including curriculum development, pedagogical approaches, and organizational development, all aimed at achieving positive educational outcomes across different levels.
IKIGAI is a spanish non-profit NGO, focusing on the training of individuals, developing training and learning materials that will facilitate their empowerment, employability, connections and integrations. Instituto Ikigai is also partner of the Consulting EUth project, focused on the active democratic participation of immigrants, and their lack of influence on national policies that affect their daily lives. Moreover, Ikigai has been running different Erasmus+ projects related to social inclusion of marginalised youth and women’s empowerment.
The University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium Enterprises – Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) is a state-recognized private higher education institution founded in 2000 to provide practice-oriented education tailored for professionals and leaders in the SME sector. Currently, FHM offers 39 accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s programs across disciplines like Business, Psychology, Media, Human Resources, Health, and Social Sciences, with over 5,500 students enrolled across nine campuses in Germany.
FHM distinguishes itself by combining a strong regional commitment with a global perspective. The university’s core mission is to support the growth, competitiveness, and innovation of SMEs, contributing to regional and economic development. Its academic programs and projects are closely aligned with real-world needs, taking an interdisciplinary approach to address complex, socially relevant challenges through both teaching and research.
Dedicated to bridging theory and practice, FHM collaborates closely with other educational organisations, businesses, associations, and public institutions to create research and development projects that deliver tangible solutions to contemporary issues. Sustainability, innovation, and a participatory approach are central to FHM’s efforts, supporting a solutions that incorporates cutting-edge technologies and future-oriented methods across its study programs and research initiatives.
Furthermore, FHM promotes an inclusive and equal opportunity society by actively encouraging access to education for underrepresented groups and implementing initiatives that foster equitable participation. Through its commitment to inclusivity, FHM aims to create impactful contributions that empower individuals and enhance the social fabric.
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