Educational course promotes discussion of challenges in Europe 

(MissionNewswire) Youth from seven European countries took part in an educational course called “Speak Up Europe”, which focused on human rights, fake news and sustainability. The course for European youth workers was held by the Auryn Association in León, Spain, and co-funded by the European Union, through the Erasmus+ Programme. Youth from Italy, Turkey, Georgia, France, Portugal, Germany and Spain participated. 

Four main topics were discussed during the course. The first focused on human rights in Europe. Students learned about the importance of respect for human rights and human rights education for youth, along with the risks encountered in society. Current conflicts and global passivity in the face of humanitarian challenges were studied. Salesians also focused on the diverse and intercultural European society as one of the keys to promoting intercultural education.  

The second topic focused on the rise of fake news. Students looked at an analysis of the risks of fake news in society, as well as how hate speech was promoted. All participants worked to draw up best practices to combat and prevent the negative effects of this kind of media.  

Students then explored the challenges of sustainability practices and how their own daily habits could affect their ecological footprints. They also explored best practices and the impact that lifestyle has on the environment.  

Lastly, students explored the challenges that Europe faces in the present and the future. A Salesian noted, “Students explored an analysis of the current situation of the European Union and the global challenges that we face as a society, reflecting on the possible solutions and educational strategies to be implemented in the youth sector. All this with the aim that whatever is learned can be useful and applied locally by youth workers in their daily work.”  

### 

Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Spain – “Speak Up Europe”: a formation course for young Europeans

Salesian Missions