Youth PURPOSE
Preparedness of YoUngsters, ResPonse, RecOvery, Solidarity, and VoluntEering in Times of Crises About the prPreparedness of YoUngsters, ResPonse, RecOvery, Solidarity, and VoluntEering in Times of Crises About the projectoject
About the project
With the COVID pandemic, global warming and climate change being more real than ever and our humanity being constantly put on a test, there is a need to reshape the approach towards disaster management: to engage the active young citizens in building the community resilience and to support creation of a global society founded on solidarity as one of the key EU values.
Numerous studies have shown the importance of early engagement of young people in planning and preparedness efforts for disasters. The high numbers of fatalities, among them many children and youth, are yet another evidence that educational approach is not enough and additional education and training in emergency and disaster management is undeniably necessary.
Through the project Youth PURPOSE: Preparedness of YoUngsters, ResPonse, RecOvery, Solidarity, and VoluntEering in Times of Crises, we support a creation of an ecosystem based on solidarity and volunteering for management of disasters and hazards, thus, strengthening the resilience of the youth and the communities. Strengthening youth resilience will be achieved by building the capacities of youth and youth organizations for: education and empowerment on disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery; usage of digital tools and new technologies for disaster management; youth volunteering and volunteer management and relief efforts; as well as supporting know-how exchange and skills sharing. Providing education and training of youth and youth workers on the topic through developing appropriate non-formal educational curriculum on volunteer management in times of crisis, we would strengthen the quality of youth work and inspire active citizenship among youth.
PURPOSE goes in line with the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development (SG 11 & 13), UN Youth Strategy (strategic priority in resilience building), the EU Youth Strategy (Connect & Empower) prioritizing to “Encourage young people to become active citizens, agents of solidarity and positive change of communities”, as well as the CoE youth sector strategy 2030, with thematic focus on youth work development.
One of the aims behind Youth PURPOSE is to support building a culture based on solidarity and cooperation as key European values. Solidarity is in the very core of the project, by enhancing the capacities of youth for volunteering and education on disaster management, youngsters gain valuable knowledge and skills to know to act in times of crisis, to support their peers and to assist their communities. Volunteering as a tool transforms youth in active citizens and change-makers in their communities.
