Outcome 1: Increased citizen participation in civic activities

Small projects

Summary: The project is designed to encourage rural people to become more involved in civic activities. The situation in Degaičiai has become particularly acute with the closure of the school and cultural centre. The project aimed to develop leaders and form a team of activists in the community, initiate inclusive activities to promote civic engagement, organise meetings, and exchange good practices with other NGOs in the region.

 

Results:

  • The project mobilised the community to become active; the new team was able to carry out the activities planned during the project.
  • The project has been able to adapt flexibly to the needs of the target groups, which has encouraged more and more people to participate:
    • events (3 events, 214 participants);
    • experiential workshops (24 academic hours, 15 participants);
    • experience-sharing meetings with NGOs in the region (2 meetings, 43 participants).

Links: http://bit.ly/3BEJONo

Granted amount: 12 510 Eur

Implementation period: 24/09-2020 - 23/01/2022

Summary: The project addressed the issue of involving young people living in villages in more active community life. The aim was to mobilise young people aged 14-29 and strengthen their civic sense.

Results:

  • Participation in events in ten rural areas and in the 2021 Village Community Rally, attracting young people with activities that appeal to them: hikes, education, games, including discussions on community spirit, involvement in village activism.
  • A FB page "Here is home" was created to publicise the project activities.
  • The project participants realised that they are important for their community, that there are also interesting activities in their community, and that young people can be the initiators of the activities if they are missing them.

Nuorodos: https://www.facebook.com/%C4%8Cia-namai-105664604686529

Granted amount: 11 399 Eur

Implementation period: 14/10/2020 - 13/04/2022

Summary: The aim of the project was to empower the members of the local community "Za River" in Panevėžys to change their consumption habits, to teach sustainable consumption, to change their thinking and to form a value system based on environmental dimensions.

Results:

  • Participants gained basic knowledge on sustainable food selection, preparation, consumption and benefits.
  • 10 participants attended a sewing course where they learnt how to sew, cut and cut a garment, alter, repair, replace and refurbish it, sew bed linen and other necessary items. Together with a designer, participants learnt how to give a "second life" to second-hand items that are no longer needed and how to repurpose them.
  • Two "Heat Exchange" houses were built where people can leave their own clothes, shoes, other household items, books and magazines and choose the right ones for themselves.
  • 10 project participants improved their communication skills in English.
  • The project has increased community mobilisation and citizenship, and encouraged more people to get involved in volunteering activities.

Links: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064798983897

Granted amount: 13 445 Eur  

Implementation period: 24/10/2020 - 10/10/2022

Summary: The project was designed to encourage the local community and organisations in the village of Domeikava in Kaunas District Municipality to participate more actively in civic activities and initiatives.

Project results:

  • An interactive map-route with QR codes of interesting places of interest was created. A stand with a map-route of the attractions of Domeikava municipality was installed. 4 guides prepared and trained.
  • A guided civic hike, a civic song contest-festival, a civic action on the occasion of 6th of July was organised.
  • The project activities involved the inhabitants of geographically remote areas, 10 volunteers, who acquired theoretical knowledge and practical skills; training on the interview genre was organised. Cooperation with local educational institutions (Domeikava Gymnasium, kindergartens), libraries (2 branches), leisure halls (2 branches), Domeikava Elderly Municipality, Domeikava Lithuanian Martyrs' Parish, Lapiai Elderly Municipality, Voškoniai community, and youth were involved.

Links: https://www.facebook.com/domeikavoskaimobc

Granted amount: 16 608,50 Eur 

Implementation period: 2020/10/01 - 2021/12/30

Medium projects

Summary: The aim of the project was to involve people experiencing poverty and social exclusion in public policy decision-making at national and local level and to empower them to represent their interests. The project was needed because people at risk of poverty and social exclusion often do not have real opportunities and capacities to voice their proposals. Poverty demeans their dignity and promotes powerlessness. In many European countries, meetings of people experiencing poverty and social exclusion are organised to address this problem, where people have the opportunity to voice their concerns and make proposals, thus shaping the agendas of organisations and politicians in tackling poverty in the country.

Results:

  • As part of the international experience, a methodology for meetings and involvement of people living in poverty in public governance was developed and regional partners were trained in Forum theatre and meeting organisation (2-day training).
  • 1 national and 20 regional meetings on human rights for people living in poverty were organised in each Lithuanian county. During both meeting cycles, 292 people living in poverty participated in the events, raising issues and making suggestions. The meetings were also attended by 90 representatives of decision-making public authorities.
  • A synthesis publication was produced and subsequently presented to the SADM, municipalities, MPs and academics and used for further advocacy.
  • An awareness-raising campaign was implemented to promote social sensitivity and raise people's awareness of social rights. 83 social media posts were disseminated together with regional partners to raise awareness of the challenges and proposals of people living in poverty, to promote social sensitivity and raise awareness of social rights. A total of 11,5629 social network users were reached.

Links: https://www.smtinklas.lt/

Granted amount: 71 923 Eur

Implementation period: 01/12/2020 - 31/05/2022

Granted amount: 71 450,96 Eur

Summary:

The aim of the project is to strengthen civil society through volunteering by connecting citizens, businesses and non-profit organizations with smart technologies. The Hands ON Connect platform is an online tool that hosts an annual volunteering calendar. This volunteer management platform allows management and direction of flows of people and volunteering opportunities. Volunteers will see in their accounts the activities they have done, the time they volunteered, the change they created. NGOs will see the statistics of volunteers' involvement and areas where the impact was created. The platform allows for NGOs- to measure the value created, increase the effectiveness of volunteer recruitment; for the citizens to use fast and clear tool, variety of activities, knowledge on target groups; for business- motivated employees, sense of meaning, facilitated coordination. Target groups: young students/workers, young families, people aged 45+, businesses, NGOs.

A study by the Civil Society Institute (2019): The risk, if involved in civic activities, to become suspect for selfish incentives would seem possible to 57 percent of respondents; that you will be publicly attacked - 52 percent. Spinter Survey (2019): 31 percent participates in voluntary activities, 62 percent –do not, 28 percent respondents would be motivated to volunteer if would have more information about where and how to get involved in volunteering. NGOs and other type of organizations that host volunteers face lack of volunteer involvement, also negative attitudes towards their target groups. It is planned to involve 400 active platform users in volunteering: 200 business representatives from 15-20 companies and 100 civil society representatives, 120 volunteer opportunities in the annual calendar will be presented. By publishing activities, we will also change attitude towards volunteering in positive way, especially by presenting the potential of volunteering: volunteering with family, short-term volunteering, various areas of volunteering. This project will strengthen the competencies of NGOs' staff, also it will reduce stigma and stereotype.

Implementation period: 24/09/2020 - 23/03/2022

Partners: UAB „Magnet LT“

Lithuanian Youth Council

Granted amount: 80 000,00 Eur 

Summary:

Project „Mission Siberia“ is the Lithuanian project which builds social awareness, patriotism and civic engagement by encouraging to preserve Lithuanian history. The main problem is the lack of tools which can help young people to express their civic engagement and inspire them to become valuable members of civic society. In this project both target groups: young people who already formed their sense of civic engagement and those who are still forming it, are engaged to civic activities in practical way. Unfortunately, at Lithuanian schools’ teachers are usually focused only on the theoretical basis of civic engagement.

The project organizes expeditions to the places where Lithuanian people were deported and imprisoned during the Soviet occupation. During those expeditions, young people can touch the history with their own hands, clean up Lithuanian cemeteries, document and collect local people‘s stories and do other memorial activities. After the expedition digital tools, communication campaigns are implemented and meetings with participants of the expedition are organized in Lithuanian schools, communities, youth NGOs for discussing Lithuanian history and encouraging young people to participate in the life of the civic society.

The target audience of this project is young people who still form their sense of citizenship. The project also creates positive image of young generation in the society, reduces the gap between younger generation and elderly people, involves young people who live outside main Lithuanian cities and promotes intercultural relationships. „Mission Siberia“ has been organized for 15 years in a row and is recognized and supported by politicians, the media, business, the cultural and academic communities.

Implementation period: 01/10/2020 - 31/10/2021

Summary: The project has made a significant contribution to ensuring that demographic ageing is not ignored in the strategic decision-making processes of local self-government in Visaginas, and that older people are involved in the decision-making processes at local self-government level, in terms of the creation of an age-friendly environment in Visaginas and the civic engagement of this target group.

Results:

  • The project objective was achieved - the participation of the target group (senior citizens of Visaginas aged 65+, participants in the activities of the Visaginas TAU, and CSOs in Visaginas uniting senior citizens) in civic activities.
  • Participants of the educational events were informed about civil rights, active citizenship, volunteering, critical thinking, actively participated in the activities of the "Discussion Space" - civic meetings, discussions, and sessions for generating proposals for local self-government institutions.
  • The Visaginas Seniors' Council was initiated and established, and 4 proposals were submitted to local self-government institutions on issues of interest to seniors.
  • An analysis of the experience of the International Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities and the adopted strategic documents was carried out, and a Memorandum was drafted on the basis of this analysis, with a proposal to consider the possibility for Visaginas to become a part of this network.
  • A republican conference on issues relevant to the context of the project was organised, attended by more than 100 participants, and directly observed by about 300 people and representatives of institutions.

Links: https://bit.ly/3W1ryG6

Granted amount: 65 255,37 Eur

Implementation period: 01/10/2020 - 30/06/2022

Summary: The project activities were aimed at increasing the availability and visibility of emotional support, attracting new volunteers, training and capacity building. The target groups of the project were volunteers of the Women's Helpline (WHL), people who turn to WHL for help, and adult members of the society who are able to get involved in volunteering activities.

Results:

  • Information campaign on social networks, TV, public transport, podcasts created.
  • PML programme, communication and strategic plan developed.
  • 6 trainings, volunteer support, 2 AAGs, refresher seminars organised.
  • The programme overall strengthened PML's activities, increased visibility, emotional support outreach, encouraged people to get involved in volunteering, enhanced the quality of support provided, psychological wellbeing of volunteers, motivation. PML has become a more visible line of communication, strengthening internal PML communication within each unit and cooperation between partners.

Links: https://www.ksppc.lt/projektai

Granted amount: 75 469,67 Eur

Implementation period: 13/11/2020 - 10/06/2022

Summary: The project "Information and Capacity Building of Local Communities on Environment and Climate Change" addressed the lack of citizen involvement in addressing climate change and environmental challenges and the lack of information to motivate action. The project aimed to strengthen civil society, raise awareness of communities on climate change and the environment and build their capacity to participate in the implementation of EU and Lithuanian strategic objectives in this area, mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting environmental quality. Target group - Kaunas district communities.

 

Results:

  • A survey of communities was carried out.
  • Environmental information and advocacy seminars, round table discussion organised.
  • Community Climate Mitigation and Environmental Improvement Strategy developed.
  • Information event and conference organised.
  • Increased community awareness on climate change and environmental issues, strengthened the capacity of Kaunas R. communities as civil society and promoted their involvement in civic activities through the development of local Climate Change Mitigation and Environmental Improvement Strategies.

Links: https://ecat.lt/projektai/

Granted amount: 51 976 Eur  

Implementation period: 04/10/2020 - 04/04/2022

Summary: The aim of the project is to bring environmental issues closer to people, to help them better understand them and to understand how our everyday choices can influence the solutions to these problems. Promoting reduced consumption, developing new habits for a more sustainable lifestyle, promoting DIY culture and gardening in the city, providing help and guidance for daily management - knowledge about everyday life that we have tried to convey through the various activities implemented during the project (trainings, workshops, educational programmes for students, etc). The target group is families with young children, families expecting a baby, pre-school children and primary school children.

Results:

  • Several different blocks of activities were implemented, which complemented each other and made up the whole project: from seminars and workshops for families, to open "Master's Kitchen" events, to the creation of DIY playgrounds for children, to the introduction of different gardening techniques in the city, to role-playing games for school children.
  • ZERO HERO, a game to inspire a sustainable lifestyle for children aged 7-11, and an educational programme for primary school children on batteries, their extraction and recycling. Both are publicly available in digital format on the project applicant's website. The card game ZERO HERO is also available in physical form to all.

Links: https://miestolaboratorija.lt/projektas-zero-waste-karta-2/

Granted amount: 51 815,87 Eur

Implementation period: 19.10.2020 - 1.10.2021

Large projects

Partners: Taurage Town Local Action Group

The community „Skaudvilės kraštas“

Local Action Group „Pajurio krastas“

Village communities ,,Saulietekis‘‘

The union of Biržai region village communities

Regional Council of the five municipalities of Hardanger (Norway)

Vestland fylkeskommune (Vestland County Council) (Norway)

Granted amount: 134 816,23 Eur 

Summary:

The main problem of the project focuses on the engagement of civic initiatives and local democracy at municipal and regional level, involving local community groups in the regional municipalities (Kaunas, Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Šilalė, Pagėgiai, Zarasai, Ignalina, Biržai, Klaipėda and Kaunas district municipalities and others). 

The proposed project is in line with the aims of the APF program to develop civil society and to promote the involvement of socially vulnerable groups, and is within the scope of Impact 1, promoting greater citizen participation in civic activities (Outcome 1). It is also consistent with the thematic priority of focusing on geographically remote regions and the implementation of partnerships and the promotion of bilateral partnerships. 

The project is based on the idea that inter-institutional partnerships between local government (municipality), local communities and civic groups and other stakeholders in the municipality allow to balance different interests, enhance local democracy, support civic initiatives and participate in local politics and strategic planning processes, contribute to wellbeing in remote municipalities. The main activities of the project include identification and assessment of the local democracy situation and community participation in municipal areas (activities 1.1 and 1.2), training of community representatives in local democracy and civic leadership, as well as Sustainable development issues (activities 2.1), cooperation with Norwegian partners (activities 3.1) and networking and communication activities (Actions 2.2, 4.1 and 4.2). Main results: study, 300 persons trained, 1 visit with Norwegian partners, networking and communication activities (digital tools testing, local needs seminars and discussions).

Implementation period: 01/12/2020 - 31/05/2023

Summary: the project was necessary Lithuanian diaspora passively participates in Lithuanian public life, there are groups with specific needs, and they are not met sufficiently. The main goal of the project was to create conditions for the involvement of the professional diaspora in public life in Lithuania. The solution to the problem is an ecosystem for the implementation of the citizenship of the professional diaspora, which consists of four parts: a digital platform, initiative groups, events and communication. The first target group of the project was diaspora professionals who are inclined towards civic engagement, but need to be offered concrete means of participation that meet their needs. The second target group is Lithuanian public and public sector organizations that seek to expand the audience of their activities and/or they need certain specific competences or experiences.

Results:

  • During the project, an online platform was created, which works as a one-stop shop for the merger and cooperation of target groups, and the applicant's work in convening and mentoring initiative groups is aimed at creating good practices, success stories and habits. Communication support will ensure the continuity and sustainability of the project.
  • During the project period, we have about 2,500 diaspora professionals, 30 non-governmental and public sector institutions registered on the platform.
  • An important and qualitative change at the end of the project - the target groups better understand the meaning of cooperation, the benefits and each other's needs and expectations, and the online platform is used as a space for new connections to be made even after the project ends.

Links: GLL – Global Lithuanian Leaders; Global Lithuanian Leaders | Vilnius | Facebook 

Granted amount: 125 865,28 Eur

Implementation period: 125 865,28 Eur

 

Partners: Vytautas Magnus university Centre for Enterprise Practice

Granted amount: 149 180,00 Eur

Summary:

Problem: the social and civic situation of the youth from Lithuanian regions are not well: there exists a high level of migration, poverty, a high rate of unemployment, a low sense of citizenship, people hardly get involved in public and civic activities. There also exists a lack of inclusive and effective citizenship education programmes for the youth. The effect, which is wanted and coherence with the goals of the programme: the project is directly oriented into the main goal of APF – to strengthen the civic community, as well as the result – a strong civic community and active citizenship in Lithuania. The target group is one of the most vulnerable ones in Lithuania – the youth from regions. 

The goal – to promote active civic participation of Lithuanian youth in multiple social and public politic processes, as well as contribute to making the quality of public education better. Project activities and results:

- Ready-to-use methodical tool „Citizenship education for the youth – BeACTIVE“; board game for the youth „Active citizenship“;

- Training for specialists, working with the youth – they will be introduced to the methods of active citizenship education. In total there are going to be 10 days of training for 200 specialists from 10 Lithuanian regions;

- Creative workshops for the youth, which include creativity-based activities, civic education and involvement in problem solving of local issues. In total there are going to be 25 workshops organised for 400 participants;

- Creation of an online platform „BeACTIVE – 100 ideas for Lithuania“;

- Festival of ideas „BEACTIVE“.

Implementation period: 15/10/2020 - 14/10/2023

Partners: Aukstelke School-Multifunctional Centre

Vilnius "Ateities" school

Granted amount: 121 499,08 Eur

Summary:

According to the PISA 2018 Survey, nearly half of pupils in Lithuanian schools do not feel part of the community, nor that they can influence school decisions. 

The project “Democratic Education-Based Practices in Lithuanian Schools” aims to implement democratic education-based practices that teach students civic education through daily practice in school, so that students can experience real democratic process of decision-making. 

The goal of the project is to create a civilly active society by implementing the principles of democratic education in Lithuanian schools. Objectives of the project: 

1) to introduce democratic education-based practices in schools that would enable students to become active members of the school community; 

2) to create conditions for students to "play out" the principles and processes of democratic society by participating in an educational MINI city game; 

3) to share civic education best practices with Lithuanian educators and parents. 

The main target group of the project is children aged 7-16, as well as educators, school administrators, parents of pupils. 

The project will implement the principles of democratic education (individual interview with class teacher, class meeting, school meeting, justice committee) in at least 20 Lithuanian schools. Students will be able to "play" the principles and processes of democracy in MINI city, where children will be the creators of the city. In this city, the children will create their own city government, they will be able to make money and spend it – in a shop, cafe or theater in the city. The lessons learned from the project and the results achieved will be presented at two national conferences on democratic education, aiming to show how civic education can be implemented through daily practice and that civic awareness is much closer to us all, starting with active participation in small daily public decisions.

Implementation period: 01/10/2020 - 31/12/2022

Partners: Public Enterprise “The Centre for School Improvement” 

Granted amount: 149 554,68 Eur

Summary:

Lithuanian society suffers from low-level of civic participation, lack of solidarity and trust among society members. Civic education, supposedly an integral part of school’s curriculum, has not delivered in 30 years. Most of the civic education initiatives were carried out on a short-term project basis and have not achieved a systemic effect. Up until the present day the quality of civic education depends entirely on the motivation and qualification of each teacher.

Unfortunately, the same can be said about the online educational VOD platform “Inconvenient Films Class” (www.nepatogauskinoklase.lt), which was founded by the applicant in 2016. Though it has a substantial educational material and almost 2000 registered users (teachers), the lack of resources do not allow to implement quality control of its practical use, teachers are left on their own and cannot receive human rights and media literacy training, which is essential in using film as an instrument for civic and human rights education. Thus, the platform fails to realize its full potential on structural level. Systematic changes can only take place when contemporary methods are used by motivated and qualified educators, inspiring civic activism among pupils.

The project “Inconvenient Films Class: Inspiring Systematic Change” aims to utilize existing VOD platform, converting it into a fully accredited programme for the development of professional qualification of teachers. A pilot group of 60 teachers from various regions of Lithuanian will receive a 40 hrs. long certified training, combining civic education, human rights and media literacy knowledge. Moreover, each teacher will also be given assistance (both by mentors and by 40 project volunteers), identifying social issues on class, community or town (country) level and taking practical steps in addressing those issues. Thus at least 1200 teachers and 60 teachers will engage into a voluntary civic activity, addressing issues, which they find important.

Implementation period: 01/11/2020 - 30/04/2023

Partners: Vellenes Fellesorganisasjon (Norway)

Bodø kommune (Norway)

Kaunas Technology University

Granted amount: 149 381,93 Eur

Summary:

This project is necessary because the urban development in Šančiai district does not meet the requirement of the Kaunas city master plan and violates the public interest. The project “GENIUS LOCI: urbanization and civil society” aims to solve the problem of uncoordinated and non-democratic urbanization in Kaunas Šančiai district, creating conditions for more active participation of citizens in democratic processes, strengthening and enabling active citizenship. The target group of the project consists of the residents of Šančiai and other interested groups in society.

Objective (s): Increased citizen participation in civic activities; stronger civil society capacity and greater sustainability.

Results: more actively involved citizens in civic activities and decision-making: members of the Šančiai community and interested society, youth, socially excluded groups (target value + 25%); the creation of a virtual community space enabling civic processes and an increase in the number of users of digital tools promoting public participation in civic activities (target value + 25%); creatively interactive spaces promoting the participation of the society in civic activities (target value - 4000); CSOs and public / private partnerships implemented (target value 15).

Implementation period: 24/09/2020 - 23/09/2023

Partners: Learn before You Vote

Association "Jaunimo laisvalaikis"

Klaipeda Youth Organizations Association Round Table 

Granted amount: 145 000,00 Eur

Summary:

In Lithuania, young people are among the most disinterested in politics and have a record low turnout in local government elections. The main reasons for this are: (1) the low-level of knowledge and practical skills of young people in politics; (2) the gap between politicians and young people; the negative image of politicians; (3) Insufficient number of political debates involving young people. Therefore, the primary target group of the project is 14-24-year-old young people in the regions who will become volunteers of the “Learn before You Vote” network and take active steps in their local areas.

“Learn before You Vote” is a network where young people from all over Lithuania join to volunteer in joint activities. It also include political scientists who help watchdogging politicians and journalists who moderate discussions and help volunteers select information about local politicians. In a large network, young people, which are supported by mentors and network coordinators, feel more self-confident in communicating with politicians and monitoring them.

The project aims to promote young people's active, informed and conscious participation in local government elections and local decision-making through the monitoring of elected politicians. 

Expected results of the project: 

1. Stronger network of volunteers in at least 50 Lithuanian municipalities, over 200 young people involved in quality civic activities; 

2. Increased civic knowledge and capacity of young people to participate in public life through non-formal civic education (3 new methods, 60 partnerships with educational institutions, 120 educational activities);

3. Increased and more informed participation of young people in pre-election activities and elections through a virtual platform and live discussions (1 online platform, 1 communication campaign, at least 60 debates);

4. More young people in 30 municipalities are involved in long-term policy monitoring and local decision-making (1 online platform, 1 communication campaign, 60 discussions).

Implementation period: 03/11/2020 - 02/11/2023

Partners: Red Cross Oslo – Kors på halsen (Norway)

Granted amount: 147 118,38 Eur

Summary:

This project will contribute creating emotionally safe and sustainable society for Lithuanian children and adolescents.

This project will contribute achieving the general objectives of the ACF - to strengthen civil society and active citizenship and empower vulnerable groups.

This project is addressed to achieve the ACF Program Outcome 1. Increased citizen participation in civic activities.

The main challenges of the chosen outcome area are:

- Insufficient number of “Child line’s” volunteers.

- Decreasing motivation of present volunteers.

The main objectives of the project are:

- to recruit sufficient number of new volunteers.

- to increase motivation of present volunteers.

Target groups of this project: TG1 - proactive civils (potential “Child line's” volunteers) – businessmen, influencers, media representatives; TG2 - parents, teachers, educators etc. TG3 – current volunteers and supervisors; TG4 – potential financial supporters and donators.

Expected outcomes of this project:

- implementing 2 awareness-rising campaigns will attract 200 candidates for volunteers.  

- after implementing 1 awareness-rising campaign 1,2% of income tax donations will increase 10 %. 

-  strengthened motivation of current volunteers by implementing 2 motivation volunteers' trainings (total number of participants 340 volunteers), 2 motivation supervisors (volunteers – volunteers' teachers) trainings (40 volunteers will be trained).

Implementation period: 02/11/2020 - 01/11/2023