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

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.

Links: https://misijasibiras.lt/ekspedicijos/

Granted amount: 80 000,00 Eur 

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

Summary:

There has been a lot of research on the shadow economy over the last 40 years, but very little has been done to prevent the shadow economy and tax evasion. We can say that Lithuania has chosen insignificant policy measures to prevent the shadow economy (Lithuanian Free Market Institute, 2018). Also, proper use of collected tax revenues, transparency, public satisfaction with public services, citizenship, and societal motives, can have a shrinking effect on the shadow economy (Publication: Shadow Economy. Changes over a decade, 2016). On this basis, we can say that the development of citizenship competencies directly contributes to reducing the shadow economy and increasing transparency. However, in one of the orders of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, it is stated that active civic education for pupils is insufficient. Therefore, with the help of this project, we suggest improving the quality of civic education at an early age. Also, we aim to teach children responsible financial management at an early age by strengthening citizenship and financial literacy competencies. Our goal is to educate a civic and responsible taxpayer and thus prevent the spread of the shadow economy in Lithuania. The project aims to strengthen civil rights education and civic participation education sustainably - we will integrate content into the educational process that can be used for many years - this will ensure the continuity of the impact created and the expansion of the target audience.

Expected qualitative and quantitative results of the project were reached:

1. Updated methodology and dissemination of the "Our Community" curriculum;

2. 356 specialist teachers trained to teach responsible citizenship and tax compliance, financial literacy basics using the methodological content of the "Our Community" programme and signed 50 cooperation agreements with the project and 300 teachers trained.

3. Strengthened the skills and competences of 5505 (10%) pupils in responsible citizenship and tax compliance, financial literacy, and the development of their The programme "Our Community" will help to raise awareness of the basics of citizenship and financial literacy in the regions of Lithuania, in socially vulnerable communities, and in communities in vulnerable communities. Active citizenship skills and participation in civic activities developed;

4. 1 practical, methodological conference for project teachers on curriculum and active citizenship implemented The project was organized in the framework of the European Citizenship Forum;

5. 1 educational experience event for students participating in the project;

6. Implemented a best practice training for capacity building and development of the applicant.

Our goal was reached to educate a civic and responsible taxpayer and thus prevent the spread of the shadow economy in Lithuania. The target group of this project is 2-3 grade students. The project aims to strengthen the education system by providing and expanding a high-quality educational methodology - the 5-session program “Our Community” - which includes the development of civil rights, civic participation, financial literacy. We prepared 356 teachers who accompany 5,499 students during the above-mentioned program. The project aims to strengthen civil rights education and civic participation education sustainably - we will integrate content into the educational process that can be used for many years - this will ensure the continuity of the impact created and the expansion of the target audience.

Links: Projektai - LJA

Granted amount: 63 246,95

Implementation period: 2022-06-01 - 2023-11-30

Summary:

With the project „Sidabrinė linija”: building the civic power of the older population by promoting social activism and volunteering“ we aimed to address the problem of low civic participation among the elderly population in Lithuania.

Project target group: socially vulnerable older adults (60 years and older) who, due to their age, health and socioeconomic status, belonging to national / ethnic / linguistic minorities, loneliness and isolation are facing a risk of social exclusion, and who partially (or completely) lack or have lost the ability and opportunities to communicate and maintain social relations, are socially passive, lack of confidence in their civic power.

The project goal was building the civic power of elderly population, promoting their social activism and meaningful civic participation by engaging them in social interaction and volunteering in the framework of “Sidabrinė Linija” befriending programme.

The project brought about the following positive changes, each of which will have a lasting impact on the target group - socially vulnerable and civically inactive older people, as well as on the indirect beneficiaries – the relatives and the community at a large:

·       Increased motivation and opportunities for the socially vulnerable older people involved in the project to re-establish and maintain social relationships, which will have a direct positive impact on their subjectively perceived psychological well-being;

·       Increased civic engagement of seniors through involvement in sustainable volunteering at the Silver Line, enhanced skills in using digital tools for civic participation, improved competences in teamwork, learning and active citizenship;

·       Raised public awareness of prevailing negative attitudes towards older people, promoted recognition of their contribution to society, improved understanding of their rights to live independently, with dignity, and reduced negative age-related stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes;

·       Strengthened institutional capacities of participating organisations, increased organisational development capacities, stronger partnerships.

Links: https://www.sidabrinelinija.lt/fondas/projektinis-finansavimas

Granted amount: 75526,89 EUR

Implementation period: 2022-05-01 iki 2023-10-31

Summary:

Every second resident believes the decision-making process in Lithuania is opaque, 6 out of 10 - that the government is run by few private interests. 9 out of 10 have never participated in public consultations, while 1 out 9 municipalities do not publicly consult with citizens. In 2020, the Index of the perception of civic influence on decision-making decreased from 61.2 to 55.7 points out of 100.

With the help of this project TI Lithuania aimed to addresses the problem of low citizen participation and their engagement in local decision-making.

The solution: TI Lithuania together with its partners promoted active citizen participation and inclusion in decision-making through participatory budgets (PBs). The project target groups were (1) members of local communities, (2) representatives of local public administrations, associations, national and local decision-makers.

Project results: (1) Increased citizen participation in decision-making (engaging over 280 people during 4 public consultations, strengthening civic education of at least 36,000 citizens in 6 municipalities); (2) Encouraged citizen participation in civic activities (over 70 percent of all municipalities in Lithuania are implementing PBs; TI Lithuania implemented at least 3 awareness-raising campaigns; its online tool www.dalyvaujamasisbiudzetas.lt has been visited more than 4,3 thousand times); (3) Established and strengthened partnerships between CSOs and public entities (involving at least 11 partners; 88 municipal representatives in the exchanges of PB experiences; over 300 representatives from national and local public administrations, communities in Lithuania and abroad); (4) Strengthened inclusion of vulnerable groups (involving 31 municipal representatives in trainings on how to include diverse social groups); (6) Proposals to improve public policy (by submitting information requests to 60 municipalities and 12 proposals to public institutions (both, national and local level) to strengthen citizens‘ engagement in decision-making).

Links: www.dalyvaujamasisbiudzetas.lt

Granted amount: 74930,40 EUR

Implementation period: 2022-05-09 to 2024-02-08

Summary:

The project “FOR: future create now” was promote active citizenship among young people by contributing to the formulation of public policies on gender equality.The following problems was addressed:

1. Low awareness of the importance of gender equality among Lithuanian youth, especially in the regions, and low youth participation in the formulation and implementation of equality policy between women and men hinder the development of society and democracy.

2. Insufficient involvement of NGOs and lack of instruments to promote young people's active citizenship on gender equality issues, such as public campaigns based on research, facts or international documents, underdeveloped mechanisms for civic control of political parties, and especially at the municipal level.

An innovative digital educational tool has been developed that not only raises young people's awareness of gender equality, but also serves as a reference material to educate young people about citizenship in a way that appeals to them. In total, 85 young people took part in the activity. A cartoon "Gender Balance in Politics" was produced to encourage young people to become more active, aware and responsible in the elections and to get involved in gender equality policy-making. Ten young active girls from different municipalities were more actively involved in political life and encouraged to get involved in the development and implementation of gender equality policies.

During the dialogical training “FOR: future create now”, representatives of youth organisations were introduced to ways and methods of developing young people's critical thinking, which helps them to engage more actively in dialogues, debates on decision-making and social action in the public interest. The total number of participants was 66.

The programmes of 3 political parties were analysed from the perspective of gender equality and educational material for a youth seminar-discussion was prepared on the basis of concrete examples.

The project partner organisations/members signed 5 cooperation agreements with youth organisations:

Social campaigns contributed to raising awareness among members of the public, especially young people, about civic initiatives, civil rights and activities to strengthen direct democracy. Awareness of gender inequality issues and solutions and of the CEDAW Convention and its recommendations to Lithuania increased. The EEA Financial Mechanism's APF programme was publicised.

The project resulted in the creation of 2 digital tools - a quiz/brainstorming game "For a gender-equal future for young people" and an animated video "Gender Balance in Politics" - which gave the project sustainability. The project activities aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among young people by encouraging them to become more involved in civic activities. Strengthen cooperation between LMLO members and youth organisations. The young people involved in the project broadened their knowledge on citizenship. Their motivation and innovative, independent thinking about gender equality, public life in the country or about the state and its government itself was encouraged. 10 young active girls were involved in political activities. Increased sustainability of LMLO members, strengthened capacities will activate young people to participate in gender equality policy making and implementation. Representatives of youth work organisations increased their knowledge on how to empower young people to participate in political, civic and public life, to build positive relationships with young people, to help them formulate their interests, to teach them how to express and represent them, and to develop civic attitudes. The partner brought different resources and perspectives to the project, which made it more diverse and multifaceted. We consider the cooperation with the partner to be effective and successful and believe that it has contributed to the achievement of the project's intended results.

Links: http://www.muic.lt/viktorina-kad-jaunimo-ateitis-butu-grindziama-lyciu-lygybe/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvL1JRu9zYQ

Summary:

The project “FOR: future create now” was promote active citizenship among young people by contributing to the formulation of public policies on gender equality.The following problems was addressed:

1. Low awareness of the importance of gender equality among Lithuanian youth, especially in the regions, and low youth participation in the formulation and implementation of equality policy between women and men hinder the development of society and democracy.

2. Insufficient involvement of NGOs and lack of instruments to promote young people's active citizenship on gender equality issues, such as public campaigns based on research, facts or international documents, underdeveloped mechanisms for civic control of political parties, and especially at the municipal level.

An innovative digital educational tool has been developed that not only raises young people's awareness of gender equality, but also serves as a reference material to educate young people about citizenship in a way that appeals to them. In total, 85 young people took part in the activity. A cartoon "Gender Balance in Politics" was produced to encourage young people to become more active, aware and responsible in the elections and to get involved in gender equality policy-making. Ten young active girls from different municipalities were more actively involved in political life and encouraged to get involved in the development and implementation of gender equality policies.

During the dialogical training “FOR: future create now”, representatives of youth organisations were introduced to ways and methods of developing young people's critical thinking, which helps them to engage more actively in dialogues, debates on decision-making and social action in the public interest. The total number of participants was 66.

The programmes of 3 political parties were analysed from the perspective of gender equality and educational material for a youth seminar-discussion was prepared on the basis of concrete examples.

The project partner organisations/members signed 5 cooperation agreements with youth organisations:

Social campaigns contributed to raising awareness among members of the public, especially young people, about civic initiatives, civil rights and activities to strengthen direct democracy. Awareness of gender inequality issues and solutions and of the CEDAW Convention and its recommendations to Lithuania increased. The EEA Financial Mechanism's APF programme was publicised.

The project resulted in the creation of 2 digital tools - a quiz/brainstorming game "For a gender-equal future for young people" and an animated video "Gender Balance in Politics" - which gave the project sustainability. The project activities aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among young people by encouraging them to become more involved in civic activities. Strengthen cooperation between LMLO members and youth organisations. The young people involved in the project broadened their knowledge on citizenship. Their motivation and innovative, independent thinking about gender equality, public life in the country or about the state and its government itself was encouraged. 10 young active girls were involved in political activities. Increased sustainability of LMLO members, strengthened capacities will activate young people to participate in gender equality policy making and implementation. Representatives of youth work organisations increased their knowledge on how to empower young people to participate in political, civic and public life, to build positive relationships with young people, to help them formulate their interests, to teach them how to express and represent them, and to develop civic attitudes. The partner brought different resources and perspectives to the project, which made it more diverse and multifaceted. We consider the cooperation with the partner to be effective and successful and believe that it has contributed to the achievement of the project's intended results.

Links: http://www.muic.lt/viktorina-kad-jaunimo-ateitis-butu-grindziama-lyciu-lygybe/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvL1JRu9zYQ

Granted amount: 59600,84 €

Implementation period: 2022-07-01 - 2023-12-31 

Summary:

Project “Patients acting for patients” aimed to improve patient health literacy and promotion of participation in the healthcare decision making to reflect real patient needs and preferences in the public policy and to strengthen cooperation between citizens and governmental institutions.

Research proves that active patient engagement in the healthcare and social care systems contributes to substantially better treatment outcomes, including reduced waiting times and reduced number of patients with chronic diseases. In Lithuania patient involvement throughout their treatment journey remains low, also attention is lacking to improve patients’ education and their health literacy. In the meantime, one of the strategic priorities of the Lithuanian Government is to “improve citizens social well-being and inclusion, promote health”, aiming to improve the number of patients who were actively included in their treatment decisions by 300 percent by the year 2030.

The target groups within the project were 1) patients who were involved in volunteering activities; 2) patients who were educated and encouraged to participate in policymaking in the fields of health care and social security; 3) public administration institutions.

Throughout the project POLA initiated and implemented a volunteer based mentoring program, implemented systematic awareness-raising measures for the patient community, developed a patient-centred training program, organized training, conducted patient surveys using digital tools, and thus provided patients with an opportunity to express public opinion, based on which later submited proposals to competent institutions and bodies.

Project activities and their results empowered patients to become partners in their healthcare delivery, improved their participation in the civil society and helped public institutions to acknowledge problems faced by patients in the healthcare and social care systems, by listening to lived patient experience, expectations, and suggestions, thus improving the quality and effectiveness of public decision making.

Links: https://pola.lt/apie-pola/#projektai

Granted amount: 59900,68 €

Implementation period: 2022-04-29 - 2023-08-28

Summary:

The activities planned in the project ensured the realization of all the general objectives of the APF program:

• civil society will be strengthened, vulnerable groups such as young people and ethnic minorities will be empowered;

• bilateral cooperation between Lithuanian civil society organizations and donor entities will be strengthened;

• regional networking will be encouraged, knowledge and good practice will be available to all civil society.

The project contributed to the achievement of the APF program level result ("Strengthened Civil Society and Active Citizenship, Empowered Vulnerable Groups"):

Number of CSOs directly funded – 4 (NLC, 1  NGO operating in Norway and 2 NGO operating in Šiauliai). Also, 1 Šiauliai city educational institution was involved in the Project.

The project solved these problems: lack of high-quality non-formal anti-corruption education and public administration proposal preparation programs, lack of modern digital methodological tools required for their implementation; passive participation of young people, especially young people from national minorities, in civic activities, too little involvement in public policy-making.

In project there was done:

• implemented an experience exchange traineeship in Norway where NLC, 1 and 2 Partners exchanged the positive experience of activities aimed at more active involvement in the formation of public policy;

• improved a non-formal anti-corruption education and preparation of public administration proposals program, prepared the digital methodological material “easy to read”, open to all external users;

• implemented trainings “Engine of Youth Anti-Corruption Initiatives - Civic Activity and Involvement in Public Administration Decision-Making” for 199 youth representatives in 7 municipalities of Šiauliai County, including representatives of national minorities;

• organized 4 moderated public management proposal preparation working groups in each Šiauliai county municipality, involving 48 youth representatives;

• improved the skills relevant to the development of NLC's and Partners' NGO activities.

Links: https://slk.lt/apf-jaunimo-antikorupcinis-ugdymas/

https://slk.lt/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/NEFORMALIOJO-ANTIKORUPCINIO-UGDYMO-PROGRAMA__.pdf

https://slk.lt/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1_slk_medziaga_Antikorupcija-easy_to_read.pdf

Granted amount: 70 450,74 €

Implementation period: 2022-07-01 iki 2024-02-29