AKTYVISTAI: Insightful Project Presentation and Dialogue on Active Citizenship
In a meeting held at the Vila Kaunensis space, the audience primarily comprised medical students and representatives from diverse youth organizations. Participants, predominantly medical students, associated active citizenship with voting rights, Europe, and social engagement. They expressed a sentiment that citizenship is insufficiently emphasized in academic settings, leading to a perception of it primarily as a political, economic, and historical indicator rather than as a concept tied to the individual’s importance, creativity, and societal influence. While the project’s goals were deemed beneficial for educators and youth workers, students underscored the challenge of comprehending the significance, benefits, and necessity of citizenship within public institutions due to a lack of practical components. Youth workers emphasized the pivotal role of organizations in bringing together specialists, experiences, and expectations to facilitate informal activities that enhance understanding of civic activism. Additionally, a ZOOM conversation refined ideas for promoting active citizenship, categorizing perspectives into individual, societal, and creative aspects. Participants discussed the effectiveness of interactive tools, creative informal activities, and practical team engagements in fostering increased involvement in various civic initiatives.