Workshops

Workshops by Participants: Empowering Through Collaboration

As part of the "Developing Active Citizenship and European Identity" training course, our participants took the lead in organizing and facilitating their own workshops. These sessions provided a platform for youth workers from across Europe to share their expertise, exchange ideas, and engage in hands-on learning.

HUMAN RIGHTS DETECTIVE: The Case of the Missing Rights

Venue:

An indoor space with enough room for participants to move freely, like a gym or a large

classroom.

Title of Activity:

HUMAN RIGHTS DETECTIVE: The Case of the Missing Rights

Time Frame:

(5 mins for instructions, 15 mins for the detective activity, 5 mins for reflection = 25 minutes

total)

Who Am I Referring To? Target Group:

Youth and adults, aged 12+, who are learning about human rights and active citizenship.

Number of Participants:

Between 6 and 18 participants.

Materials:

• Envelopes with "clue" cards inside (human rights-related scenarios).

• A large poster listing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

• Magnifying glasses (optional for fun).

• A "Missing Rights" case file (a folder containing a brief explanation of the missing

human right).

• Sticky notes or small pieces of paper.

Preparation:

• Prepare envelopes with scenarios where a human right has been violated or is missing.

Each envelope should have a description of a situation and clues that help identify the

missing right.

• Make sure the human rights poster is visible for reference.

• Brief participants on basic human rights before the activity starts, if necessary.

Objectives of the Activity:

• To increase participants' awareness of human rights violations.

• To encourage critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

• To foster empathy and understanding of the importance of protecting human rights.

Description and Implementation Phase:

1. Participants are divided into small detective teams (2-4 people each). Each team

receives an envelope containing a scenario where a human right is missing or has been

violated.

2. The facilitator sets the scene:

"You are human rights detectives, and there has been a report of a missing or violated right in

your town. It is your job to analyze the clues, interview witnesses (other participants), and

determine which human right has disappeared or been violated."

3. Teams open their envelopes and find their "case" inside. The scenario could be

something like:

“A woman is denied the right to vote in an election. She’s told her opinion does not matter.

Your job is to figure out which right is being violated and explain why it’s important to protect.”

4. Teams are given 15 minutes to discuss the clues and decide which right is missing from

their scenario by referencing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights poster.

5. Once the teams have identified the missing right, they must write their answer on a

sticky note and place it in the "Missing Rights" case file.

6. After all teams have submitted their answers, the facilitator reviews the answers with

the group, discussing the significance of each right and how it should be protected.

Reflection Questions:

• How did you feel when you were trying to solve the case of the missing right?

• Did you find it challenging to identify which right was being violated? Why or why not?

• How would it feel if that right were taken away from you?

• Why is it important for all people to have their human rights protected, no matter

where they live?

This activity not only engages participants in a fun, detective-themed game but also deepens

their understanding of human rights and their importance in everyday life.

Bullet Points:

• Interactive Learning: Participants work in teams as "human rights detectives" to solve

scenarios involving missing or violated rights, promoting active engagement and

collaboration.

• Critical Thinking: Teams analyze clues related to human rights scenarios and use the

Universal Declaration of Human Rights to identify and discuss the violated or missing

rights.

• Reflection: After solving the cases, participants reflect on the importance of protecting

human rights, searching a deeper understanding and empathy for those affected by

violations.

Advanced European Citizenship Scavenger Hunt

Objective:

To challenge 20 European youngsters with deeper insights into European citizenship, rights, and responsibilities through a more complex and engaging scavenger hunt.

Duration:

20 minutes

Materials Needed:

- Pre-prepared envelopes or QR codes with clues (one per team)

- Printed maps, EU symbols, and country flags

- Tablets or smartphones (for research during tasks)

- Large timer visible to all participants

- Small prizes for the winning team

Structure of the Activity:

Introduction (2 minutes)

- Brief introduction to European citizenship, focusing on advanced rights (such as voting in municipal elections, consumer rights, and mobility programs like Erasmus+).

- Divide participants into 4 teams of 5 members each. Explain that they’ll need to solve challenging clues related to European citizenship and complete tasks at different stations.

Scavenger Hunt (15 minutes)

Teams must solve 5 complex clues, each leading them to different stations around the room. At each station, they complete a task that delves deeper into EU citizenship and its benefits.

Clue Stations and Tasks:

Clue 1: EU Citizens’ Initiative

- Clue: “You can propose laws if you gather enough support from 7 member states. Go where European citizens take matters into their own hands.”

- Station Task: Teams must research and write down what the European Citizens’ Initiative is, then come up with an idea for a new EU law. They need to explain which issue their law would address and how it benefits European citizens. (Extra points for creativity!)

Clue 2: European Elections

- Clue: “Every 5 years, we elect representatives to speak for us. Head to the station that decides Europe’s future.”

- Station Task: Teams are given a scenario: “You’re a European citizen living abroad in another EU country. Can you vote in the European elections? If so, how?” They must explain how citizens abroad can vote and the importance of European elections in influencing EU policies.

Clue 3: Schengen Zone

- Clue: “Cross borders freely without showing a passport. Find the area where you can roam from one country to another.”

- Station Task: Teams must name at least 3 non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen Zone and list 2 benefits of the free movement of people. (They can research on their phones if needed.)

Clue 4: Consumer Rights Across Borders

- Clue: “Your rights are protected, no matter where you buy in Europe. Seek the place that stands up for consumers.”

- Station Task: Teams must complete a consumer rights challenge. They are given two situations: one involves an online purchase in another EU country that was never delivered, and the other is a defective product bought while traveling. Teams must outline the steps to resolve both issues using EU consumer protection laws.

Clue 5: Cultural Heritage and Erasmus

- Clue: “The EU preserves our history and helps young people learn and travel. Go where learning and heritage meet.”

- Station Task: Teams are given a map and must locate 3 famous UNESCO World Heritage sites in Europe. Afterward, they must explain the Erasmus+ program and list 2 benefits of participating in it.

Wrap-up and Debrief (3 minutes)

- Once all teams complete the hunt, gather them to quickly review the correct answers and solutions.

- Highlight how European citizenship provides unique opportunities for personal, professional, and cultural growth.

- Celebrate the winning team with small prizes.

Prizes:

Award small EU-themed prizes or snacks to the team that solves the most tasks correctly in the shortest time.

Outcome:

By tackling these more complex and thought-provoking tasks, participants will not only have fun but also deepen their understanding of European citizenship and the real-world applications of their rights and responsibilities.