"Lab of Human rights" training course under Erasmus +

In the recent past, Human Rights and Human Rights Education (HRE) in the youth field gained significant importance in European political agendas. This shift was partly in response to the rise of populist anti-Human Rights discourse. Various social movements exerted pressure, leading to an increasing awareness of the significance and role of human rights in the 21st century. The prevailing consumerist culture faced numerous challenges that posed threats to human rights.

Youth constituted a substantial segment of society, and it was imperative for them to actively engage in democracy and combat human rights violations within their countries. Their participation in propagating a culture of human rights had the potential to foster a more dignified and equitable society.

Human rights education emerged as one of the crucial tools for respecting human rights. It aimed to nurture a generation well-versed in the principles of human rights, which they could embody in all their actions. Several studies underscored that merely defending human rights after violations or derogations was no longer sufficient. Given the frequency of such violations and derogations, spreading and deepening knowledge about human rights concepts became a necessity.

The core issue surrounding human rights revolved around awareness and knowledge of these rights and their practical application. Knowledge served as the initial step that allowed individuals to comprehend these rights and their implications.

Equipping youth workers and leaders, along with youth volunteers, with a fundamental understanding of youth rights was crucial for building trust and empowering the youth. This knowledge enabled young individuals to advocate for themselves within the bounds of their rights, instilling in them the confidence to navigate various aspects of their lives more effectively.

As part of the initiative, a training course was implemented to enhance the competencies of youth workers in the realm of human rights. This aimed to empower them to become multipliers who could promote human rights through non-formal education methods in youth work.

The project's objectives were as follows:

1. To offer a better understanding of human rights and their practical application in daily life.

2. To raise awareness about the concepts of human rights education and democratic citizenship education.

3. To develop the competencies of participants in using 'Compass' as a tool to promote human rights education.

4. To introduce participants to relevant mechanisms and instruments for supporting the implementation and advocacy of human rights.

5. To provide participants with insights into contemporary human rights concepts, global institutions, and fundamental documents.

6. To familiarize participants with the institutional and legislative framework for the protection of human rights and the prevention of discrimination in Lithuania (Europe).

7. To foster networking and the exchange of ideas and best practices among various multipliers.

From the 7th to the 14th of October, youth workers, youth leaders, and volunteers engaged in working with young people came together for a training session in Sirvintos. A total of 29 participants representing 8 European Union and partner countries actively participated in this event.

Throughout the training, these dedicated individuals shared their valuable experiences and insights pertaining to Human Rights education within their respective countries and organizations. One of the key highlights of the program was the utilization of the "Compass" manual, a valuable resource for promoting Human Rights education.

As part of the training, the participants organized local Sirvintos youth workshops, which were centered around the theme of human rights. These workshops took place in local schools and the youth center, allowing the participants to actively engage with the community and foster a deeper understanding of human rights principles among the youth in Sirvintos. This hands-on approach demonstrated the practical application of the knowledge and skills gained during the training and contributed to the ongoing promotion of Human Rights education.