Young people are not just the future of democracy — they are shaping it today. Through Youth Who Change the World, The European Wergeland Centre empowers young people to create inclusive communities and stand up against hate speech, both online and offline.
Through the Youth Who Change the World project, The European Wergeland Centre works to strengthen young people’s confidence in their ability to participate as active democratic citizens, while fostering trust in democratic values and institutions.
It is often said that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, expected to inherit the society shaped by today’s adults. – but young people do not have to wait to become active citizens and leaders in their communities.
Since 2019, thanks to support from Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, The European Wergeland Centre and its partners have invited young people from across Norway to Utøya for weekend seminars focused on youth participation, countering hate speech, and building inclusive communities.
Through Youth Who Change the World, we collaborate closely with local authorities and communities throughout Norway. While the project initially targeted youth clubs, it today offers tailored seminars for Youth Councils and young gamers interested in democracy and human rights.
The democracy workshop for young gamers aims to promote a more democratic and inclusive online culture. Young people spend a significant part of their free time in digital spaces and gaming communities. We use this as an entry point to talk about personal responsibility and that a democratic culture does not just exist outside of the digital world.
The project has been developed with input from young people themselves, working as reference groups and collaborators during planning of the events.
-
Democratic Workshop for Youth Councils (in Norwegian)
-
Democratic Workshop for Young Gamers (in Norwegian)
