Kids4EU is a two-year EU Funded project (February 2026 – January 2028) bringing together six partners from four countries across Europe, with the shared goal of fostering democratic participation and civic engagement among children and adolescents aged 6 to 18. It is implemented in Greece by International Rescue Committee (IRC) Hellas and Athens Children’s Museum, in Poland by International Rescue Committee (IRC) Polska and The Center for Citizenship Education (CEO), in Italy by ACRA and in Denmark by NYT Europa, each contributing expertise and local knowledge to make the project a success.
Grounded in the understanding that core values and civic identities are formed during childhood and adolescence, the project responds to the concerning trend of low youth participation in democratic processes across Europe, including declining engagement in elections and civic life. Kids4EU aims to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to actively participate in their communities and shape the future of Europe.
At the outset, Kids4EU will be starting with a comprehensive assessment of educators’ and students’ perceptions of civic participation and democratic life, identifying barriers to participation. The findings inform the development of inclusive, age-appropriate and gender-sensitive educational materials and training modules tailored to each national context.
Using a rich blend of learning methods, the project will create engaging, interactive experiences in diverse settings such as schools, museums, libraries, online platforms, and public spaces across participating countries. These activities aim to instill fundamental European values, build understanding of EU-level decision-making processes, and empower children to become informed advocates for themselves and their communities. By fostering direct dialogue between children and policymakers, the project enhances civic literacy but also ensures that young voices are heard in shaping the democratic future of Europe.
Our Objectives
- Promote active citizenship, empowering children to understand their rights and participate meaningfully in their communities.
- Help children and adolescents understand how the EU works and its role in their lives.
- Provide educators with practical tools, curricula, and training to teach EU institutions and democratic values effectively.
- Foster civic engagement and respect for diversity through interactive, participatory learning.
- Ensure inclusive participation, prioritising gender equality, children with disabilities, and those from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
Our Activities
- Workshops and trainings for educators (online and in-situ): equipping teachers with tools to deliver engaging lessons on the EU, democratic values, and civic participation.
- Workshops for children: interactive and age-appropriate activities to spark curiosity and understanding.
- Experiential learning in museums, libraries, and public spaces: using kinesthetic, oral, and visual methods to bring EU values to life.
- Dialogue with policymakers: creating opportunities for children to express their ideas, enhancing civic literacy and ensuring their voices shape the democratic future.
- Cross-country exchanges: sharing best practices and learning across Denmark, Greece, Italy and Poland.
Why it matters
By combining research, educational resources, and hands-on learning experiences, Kids4EU supports young Europeans in developing the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed in order to become active citizens. Through its rights-based and inclusive approach, the project promotes gender equality, non-discrimination, and meaningful participation for all children, helping to nurture a generation that is prepared to engage with and contribute to a democratic, and inclusive Europe.
Funded by the European Union under the Grant Agreement no. 101253187
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
