This desk review report (D1.1) has been conducted building on the analysis at the proposal stage by IRC Italy and GF on the level of awareness, gaps in knowledge and barriers to participation amongst young people from diverse backgrounds in civic democratic life and decision-making processes in Italy and Europe. The present national-level review serves as a foundational analysis of youth engagement in Italy concerning EU institutions, policies, and democratic processes. It includes a scan of the EU policies available and any existing solidarity mechanisms in the EU related to the three themes selected by young people in WP2. By systematically mapping existing knowledge, participation levels, and the barriers encountered by young people, including Third Country Nationals, this desk review establishes the groundwork for the subsequent phases of ParticipACTION. The findings presented herein will be supplemented by primary data gathered from Focus Group Discussions and Surveys (D1.3) and findings from the national roundtables conducted in WP3 and will result in the National Level Assessment reports (D3.1).

Download now: „Supporting Youths’ Public Speaking Skills By Fostering Self-Esteem & Communication Skills“ – An IRC Social Emotional Asset Development Curriculum This two-day training curriculum is designed to support young people, especially those with migrant backgrounds, in developing key social-emotional assets that are essential for civic engagement and public speaking. Rooted in the IRC’s SEAD (Social Emotional Asset Development) framework, the curriculum focuses on four core assets: self-esteem, empathy, communication skills, and future orientation. Through creative and reflective activities such as storytelling, identity exploration, and the “I am from” poem, participants are guided to find and use their voice in empowering ways. The curriculum also includes practical tools for facilitators, such as sample agendas, handouts, and guidance on trauma-informed and culturally responsive facilitation. Whether used in youth workshops, civic education programs, or facilitator trainings, this resource helps create inclusive spaces where young people can connect, express themselves, and take steps toward meaningful participation in democratic life. Developed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Italy, this curriculum is a cornerstone of the ParticipACTION project: “Building Inclusive Civic Engagement and Solidarity Among Diverse Young People in Europe”, co-funded by the European Union under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV). To deepen understanding of the underlying framework, we also recommend downloading the SEAD Guide – a foundational resource that outlines the theory, principles, and practical applications of Social Emotional Asset Development for youth affected by displacement and migration. Download the full curriculum HERE and the SEAD Guide HERE, to explore how SEAD can strengthen youth voice, solidarity, and civic action across Europe.

This National Level Assessment Report explores the current state of youth civic knowledge and engagement in Italy, within the framework of the ParticipACTION project. This report integrates findings from desk research, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), surveys, interviews, interactive seminars, and national roundtables conducted by IRC Italia and Glocal Factory during the initial phases (WP1, WP2 and WP3) of the ParticipACTION project. The Report shines a light on young people themselves, presenting their proposed solutions for improving access, inclusivity, and representation in democratic decision-making processes. Through this methodology, the ParticipACTION project critically analyzes the specific areas the EU and Member States like Italy can concentrate on to dramatically improve civic engagement and democratic knowledge amongst its youth. Contrary to the common perception that Italian youth are disengaged or uninformed, the findings reveal a more nuanced reality: young people are deeply concerned about social and political issues but often feel alienated from traditional institutions. This sense of exclusion is driven by a lack of trust, limited representation, and a poor understanding of European institutional processes, challenges that are especially acute for youth with migratory backgrounds. Structural barriers such as discrimination, financial hardship, and inaccessible communication further hinder their inclusion. To address this, young people strongly support comprehensive civic education at all school levels, including lessons on EU politics, media literacy, and civic responsibility. They also call for greater institutional support for youth-led initiatives, more inclusive participation opportunities, and safe spaces for political dialogue. Improved communication through modern media platforms is essential to make politics more relatable and accessible. Bridging the gap between youth and institutions requires more than information; it demands inclusive policies, trust-building, and meaningful avenues for engagement that empower young people to actively shape their societies.

This snapshot shows the numbers of new people on the move arriving from the Balkan route encountered by IRC Italy and Diaconia Valdese in Trieste Central Station area during the reporting period.

This snapshot shows the numbers of new people on the move arriving from the Balkan route encountered by IRC Italy and Diaconia Valdese in Trieste Central Station area during the reporting period.

This snapshot shows the numbers of new people on the move arriving from the Balkan route encountered by IRC Italy and Diaconia Valdese in Trieste Central Station area during the reporting period.

As Kenya battles the aftermath of years of severe droughts and devastating floods, millions face rising food insecurity and malnutrition, especially young children in refugee camps. In the face of immense hardship, mothers like Halima and Damac are doing everything they can to protect and nourish their children. With support from the IRC and the European Union, they are finding hope amid the crisis.

After Syria’s devastating earthquake in February 2023, countless lives were shattered, leaving many survivors grappling with profound loss. One of those affected is Huda*. When the earthquake hit her home, she suffered a spinal cord injury, a fractured leg, and partial paralysis, and doctors gave her little hope for recovery. But Huda refused to give up. She underwent multiple surgeries, battled a severe infection, and slowly began to rebuild her life.. Against the odds, she returned to her studies and earned a teaching degree. Today, she finds purpose in the classroom and uses her experience to make a difference in her community.