E-Citizen Quest: Empowering Digital Citizenship in Youth Work

In an era where the digital and physical worlds are increasingly intertwined, the concept of digital citizenship has become more crucial than ever. As one participant in our project aptly stated, "People must be taught that the digital world is actually the real world; there is no difference. Therefore, their actions, behaviors, and words online should resemble the person they are when not using technology.

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Youth Workers that was Involved at Training Course

With this understanding at its core, the E-Citizen Quest project was born. Supported by the Tempus Foundation and co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme, this innovative training course brought together youth workers from nine European countries to explore and enhance digital citizenship and digital rights in youth work.

From June 3rd to June 12th, 2024, the historic city of Niš, Serbia, became the hub for this transformative journey. The project gathered 27 participants from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal: to address the often neglected reality of digital misbehavior and strengthen youth work practices to tackle digital participation.

Our consortium:

• Debatni klub Grada Niša (Serbia) - Coordinator

• Beyond experience (Bulgaria)

• Ticket2Europe (Spain)

• ECHR (France)

• Euroactive (Romania)

• Youth-Cultural Initiatives Association Art (Poland)

• Yengecder Ngo (Turkey)

• Združenje državljanov Središče Novosti (Slovenia)

• Objektivní Evropa (Czech Republic)

Through a series of dynamic and interactive sessions, participants delved deep into various aspects of digital citizenship. They explored innovative tools and methods to tackle digital transformation, learned to harness AI technology in youth work, and developed strategies to promote responsible online behavior among young people.

The culmination of this intensive 10-day course was the creation of the Digital Compass Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to empower youth workers in their mission to foster digital citizenship among the young people they work with.

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, the importance of digital citizenship cannot be overstated. It's not just about technical skills; it's about creating a generation of responsible, ethical, and empowered digital citizens who can thrive in both online and offline spaces Join us as we explore the outcomes of the E-Citizen Quest project and discover how you, as a youth worker, can play a pivotal role in shaping a more responsible and safe digital future for all. Together, we can make the digital world a better place – because in the end, it's not separate from our 'real' world; it is our world.

Key outputs of the E-CQ project include:

Through a intensive training course, participants engage in interactive workshops, practical sessions, and cultural exchanges. The project utilizes a variety of non-formal learning methods, including experiential learning, problem-based learning, and peer-to-peer education.

ECQ BBC Scam Game

The ECQ_BBC Scam Game is an interactive educational tool inspired by BBC formats, designed to educate young people about online scams and digital safety. This engaging game presents players with realistic scenarios based on common online scams, challenging them to make decisions that will keep them safe in the digital world. As players navigate through various situations, they receive immediate feedback on their choices, reinforcing their learning about digital security. The game's difficulty can be adjusted to suit different age groups and knowledge levels, making it a versatile resource for youth workers. By combining entertainment with education, the ECQ_BBC Scam Game offers an effective and memorable way to teach crucial digital literacy skills.

ECQ Digital Compass Toolkit

The Digital Compass Toolkit is a comprehensive resource for youth workers to promote and teach digital citizenship. This toolkit provides detailed lesson plans and activities that can be easily implemented in various youth work settings. It includes guidelines for integrating digital citizenship education into existing programs, along with extensive resources for understanding various aspects of digital rights and responsibilities. The toolkit is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing youth workers to tailor their approach to the specific needs and contexts of their young participants. By offering practical strategies and theoretical foundations, the Digital Compass Toolkit empowers youth workers to confidently address the complexities of the digital world with their audiences.