The Eastern Europe Network for Citizenship Education (EENCE) is excited to announce the formation of 10 Working Groups in 2024 to promote citizenship education in the Eastern Partnership region and bordering countries.

We believe these Working Groups will be instrumental in fostering collaboration and innovation among our network members and beyond.

List of the Working Groups 2024:

• “Youngsters – youth tribunes for freedom of expression.”
• “Youth work as a factor for effective development of civil education in Eastern Partnership countries.” 
• “Implementing a trauma-informed approach in citizenship education.” 
• “Resilience for Citizenship Educators and Education”
• “Research in the field of civic education.”
• “Expanding Horizons: Virtual Internships for Youth in the Eastern Partnership Countries”
• “To develop EENCE policies and procedures to improve internal resilience and ensure security.”
• “The Working Group on Countering Propaganda and Developing Media Literacy in the Eastern Partnership Countries”
• “Countering hate speech in the context of war and political crisis.”
• “Civic education in a hostile environment (authoritarianism and totalitarianism).”

The coordinators and co-founders of the Working Groups play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the group’s activities. They are assigned to develop plans based on a deep analysis of the current situation in their chosen fields and use innovative approaches to achieve the best results. It’s essential for coordinators to actively engage with their team members and encourage open communication to ensure the success of the group’s projects.

As we strive for inclusivity and diversity within our Working Groups, we want to ensure that all candidates are given a fair chance to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. If a candidate is not deemed a good fit for a particular group, we ask coordinators to justify this decision, ensuring that discriminatory reasons such as country of origin, gender, religion, or ethnicity are not considered.

We understand that challenges may arise during the group’s activities, such as low interest, desire to switch groups, or lack of understanding among participants. Be assured that our dedicated WG coordinators and representatives of the EENCE Coordination Council will address these issues with individual attention and care, ensuring a positive and productive working environment for all.

We are pleased to announce that the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) and the German Foreign Office will continue providing financial support to the EENCE Working Groups in 2024 for projects promoting citizenship education in the EU Eastern Partnership and bordering countries. This presents a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate and make a real, tangible impact in our communities, fostering a sense of hope for the future.

As we progress with our projects, we encourage all participants to embrace innovation and collaboration. Let’s think outside the box and reimagine what is possible for our communities. The possibilities are endless, and we look forward to seeing the innovative initiatives that emerge from the Working Groups in 2024.

Stay tuned for more information about funded projects and initiative scopes, which will be available online in late July. We are excited to see the positive impact our Working Groups will have on citizenship education in the region.

Join us in shaping a better future for all!