Training Course:
3-9 JUNE 2025 in Matera, Italy
WHAT:
Associazione Link is looking for for partner organizations working with young people for projects within the framework of the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture. Matera and Tetouan have been named Capitals of Culture & Dialogue for 2026, while Tirana and Alexandria will play the same role in 2025.
With the MUV project, we intend to initiate a collaboration process with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean and the Adriatic coast, planning new projects for and with young people. During this PDA, we have decided to focus on the theme of freedom of expression, an essential prerequisite for dialogue to take place.
LINK:
ALink is a youth organization active since 2003, based in Altamura, operating both locally and internationally to promote dialogue through programs such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Link uses non-formal education as a tool for the training of young people and adults and to foster change in individuals and communities. Since 2019, it has been managing a public space, the Community Library Agorateca, where it carries out training and socialization activities.
As part of its strategic programming for the 2025-26 biennium, Link intends to strengthen dialogue among Mediterranean countries, inspired by the new initiative of the European Commission and the Anna Lindh Foundation, which establishes The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue. The aim is to promote dialogue, peace, culture, and environmental sustainability.
ERASMUS+:
Link has obtained Erasmus+ accreditation valid until 2027 and intends to use the mobility opportunities offered by the program as a valuable tool to strengthen dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean area. It plans to organize training courses, study visits, and youth exchanges on the most relevant topics of interest for young people and youth organizations such as peace, freedom of expression, environment, etc.
MEDEU:
The Euro-Mediterranean region boasts a rich and diverse heritage, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. A melting pot of different languages and traditions, the region shares a heritage and a deep sense of identity and belonging. Today, this legacy continues to inspire our shared values and aspirations, reminding us of the importance of building bridges and fostering understanding between cultures.
In that spirit, the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean launched the “Mediterranean Capitals of Culture & Dialogue” during their 7th Regional Forum
in November 2022. Based on the call of Ministers of Culture of the Euro-Mediterranean region on 17 June 2022 in Naples, as well as the recommendation of more than 200 young representatives from the civil society of over 20 countries at the Forum des Mondes Méditerranéens on February 2022 in Marseille, this initiative was shaped to further promote the diversity and shared identity and contribute to a better mutual understanding of its peoples. This initiative was developed in partnership with young civil society representatives and UfM member states. MedEu aims to position itself within this dialogue process, contributing to the achievement of its objectives and strengthening cooperation and intercultural dialogue between the two shores of the Mediterranean. MUV is the first chapter of this new strategic plan.
WHY:
In many contexts, freedom of expression is merely an illusion, if not openly repressed. The media tend to make non-conforming opinions less visible, and with the ever-growing spread of fake news, influences and manipulations are becoming stronger, putting individual freedoms and democracy at risk. With this theme, we aim to reflect (and plan new initiatives) to encourage young people to claim their right to freedom of expression and to exercise critical thinking.
To this end, we will suggest the use of specific tools that can support this process: podcasting, shadow theater, graffiti & music and others.
WHEN:
The project will be hosted in Matera from the 3rd to the 9th of June 2025 -3rd of June (The arrival day), 9th of June (The departure day). The closest airport is Bari-Palese. Travel reimbursement will be done based on distance calculator within one month after the end of the project under the condition that participants provide the requested documentation.
WHERE:
Matera, already the European Capital of Culture in 2019, will be the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue in 2026, together with the Moroccan city of Tetouan. Participants will be hosted in the city to discover its beauty, establish connections with local organizations and institutions, and build new bridges of dialogue in the fields of youth, culture and civic participation.
WHO:
The project is aimed at youth workers, project
managers, trainers, and youth leaders involved in local and international processes who are interested in developing new skills and establishing new connections with partners from the Euro-Mediterranean and Adriatic area. Participants must have a good knowledge of
European programs, at least five years of experience in managing international projects, strong ties to their local context, and decision
making skills. Activities will be conducted in English; therefore, a good command of the working language is required. Priority will be given to representatives of organizations holding Erasmus+ accreditation
and/or a Quality Label for the European Solidarity Corps (volunteering projects). The project is open to a limited number of participants (maximum 20) to ensure greater operational capacity in designing future initiatives. We expect participants to actively
contribute with ideas and concrete proposals.
Key activities:
*WEB RADIO: Podcasts are a powerful tool for freedom. Through a podcast, we can make our voices heard and express our thoughts. Link will share its experience in using podcasts in youth work through practical workshops and ideas for developing future projects with Euro-Mediterranean partners. We invite you to learn more about our work by listening to the podcasts produced by our web radio, Agoradio.
*SHADOW THEATRE: is a tool that allows expression even without words, relying on the power of imagery. Workshops will be organized to share techniques and use this medium as an opportunity for young people to express themselves. The Kamishibai technique will also be utilized, a form of Japanese street theater and storytelling that was popular during the Great Depression.
*MUSIC/ STREET ART: Street art, music, and graffiti are other forms of expression particularly close to young people. Link will share its experience in using these tools but also hopes to include presentations or workshops led by partners within the program. We would be happy to share and highlight your experiences and best practices in this or other fields.
Application Deadline: 3rd April 2025
