Lithuania

Considering the current situation of youth participation, the OECD (2022) recommendations on creating better opportunities for young people highlight that one of the areas requiring improvement in member states is the enhancement of the legal, institutional, and administrative environment to strengthen young people’s trust in government and their relationship with public institutions. Achieving this goal requires removing barriers and promoting youth participation in civic and democratic processes and decision-making, encouraging meaningful involvement of young people in the adoption of public decisions, and creating spaces for intergenerational dialogue at all levels. This should be done by applying targeted measures designed to include underrepresented and/or disadvantaged groups, providing young people with opportunities that promote civic engagement and participation, including meaningful voluntary service and support for youth work through laws, strategies, and programmes.

For young people with fewer opportunities (MGT), youth work is especially important, as these young people are not only at higher risk of being underrepresented but also more likely to drop out of or not enter the education system or labour market, and face other life difficulties. Therefore, special attention must be paid to their representation and development. It is also important to focus more on young people who have not been actively involved in civic activities, for example, those who have never voted in elections or participated in other forms of civic engagement.

During the Project, non-formal education programmes such as events with hackathons and awards, training sessions, and simulations will strengthen young people’s civic competences. The added value of the Project includes long-term increases in youth engagement in democratic processes, stronger relations between youth and government, greater trust in public institutions, and the promotion of social inclusion. The Project will help reduce youth political disengagement, provide new skills, and motivate them to actively participate in public life.