Encyclopedia of (Anti)discrimination

Start & End Date: 30.07.2017 – 06.08.2017 & 02.09.2017 – 09.09.2017
Place: Weimar, Tuzla
Participating Countries: Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo
Project Partners: Tuzla Open Centre (Bosnia and Herzegovina), GAIA (Kosovo)
Number of Participants: 24 participants

Grant Giver: Foundation “Remembrance, Responsibility and Future” (Stiftung EVZ “Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft”)
Funding Programme: Europeans for Peace
Grant Amount: 31,946.00 EUR

Discrimination, devaluing “the Other” – someone who is different, has throughout history led to grave violations of human rights and crimes against humanity. Despite that, we still have discriminating practices targeting minorities and often vulnerable groups all around the world. Through this project young people from Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo will address the topic of discrimination of LGBTI persons, addressing such discriminatory practices through the historic lense and comparing to present situation. Along with that, they will highlight activistic movements which resisted discrimination and fought for equality. A specific geographical focus will be put on Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. The final product will be presented in the form of digital encyclopaedia of (anti)discrimination which will be accessible online.

To reach the aims of the project, we designed two activities:
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[ap_tab title=”Youth Exchange in Weimar”]Youth Exchange held from the 30th of July till 6th of August in Weimar, Germany.

This youth exchange was dedicated to creation of encyclopedia content that defines and deconstruct discriminatory practices (Getting into discrimination) and the participants had the opportunity to visit Buchenwald Memorial, where some of the prisoners were held for the breach of Paragraph 175.

Number of participants: 24

Profile of participants: Youngsters between 16 and 21 years old who speak english from Kosovo, Bosnia and Germany that are either involved with this topic or with like to learn more.
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[ap_tab title=”Youth Exchange in Tuzla”]Youth Exchange held from the 4th of July till 11th of October in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The second part of the project “Youth Encyclopedia of (Anti)discrimination” will take part between 4th and 11th of October in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During this youth exchange, we will focus on activists and activist movements which resisted discrimination and discriminatory practices in their communities. Special focus will be put on activist movements which were fighting against the discrimination of LGBTI persons. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with pioneers of LGBTI activism from Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will also explore different methods which can be used to advocate for an issue.
The outcome of this youth exchange will be a unique encyclopedia of anti-discrimination which will serve as a learning and inspirational material for young activists. In order to produce the Encyclopedia participants will use art and creative methods.

Number of participants: 24

Profile of participants: Youngsters between 16 and 21 years old who speak english from Kosovo, Bosnia and Germany that are either involved with this topic or with like to learn more.
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Methodology

Different forms and methods of non-formal education will be used to realise workshops. Those activities will include; media inputs, simulations, exercises, conversations with experts and excursions to relevant places. Methodologically we will try to ensure that learning will happen on both, intellectual and emotional level.

In addition to the above-mentioned methods, we will use various team building exercises to create a strong connection among the group members and ensure fruitful group dynamics within which everyone will feel safe to share own opinion.

Trainers will monitor and enhance the project team’s work, making sure it’s effective and completed by the end of each youth exchange.

Regarding the design and technical implementation of the project, new-media expert will introduce useful methods and tips which can be used by participants to create the content for the digital encyclopaedia.

Also, we are planning to offer space for self-organized evening activities for participants. It will be realised through a social committee which will take care of evening programs. Participants will shift as members of social committee every day.

The project addresses three main issues in order to create a Youth Encyclopedia of (Anti) discrimination that will focus on the geographical area of the three applicant countries and on the discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The first issue is to deconstruct the process of putting a group of people into the circle of “those who are not equal”, using the example of LGBTI persons, and applying a comparative perspective on processes that happened in these three countries.

Secondly, it is examined where did the stigmatization of LGBTI persons has led in the past, especially in the period of National Socialism, and it is compared with the attitudes and practices existing today. Participants are challenged to discuss the impacts that today`s discrimination can cause or is already causing.

The third issue is to discuss what can all of us do to change discriminatory practices, to contribute to the creation of a society that accepts and treats every human being as equal. Even today, we still can find the narrative of “the Other”, which is an alerting sign that warns us about the need to educate people and discuss this problem.

Impact

The analysis of issues such as discrimination based on sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity and race can help young people to understand the current state of affairs related to the topic. Then, they are able to identify own positions within the social power structures and dominant ideologies that form the attitudes and influence behaviour. Most importantly, it will create an environment, which enhances and encourages pro social action and offer concrete tools to promote it.

Gallery

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Testimonials

[ap_testimonial image=”https://scontent.ftxl1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14199251_1256895634322142_1399797226313979613_n.jpg?oh=949ce4014539ee614ff384e24b87985d&oe=59856420″ image_shape=”undefined” client=”Valentas Kriauciunas” designation=”Participant of Activity. 1″]
It was great
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This project was awesome. Right there I “met” street workout. I got new knowledge and friends from Europe! The best part was our team exercise – water rafting. I had a looottt of fun with everybody and I learned that even if you cant talk in English, it’s still easy and possible to communicate 🙂
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Dissemination Materials

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