Partner – Jaunimo asmeninio tobulėjimo centras
Location – Throughout Lithuania
Since 2019
To encourage cooperation among youth from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the British Council and partners organised the Strong in Diversity project – a youth summer training developed and delivered with key governmental partners including ministries and defence agencies, amongst others. During the project, over 600 young people from different ethnic groups participated in training, through which they developed teamwork, democratic decision-making, reflection and critical information assessment skills. The training particularly contributed to drawing the participants closer together and inspiring them to contribute towards the creation of a modern Lithuanian state.
The project created an impact at several levels. First, the participants considerably increased their intercultural competences, reporting that post-training they had shifted their perception or become better acquainted with those from different ethnicities. Second, the participation of the Lithuanian armed forces made a strong impression on the young participants, whereby the close interactions with military officers impacted their perspectives on what it means to serve one’s country, how the Lithuanian Army is organised, and why it represents such a crucial pillar of the Lithuanian state. Third, the project helped to galvanise the youth’s interest in and willingness to become active citizens and adopt an active role in their community through volunteering and social activism, amongst other activities.
Even after the programme concluded, participants continued to initiate change within their communities. In 2020, alumni developed the board game Social Prompter, which was successfully introduced in schools across Vilnius to encourage dialogue, trust, and community-building. In 2022, former participants went on to launch the social initiative Let’s Get to Know Each Other, engaging diverse communities across Lithuania, including refugees from Ukraine, elderly and people with disabilities. Through free lectures, creative workshops, and educational activities delivered in different regions, these initiatives fostered active participation, mutual understanding, and a stronger sense of community.
During the project:
Over 600 young people participated in the summer training programmes, half of them being from linguistically diverse backgrounds
Programme participants organised a range of community events, exhibitions, and game sessions, engaging over 600 community members
Over 1 400 educational sessions were delivered during the programme, equipping young people with the skills and competences needed to initiate and lead projects focused on social responsibility and intercultural cooperation
Participants were empowered to take action utilising tools of social activism, resulting in further social initiatives and projects