MAD about EU – Music To Accept Diversity

About the project

The idea of presenting this first YE stems from the desire to be protagonists of an action of social and cultural change in our area. We live in a rural context that, due to its average low level of education, often results in prejudices and stereotypes about certain social categories that are constantly marginalized. We refer especially to ethnic and gender discrimination, marginalization of the Roma community and stigmatization of sexual and gender orientations. Dreams&Reality was born out of a desire to turn our dreams of a more open and inclusive community into reality. To do so, we believe in the power of culture, art, and music as vehicles that can more easily reach our peers by bringing messages, principles, and behaviors of social inclusion and aggregation, enacting the change at the heart of the birth of our association. To achieve this goal, we have conceived the organization of a cultural event entitled “Giovani Wannabe,” (here to have a look:…

Objectives

The idea of presenting this first YE stems from the desire to be protagonists of an action of social and cultural
change in our area. We live in a rural context that, due to its average low level of education, often results in
prejudices and stereotypes about certain social categories that are constantly marginalized. We refer especially
to ethnic and gender discrimination, marginalization of the Roma community and stigmatization of sexual and
gender orientations.
Dreams&Reality was born out of a desire to turn our dreams of a more open and inclusive community into reality.
To do so, we believe in the power of culture, art, and music as vehicles that can more easily reach our peers by
bringing messages, principles, and behaviors of social inclusion and aggregation, enacting the change at the
heart of the birth of our association.
To achieve this goal, we have conceived the organization of a cultural event entitled “Giovani Wannabe,” (here to
have a look:
https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MTQxODczODU5MzA2NzQy?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== ,
https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MDMyMjY2NjkwNTgxMzY3?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== )
now in its second edition, a cultural container that gives space to local young talents in the field of music and art
in general through which we spread our message-from youth for youth-to build a society based on inclusion,
respect for diversity and integration.
The goal is to promote positive and inclusive social values in youth society, as well as art and music as a valid
response to discrimination. This project will promote the value of combating discrimination and music as a vehicle
tool.
The original idea of this project stems from the participation of many of us in some YEs within the E+ Program,
during which we had the opportunity to get to know other young people from local associations in different
countries with whom we befriended. Discussing with them the problem of discrimination affecting minorities in our
respective countries and the causes behind it, we decided to strengthen our partnership at an international level
by embracing the values of the EU.
Hence, the title of the project “M.A.D. about EU – Music to Accept Diversity.” We chose this title first of all because
we are crazy about the EU after the YEs we participated in, then because the acronym is very incisive with
respect to the message we want to send with this project.
Reflecting with our partners, we decided that the project mobility will take place from June 3 to June 8, 2024 in
Orta Nova.
Through the project, we aim to achieve the following goals:
– Promote active participation in society and inclusion of all young people;
– To help and support young people in acquiring skills and values that are important for the development of a
democratic society;
– Promote the principles of Erasmus+: tolerance, respect for other cultures, respect for human rights;
– promote values and knowledge about the European Union and YouthPass skills;

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The content of this page is published for information purposes only. The project was funded by the European Union. However, the communication about the project
that is published through this page expresses the views of the project beneficiaries only and it does not represent the views of the European Union or the European
Commission. It shall not be deemed to constitute legal or official notice on behalf of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union
nor the European Commission can be held responsible for this content nor the use thereof made by any third parties.
– use art, music and media as means to achieve positive social goals;
– promote music as a means of raising awareness of social issues;
– develop young people’s motivation and sense of responsibility for mutual understanding and the fight against
discrimination and exclusion globally;
– stimulate young people’s sense of initiative;
– create a new song that unites the different cultures and backgrounds of all participants; promote it to combat
discrimination and social exclusion and promote inclusion and diversity as values.
The project will follow a non-formal methodology through workshops, discussions, group work, brainstorming,
presentations, while also offering art and music workshops in our recording studio and rehearsal room in order to
promote other modes of learning, peer cooperation and cross-cultural learning.
The result of the project will be the creation of a song (music and lyrics), a video clip and a flashmob, and the
protagonists who will conceive and compose them will be the participants themselves, then charged with
presenting it at the end of the exchange, in a dynamic, creative and innovative way.
The same song will be presented at the next edition of our “Giovani Wannabe” event, to reach an even wider
audience in our area. Just as we have learned in the exchanges we have participated in, the project will be based
on nonformal educational methodologies (workshops, debates, group work and presentations, brainstorming) as
well as peer-to-peer creative learning moments to promote cooperation and interculturality.

Activities

The project activities take place during the following period: 03-08/06/2024
Each day of the project is organized as follows:
Two morning sessions of activities and workshops, two afternoon sessions, for a total of 4 sessions. At the end of
each day, there will be a “Closing of the Day & Individual Evaluation.”
DAY 1: Participants will arrive at the project venue and be accommodated in rooms. Welcome dinner.
DAY 2: This day aims to create a group atmosphere, establish basic principles for the activities of the following
days, and inform participants about the Erasmus+ program. Project introduction, Dreams and Reality will
introduce Erasmus+ and Youthpass; Participants’ introductions and icebreakers; Basic principles for optimal
coexistence, hygiene, and health safety, “Coexistence Rules” and “Expectations-Fears-Contributions.”
DAY 3: This day will establish an understanding of the project’s theme; “Discrimination and… my country
(Participating Countries)” (led by the Italian group): Participants will comprehend the discrimination situation in
each participating country. “EU Action Plan Against Racism” (led by the Spanish group): Participants will explore
the actions taken by the EU against discrimination. “Share the Music” (led by the Turkish group): Participants will
respond to an individual questionnaire on the importance of music in their past experiences and in life in general.
Participants will “share the music” with the whole group, presenting the importance of music in their lives.
Participants will discuss among themselves and understand how powerful music can be in everyone’s life. This
will create the right atmosphere for the following days. “Abigail’s Story” (led by the Danish team): Each participant
will receive a sheet with Abigail’s story. The leader will read the story aloud. Afterward, participants will be asked
to rank the characters from best to worst, and then participants will be divided into subgroups of 4-6 people, with
the task of further ranking. In the end, they will justify their choices, and together with the whole group, they will
discuss how easy it is to judge based on limited information often linked to first impressions, prejudices, and
stereotypes. Through this activity, participants will understand the differences between stereotypes, prejudices,

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The content of this page is published for information purposes only. The project was funded by the European Union. However, the communication about the project
that is published through this page expresses the views of the project beneficiaries only and it does not represent the views of the European Union or the European
Commission. It shall not be deemed to constitute legal or official notice on behalf of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union
nor the European Commission can be held responsible for this content nor the use thereof made by any third parties.
and discrimination.
DAY 4: Interviews with local citizens (led by facilitators): Participants, divided into different groups, will prepare a
list of questions to ask the local community, focusing on people’s opinions about discrimination and possible
solutions to overcome the problem. The answers will be used as inspiration for the song; Lyrics and Music
Workshops (x2) (led by the Italian team and facilitators): Participants will prepare the lyrics and music of the song
using any available instruments. Participants will be divided into three groups (lyrics, music, dissemination) based
on their preferences and abilities.
DAY 5: Lyrics and Music Workshops (x3); Song recording (led by facilitators): Participants will finalize the song
and record it. This will provide participants with the opportunity to gain experience in the field of music.
DAY 6: Dissemination Products (x2) (led by the Czech team): After gathering the products, participants will create
and record the video of the song created in the previous days; Dance Workshop (led by the Italian team):
Participants will prepare the Final Flash Mob; Music session: Participants will perform the Flash Mob and sing the
song created in the previous days in front of the local community in Orta Nova’s square.
DAY 7: On this day, guided by facilitators, participants will begin the guided compilation of their Youthpass during
the last day of the youth exchange, with the support of the leaders; Followed by the official project closing.
DAY 8: Participants will leave the project venue and return to their respective countries.
The groups of participants are divided as follows:
Italy: 10 participants, including 2 from the main staff, 1 leader (no age limit, with previous experience in facilitating
intercultural programs).
Spain, Turkey, Denmark, and Czech Republic: 8 participants (aged between 18 and 25 years), including 1 leader
(over 18 years old, no age limit, with prior experience in facilitating intercultural programs).
Participants will be young people between 18-25 years old who wish to gain more knowledge on the project’s
topic and improve their attitudes and use of creative methods to combat related issues. We expect participants to
become more aware of their surroundings and interact with foreigners in a rural reality like Orta Nova.

Impact

The specific goals of this project aim to achieve a strong impact that is reflected in our activities and hopes. So far
we have talked about combating discrimination, promoting music as a social tool, achieving our association’s
goals, and promoting youth work in Europe and locally. In addition to these elements and goals, we aim to
achieve a strong impact, which is reflected in what we describe below.
At all levels, we expect the project to increase awareness of the existence of European projects in our local
community. More and more people will find out about the projects and the possibilities for young people. The
theme of the project, as important as youth unemployment and, in particular, the insecurity of today’s youth, is not
something that affects only Italians, so the effect will be more European and international.
Local and regional levels:
At the local and regional levels, people will learn about the existence of European programs such as those that
support a youth exchange like this, and everyone will see our initiative, appreciate our goals, and understand the
social needs that have made it necessary to address issues such as those in the project itself. We expect that
many people will try to be more understanding about the importance of creating opportunities and an ideal
environment that can help the growth of young citizens and start a proper positive dialogue full of initiatives on

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97
162
The content of this page is published for information purposes only. The project was funded by the European Union. However, the communication about the project
that is published through this page expresses the views of the project beneficiaries only and it does not represent the views of the European Union or the European
Commission. It shall not be deemed to constitute legal or official notice on behalf of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union
nor the European Commission can be held responsible for this content nor the use thereof made by any third parties.
this issue and many others. Our projects will also have an impact locally and regionally through the local press “Il
Megafono dei 5 Reali Siti” which will publish several articles about the project goals, achievements and the
project itself. We are collaborating with a music organization called “Music Art”; they will help us spread the
meaning of the project among their students and the youth in our local area, showing them the activities carried
out during the project and inspiring them to participate in local activities. This project will give the “Music Art”
organization a non-formal music-based methodology to use in their future activities and help us raise awareness
of social issues, such as racism and discrimination, among the youth in our local area.
In addition, we will make sure to match the end of the youth exchange with our “Giovani Wannabe” event (here to
have a look:
https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MTQxODczODU5MzA2NzQy?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MDMyMjY2NjkwNTgxMzY3?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== ) In
this way, participants will be able to further participate in the dissemination phase by performing both the song
created during the exchange and the flash mob during our event, and will also introduce our project to the public
(local and regional community) in this way.
European and international level:
We will talk about changes in social reality that we intend to address first and foremost, but also changes in
people (educational-social processes), organizations and partnerships and relationships within the community.
Participants and partner organizations will have a more concrete view of what the EU is doing for its citizens, they
will be more encouraged to take concrete actions to defend their rights, duties and role in Europe’s present and
future. Young people will be more interested in becoming agents of positive change in their society and in
Europe. We have planned online promotion and dissemination of the project results (which will be useful for all
project partners in their future activities). Each participating organization will promote the project and the
cooperation network in the local press and on their social channels.
Below are some points of the overall impact of our exchange on the young participants:
Opportunities for new ideas on future projects will increase;
One of the target groups will be young people from the local area up to the age of 25. We want them to have the
chance to improve, discover parts of themselves they didn’t know they had, demolish stereotypes, insecurities
and intolerances they might have, and learn how to cooperate, contribute to society, respect others, adapt, be
tolerant and patient, especially in a rural context such as the one they are part of.
Youth participants and target groups will learn about Erasmus+ social programs and opportunities,
There will be a greater familiarity with the European mindset translated into support for young people and their
initiatives, and a greater awareness of the positive elements of rural areas still rich in opportunity and potential.
Young participants will understand the importance of working in teams and interacting with other people to
achieve a specific goal.

Project partners

• 🇮🇹 Associazione Musicale e Culturale "Dreams&Reality"
  Italy
• 🇩🇰 DANISH YOUTH TEAM
  Denmark
• 🇹🇷 MOZAIK INSAN KAYNAKLARI GELISTIRME DERNEGI
  Türkiye
• 🇪🇸 ASOC SOCIO CULTURAL VERDESUR ALCALA
  Spain
• 🇨🇿 z.s.
  Czechia