From knowledge to participation: in Palermo, young people meet institutions. Through interactive activities, institutional visits, Peddy Papers and dialogue with political representatives and local communities, the Get Political programme engaged young people aged 18\u201325 in a practical and participatory learning experience. A journey through politics, citizenship, inclusion and media literacy, turning curiosity into awareness and knowledge into active participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between March and April 2026, CESIE ETS implemented a youth-focused programme in Palermo aimed at strengthening political literacy, active citizenship and youth participation. The programme involved a total of 62 young people aged between 18 and 25 and combined training sessions, experiential activities, institutional visits and direct dialogue with political and community representatives. The overall objective was to m ake politics more accessible, understandable and relevant to young people\u2019s everyday lives.The programme was built around the Get Political 101 Guide, which provided participants with an accessible introduction to key concepts such as political and electoral systems, institutional structures, the distribution of power and citizens\u2019 rights. Through guided discussions, practical examples and interactive activities, participants were encouraged to explore how democratic institutions work and to reflect on their own role as citizens. A central component of the programme was the Peddy Paper methodology, based on learning by doing. Working in small groups, participants completed tasks and challenges connected to public administration, governance and citizen\u2013institution relations. By applying theoretical knowledge in real institutional settings, they were able to transform abstract concepts into practical understanding. The activities also strengthened teamwork, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A particularly relevant experience was the visit to the Sicilian Regional Assembly, where participants explored the functioning of regional institutions and the role of elected representatives. The visit was combined with a dialogue with Hon. Valentina Chinnici, focusing on youth participation at regional level and on the barriers that can prevent young people from becoming more actively involved in public life. Another important moment of institutional dialogue involved Councillor Fabrizio Ferrandelli, with whom participants discussed youth policies and the relationship between young people and public institutions. Direct conversations with political representatives helped make decision-making processes more tangible and encouraged participants to reflect on trust, representation and their own potential role in democratic life. he programme also moved beyond institutional spaces through a sociopolitical tour of Palermo\u2019s Ballar\u00f2 district and Moltivolti. The \u201cThrough My Eyes\u201d walk, led by young people with migrant backgrounds, offered participants first-hand perspectives on migration, urban diversity and everyday life in Palermo. At Moltivolti, discussions and workshops encouraged participants to question dominant narratives around migration and to explore themes of inclusion, social cohesion and diversity. The activity generated particularly strong emotional and intellectual engagement, fostering empathy, intercultural awareness and critical thinking. Digital awareness and media literacy were also integrated into the programme. Participants explored topics including misinformation, algorithms, AI-generated content and emotional engagement online, developing tools to critically assess the information they encounter in their daily digital environments. Overall, the experience demonstrated the value of combining knowledge, experience and dialogue in youth political education. The direct involvement of participants, contact with institutions and engagement with local communities made political and social concepts more concrete, accessible and meaningful The programme contributed not only to a stronger understanding of political and institutional systems, but also to the development of transversal competences such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and intercultural awareness. The experience in Palermo confirms that participatory and inclusive approaches can play a key role in empowering young people to become more informed, confident and active citizens, capable of engaging with the democratic life of their communities.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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