Context:
The EUPLAYER project was developed in response to a growing disconnect between young people and the European Union, despite many youths feeling a general sense of belonging. Studies and past project experiences (e.g. READY, YourEP, VOICE) reveal that this disconnect stems from a lack of EU-related education in schools, a shortage of effective learning tools, and limited opportunities for young people, especially vulnerable youth, to understand how the EU affects their lives and how they can participate in democratic processes. This knowledge gap not only fuels disinterest and Euroscepticism but also undermines active citizenship. To address this, there is a clear need for accessible, engaging, and innovative learning methods like game-based education, alongside improved support for educators to make EU topics more relevant and appealing.
Objectives:
The project aims to strengthen young people’s knowledge of the European Union and their sense of belonging, focusing on those aged 13 to 20. By promoting game-based learning, it engages both young individuals and educators in a dynamic and inclusive way. The initiative tackles euroscepticism by guiding participants on a journey from being EU Players to becoming EU Ambassadors, empowered to share what they have learned through local and international activities. The shift from analog to digital tools supports broader outreach and ensures the project’s long-term sustainability.
Activities and outputs
Board game & handbook for professionals
As part of the EUPLAYER project, a board game and a practical handbook will be developed to support innovative, game-based learning about the European Union. Project partners will design an engaging and appealing game with the support of a game-developer company.
Alongside the game, a manual will equip trainers and youth workers with guidance on gamification in education, including practical exercises, to make EU topics more accessible and engaging for young people.
Workshops
A series of interactive workshops will be implemented in schools to engage students with the European Union through game-based learning. Trained youth workers will lead these sessions, using the EUPLAYER board game to create a fun and educational experience that helps students understand how the EU works and why their participation matters.
To ensure quality and consistency, youth workers will first receive local training, while an international training session in Lucca will prepare lead trainers with knowledge on gamification techniques, EU structures, and strategies for engaging schools and students. These workshops aim to boost civic knowledge while also developing key life skills through gamified learning.
Summer Camp & digital outreach
As part of its efforts to deepen youth engagement, the EUPLAYER project will organise an online tournament and a Summer Camp for the 20 most active players, creating opportunities for continued learning, peer exchange, and civic empowerment through gameplay. A digital hackathon will invite young people to co-develop ideas to expand the game’s reach, supporting the creation of a digital version. These activities will be accompanied by a creative social media campaign to promote active citizenship in youth-friendly formats, and a final event to showcase the project’s outcomes, reflect on its impact, and foster ongoing dialogue with European institutions.
Project details:
Action: Erasmus+ KA220-YOU- Cooperation partnerships in youth
Project coordinator: YES Forum
Duration: 2024-2027
