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critical thinking for tomorrow / Next GEN

Young people today are growing up in a world where they are exposed on a daily basis to a vast amount of information, various influences and ever-increasing social polarisation. Without well-developed critical thinking skills, they can quickly become vulnerable to disinformation, manipulation and simplistic answers to complex social challenges.

A lack of space for dialogue, understanding of different perspectives and constructive debate often leads to mistrust, social exclusion and the spread of extreme views. This is precisely why fostering critical thinking, the ability to argue a case and active civic participation amongst young people is more important today than ever before.

The project, which began in December 2025, enables young people to develop critical thinking, speak confidently in public and play an active role in their communities. Through debating competitions, interactive online learning and practical civic initiatives, young people will acquire specific skills and put them to the test in real-life situations.

At the same time, the project promotes greater awareness of youth work and youth participation through social media, local media and collaboration with influencers, with the aim of reaching a wider community and fostering interest in active citizenship and the involvement of young people in social processes.

What will we be doing?

Debating competitions and workshops

Debating competitions will be organised in eight schools and youth centres across Slovenia, accompanied by preparatory workshops for young people. Through practical activities, participants will develop their argumentation, communication and debating skills and prepare for the competitions with the help of a specially developed handbook and a card game.

The competitions will consist of two qualifying rounds and a final, which will give young people more opportunities to learn, participate and gain confidence in public speaking.

An online platform for critical thinking

An interactive online platform will be set up, featuring learning materials and online study sessions designed to develop:

  • analytical thinking,
  • reasoned judgement,
  • reasoning,
  • openness,
  • problem-solving.

The platform will enable young people to explore different perspectives and put their critical thinking skills into practice.

Civic initiatives

Young people are going to be encouraged to become actively involved in society. Participants will plan and carry out local and international civic initiatives, through which they will translate their ideas, leadership skills and critical thinking into concrete actions that have an impact on the community.

What impact do we expect?

Young people are going to be enabled to develop critical thinking, argumentation and communication skills, as well as greater self-confidence when speaking in public and taking part in debates. At the same time, it will contribute to the development of innovative methods of non-formal education, the use of modern debating and online learning approaches, and the promotion of young people’s active participation in society.

Through this project, we aim to strengthen democratic values, a culture of dialogue and active citizenship, and to create a space where young people are not merely observers of social change, but active contributors to it.

about the project

Project duration: 01/12/2025 – 30/11/2027

Participating countries: The Czech Republic, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Slovenia

Funded by European Commission, Erasmus+ programme 2021 - 2027

Project nr. 2025-1-CZ01-KA220-YOU-000353397

Project partners

Agora CE, o.p.s. (Czech Republic), VšĮ Pasaulio piliečių akademija (Lithuania), „MilleniuM“ Training and Development Institute (Moldova), Consiglio Italiano del Movimento Europeo (Italy), ISZ – Inštitut Središče Zagovorništva (Slovenia)

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