MC-YOU project members held its first onsite work meeting in Faro, Portugal, on the 21st and 22nd of March.
MC-YOU project aims to empower young people to take a proactive role in creating resilient cities. With this end in view the youngsters are supposed to develop and test a new youth-led policy model that includes leveraging creative and educational potential of Minecraft. The project also offers a sustainable solution to policy makers to engage youth in political processes on the local level by endowing them with a sense of agency and creating real impact for their communities.
At the beginning of the meeting, the hosts warmly welcomed all the participants and shared their expertise and experience with regard to youth projects. In this context a special attention was given to the project MI.MOMO conducted by Faro municipality. It was followed by the thorough discussion about each of the partner assignments and common responsibilities. During two working sessions on March 21 and 22 the consortium agreed upon further steps regarding the project agenda i.a. deadlines for particular deliverables were set, information on a draft version of Communication and Dissemination Plan and visual identity components was presented etc.
A study visit which enabled all the members to learn more about the MI.MOMO project was also part of the event’s program. Persons who were directly involved in this project shared their thoughts and showed how it influenced young people from the municipality as well as other local residents. It raised awareness with regard to modernism architecture among the inhabitants and activated local community around the unnoticed part of local heritage.
Last point on the official agenda was a Peer Learning Event that took place at Faro Town Hall on March 22. Partners presented best practice examples from their countries that used Minecraft as a successful tool for youth participation. Wide variety of projects was presented which gave the audience food for thought. This exchange of experiences had proved Minecraft to be a useful way of engaging young people that gives them a sense of empowerment and agency they need. The event was concluded after a series of remarks and comments. The knowledge acquired during this meeting will be utilized in the creation of “Minecraft as a youthful policy tool” – a digital document that will showcase Minecraft best practices.