REMEMBRANCE CHALLENGES
The main challenge identified is the lack of appeal of remembrance activities to young people. This is due to factors such as the repetitiveness of events, lack of interactive dialogue, and limited use of modern communication tools.
New communication tools and methods are both a challenge and a potential solution to existing issues. The main difficulty lies in the inability to harness the power of social media and interactive teaching tools for educational purposes. Firstly, the wide range of available tools can make it hard to choose the right ones. Secondly, there is a lack of people with the necessary skills to effectively use these tools in educational settings. Disinformation also hinders remembrance efforts, as social media makes it easier to spread false narratives and polarize society.
Other challenges have deeper roots and are tied to the concept of national identity. These include conflicts of memory and local sensitivities.
Some stem from systemic issues, such as the lack of a clear educational strategy, especially in primary and secondary schools. Without a focus on developing critical thinking skills from the educational system, it becomes difficult to counter the spread and persistence of stereotypes or even racism. A comprehensive educational strategy is therefore essential.
When it comes to educating youth, limited attention spans also present a major challenge. Young people are easily distracted and tend to absorb only a small amount of information. As a result, they need active and engaging methods to stay stimulated and learn effectively.
REMEMBRANCE GOOD PRACTICES
Generally, to popularize remembrance activities, it is essential to actively engage young people in experiential learning. On-site experiences, as well as active participation through artistic performance to increase the attractiveness of learning about history, and giving youngsters an opportunity to meet with professionals and experts from other countries, can be helpful too.
An interdisciplinary approach is crucial in explaining historical events and applying that knowledge to prevent such events from happening again. Remembering the past may not be enough; it is also necessary to understand what can be done to prevent it from repeating.
It is strongly recommended to combine cognitive and emotional elements, as well as reflection and action, to achieve the most effective method of teaching about democratic values and human rights. Generally, campaigns should engage as many senses as possible.
The use of innovative methods and tools is crucial for making remembrance of the past more attractive and for addressing limited attention spans. There are many channels available to increase the visibility of remembrance events, which can also be beneficial.
The stereotypes we carry should not be passed on to future generations. Efforts should focus on increasing critical thinking skills within society and addressing local history and national identity to help diminish these stereotypes.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STAKEHOLDERS
Recommendations for youth workers and NGOs: Youth workers and NGOs should make remembrance activities more appealing to young people by incorporating creativity and interactivity. Depending on the age group, creativity to the remembrance activities should include gamification and engaging formats. They should also refrain from obsolete language and use modern methods of communication and promotion. Lastly, NGOs should apply for grants to fund impactful activities and avoid acting as mere "project factories."
Recommendations for local authorities: Local authorities need to be more active in supporting remembrance-related efforts and provide more support and funding for NGOs and educational institutions. They should adopt a clear strategy and policy that incorporates remembrance activities and recognize the value of youth work at the local level.
Recommendations for governments: They play a key role and should invite political parties not to show extremist positions on recent history, while encouraging dialogue and investing in youth. They are encouraged to actively participate in remembrance efforts, support organizers, and acknowledge the events in order to spread awareness.
Recommendations for educational institutions: They should adopt a more non-formal approach, use innovative methods and tools, and make learning interactive. They should also connect the past with the present, helping students reflect on how historical events impact current lives.
Recommendations for the European Union: The EU should support more projects that promote remembrance, take into consideration people’s memories, and co-create the funding programmes with stakeholders rather than making unilateral decisions.
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