Empowering Malmö’s Youth: A Reflective Workshop on Democracy at Boost by FC Rosengård

Empowering Malmö’s Youth: A Reflective Workshop on Democracy at Boost by FC Rosengård

On October 29, 2024, Wellbeing Lab hosted another inspiring session of the “Do You Know YOUR DEMOCRACY?” project at Boost by FC Rosengård, a local initiative supporting youth in Malmö. This workshop, attended by 11 young adults, focused on personal empowerment, goal-setting, and understanding the role of democracy in both personal lives and society.

 

The session kicked off with an introduction to the project and an overview of the “bullseye framework”—a goal-setting tool that helped participants visualise their strengths and how they could use those to contribute meaningfully to their communities. They also participated in a creative exercise, envisioning their dream society and discussing the different forms of democracy that exist around the world.

 

An essential part of the session was dedicated to practical guidance on how youth can engage in local democratic activities, with information about Malmö’s study associations and their community-driven events. This provided participants with tangible ways to continue their involvement and learning beyond the workshop.

 

Returning attendees shared their appreciation for the session, noting how much more comfortable they felt this time. Despite challenges with attendance, the session’s interactive approach and meaningful conversations left participants motivated to further explore the idea of democracy and its relevance to their lives.

 

The Youth Hub continues to be a valuable space for Malmö’s young adults, encouraging them to reflect on their potential to shape a better, more democratic future.

Youth Hub Empowers Malmö’s Young Adults to Connect with Democracy and Community

Youth Hub Empowers Malmö’s Young Adults to Connect with Democracy and Community

The recent Youth Hub at Boost by FC Rosengård on August 27, 2024, brought together young adults from Malmö to explore democracy in new and meaningful ways. Organised by Wellbeing Lab as part of the “Do You Know YOUR DEMOCRACY?” project, this workshop focused on helping participants reflect on their role within a democratic society and in their own communities.

 

Through a series of engaging activities, the workshop encouraged participants to connect with democratic principles on both personal and societal levels. The day began with a guided meditation accompanied by rosemary essential oil, inviting participants to centre themselves and imagine democracy as a value they can embody daily. This unique approach to democracy resonated with participants, many of whom were experiencing meditation and reflective practices for the first time.

 

The session included discussions on topics such as embracing diverse perspectives, cancel culture, and the importance of listening to differing opinions—a key aspect of healthy democratic societies. An inspirational talk on following one’s passions and exploring Erasmus+ opportunities sparked curiosity about studying abroad and pursuing careers connected to community and democratic engagement.

 

Each participant received a “Malmö Heart” poster as a memento and a reflective writing assignment to take home, encouraging them to think about what democracy and community mean in their lives. The Youth Hub received positive feedback, with participants expressing interest in future sessions, reflecting the workshop’s success in fostering a supportive and engaging space for young adults to connect with democratic ideals and envision their role in Malmö’s community.

Youth Hub at Malmö Folkhögskola Inspires Reflection on Democracy and Belonging

Youth Hub at Malmö Folkhögskola Inspires Reflection on Democracy and Belonging

On May 24, 2024,  “Do You Know YOUR DEMOCRACY?” project hosted an impactful Youth Hub at Malmö Folkhögskola, drawing in 29 young participants from university preparatory classes. Organised by Well Being LAB, the session engaged students in a blend of self-reflection, civic discussion, and cultural storytelling, fostering an inspiring atmosphere for young people to explore their roles in democracy.

 

The session began with a guided meditation accompanied by soothing music, encouraging participants to connect with their “inner democracy” and visualise how they envision democratic values in the world around them. This calming start paved the way for vibrant discussions on topics such as belonging, cancel culture, and understanding diverse opinions. Students were invited to reimagine their classroom as a democratic space, prompting them to consider how power dynamics play out in everyday settings.

 

One of the highlights was “The Malmö Heart” exercise, where students shared their feelings about Malmö and penned messages for local decision-makers. The exercise provided an authentic space for students to express their hopes for their city, reflecting Malmö’s rich multicultural community.

 

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many students staying after the session to express their appreciation. This Youth Hub at Malmö Folkhögskola not only deepened participants’ understanding of democracy but also encouraged them to think critically about their roles within their communities.

ProCivitas Youth Hub Inspires Students to Reflect on Malmö and Democracy

ProCivitas Youth Hub Inspires Students to Reflect on Malmö and Democracy

On May 8, 2024, ProCivitas High School students gathered for a unique Youth Hub session as part of the “Do You Know YOUR DEMOCRACY?” project, facilitated by Well Being LAB. This event provided an interactive and introspective space for students to explore democracy, international opportunities, and their own perspectives on Malmö.

 

In one memorable exercise, students participated in “The Malmö Heart,” a creative activity where they shared their feelings about their city and wrote messages to local decision-makers. This exercise sparked powerful reflections and gave the students a chance to express hopes for Malmö’s future. The session also included a guided meditation, encouraging students to connect with their surroundings and sense of self, accompanied by relaxing music from Austin Farwell.

 

Students left the workshop feeling inspired, with several showing interest in future international training opportunities through Erasmus+, though some were limited by age requirements. This session at ProCivitas highlights the Youth Hub’s mission to reach and engage Malmö’s youth from diverse backgrounds, fostering both civic awareness and a sense of community.

Youth Hub in Rosengård Empowers Local Youth to Discover Democracy

Youth Hub in Rosengård Empowers Local Youth to Discover Democracy

On April 28, 2024, youth in Rosengård, Malmö, gathered for an inspiring event under the banner of the “Do You Know YOUR DEMOCRACY?” project. This initiative, a collaboration between Well Being LAB and the ZigZag association, aims to empower young people in socioeconomically vulnerable communities by educating them about democratic values and international opportunities. The session, led by Emir Mujezinovic from Well Being LAB, was the first in a series of Youth Hubs designed to spark civic engagement and personal growth.

 

The event brought together 25 participants, primarily from Rosengård, a diverse neighbourhood known for its strong immigrant community. Most participants were between 17 and 25 years old, engaged in youth work within the ZigZag association. This dynamic group engaged in discussions about democracy, listened to an inspirational talk on studying abroad through Erasmus+ opportunities, and learned about upcoming training opportunities in Struga. A storytelling session featuring Bosnian folktales connected participants to cultural wisdom and highlighted the value of shared heritage.

 

Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. In the open and inclusive format, each participant had a voice, fostering a true sense of community and involvement. After the formal presentation, many participants stayed to ask questions, reflecting a genuine interest in learning more about democratic engagement and international prospects.

 

With this successful start, the Youth Hub in Rosengård promises to be a vital space for young people to connect, learn, and envision their roles in shaping the future.