Croatian islands are recognised as inactive and neglected communities, and the most affected are children and youth. Without good investments in the development of the quality of life on these islands, young people are faced with a very unhealthy lifestyle, often involving substance abuse. The project offers a safe and creative space for island children and youth to express themselves and to learn and practice the role of active citizens while creating engaging video content.

Project Islands is carried out across seven Adriatic Sea islands.

Croatian islands are recognised as inactive and neglected communities. Insufficient infrastructure, socio-economic marginality and systemic lack of investment in intellectual, social and material capital of island life have resulted in emigration, isolation and apathy of its citizens. Most affected islanders are children and youth. Without good investments in the development of the quality of life on these islands, young people are faced with a very unhealthy lifestyle, often involving substance abuse. Cultural exchange mainly takes place through television and social networks, resulting in growing passivity and lack of active participation among younger generations.

Primary target group are young people up to 18 years of age living on eight Adriatic islands, taking active part in workshops on civic participation and video activism. Proposed workshop model, small groups with individualised approach, has proven to be very efficient. The predicted number of participants is 50 to 70. Project will indirectly include other social groups, depending on the chosen subjects of their video works. Our experience shows there is a significant broader social impact of the direct educational process, but also of the finished products. The use of video, a medium that can be distributed fast and through channels familiar to young people, will amplify the indirect impact, while a platform on social networks will open up a space for connection between the islands.

Our experience has given us a good insight of working methods with this specific age group. Basic approach consists of informal interaction, teaching through practical assignments, and accommodation of needs and abilities of participants, while taking care of local specificities. Educational cycle on each island is happens through four day-long workshops, in the “off-season”. Summer period is avoided due to busyness of islanders with tourism. In summer time, our main focus will be on building a social network platform to facilitate informing, educating and communicating between the islanders and other interested individuals and organisations. During the second half of project implementation this platform will serve as a virtual space for connection and networking between the islands.

- participants will learn the basics of film language through digital video
- participants will gain basic knowledge and skills for the production of original video work
- participants will develop soft skills through information, opinion and experience exchange
- participants will develop communication skills through collaboration and teamwork
- participants will gain a stimulus for deliberation and articulation of their social context
- participants will gain basic civic competence through active engagement and community education
- their video works will be distributed through various channels
- they will be left with a social network platform as a virtual space for connection and networking of the islands

Active participation of youth in society is based on the concept of active citizenship, where every citizen has certain rights and roles in the life of a community. By educating young people on the subjects of civic participation and video activism, we can create a stimulating environment for active citizenship, and build a foundation for democratic culture in the broadest sense. Our project creates a space where children and youth can learn how to practice the role of active citizens, and learn how to change, question, help mould, and contribute to society. In the process, significant role is given to culture and new technologies. Cultural dimension, a space for developing creativity, can contribute in creating a stimulating social environment and in strengthening the political culture.

Mission of Filmaktiv is contributing to the development of independent culture and encouraging social change through education, production and promotion of audiovisual culture. Filmaktiv, established in 2004, is a leading organisation in audiovisual culture in Rijeka and the region, and project Islands is one of our first projects, started in 2005. We wish to sustain and advance this project because its direct influence is seen on nearly two generations of islanders during the past fifteen years.
Delta aims to empower youth for active citizenship through participation in local communities.The project would enable us to empower youngsters in rural areas, which will also contribute to strengthening the whole communities. Active citizen – healthy and active society!

Personnel costs 27675,65
Travel and accommodation 4612,61
Food and beverage 1383,78
Equipment 3828,46
Office expenses 499,5

We would like to receive feedback on how to enhance youth networking between small islands on European level. We would also like to get feedback on how to strengthen the impact on the EU level. Lastly, any kind of feedback on our project would be greatly appreciated.