📖 Case Study – youth creating change in their city 

In a small European city, young people noticed a serious gap in their community: there were not enough safe, welcoming spaces for young people to meet, socialise, and develop skills after school. 

 Rather than simply complaining about the problem, a group of secondary school students decided to act. They formed a youth council — a structured group that would represent the voices of young people in their community. 

With support from a local youth worker and encouragement from their school, the youth council: 

• Conducted a peer survey to collect data on what young people needed most.
• Organised a public presentation to the town mayor and local authorities. 
• Proposed two concrete locations for new youth centres, with supporting evidence. 

The result? The local government approved the proposal. Two new youth centres were opened within 18 months, directly responding to the needs identified by young people themselves.

Analysis: Citizenship Education in Action  

This case study brings the three dimensions of citizenship education to life: 

📚 Knowledge 

The young people learned how local decision-making works — who makes decisions, what evidence is needed, and how to engage authorities formally. 

🛠 Skills 

They organised surveys, compiled data, spoke in public, negotiated with officials, and worked collaboratively as a team. 

❤️ Attitudes & Values 

They demonstrated civic responsibility, solidarity (acting for their peers, not just themselves), and perseverance in the face of uncertainty. 

This case shows that citizenship education is not abstract. When young people are supported to act on their knowledge, develop their skills, and channel their values, they create concrete, lasting change. 

Reflection Questions 

Think about these questions as you read through the case study. You may use your notes in the reflection journal activity below. 

1.     Have you ever participated in a group effort to improve something in your community or school? What was your role? 

2.     Which of the three citizenship dimensions (knowledge, skills, attitudes) do you think was most important in this case — and why? 

3.     What barriers might have made this project difficult? How did the young people overcome them? 

4.     Could a similar initiative work in your context? What would need to be different?