PROBLEM STATEMENT

Salvador is home to approximately 174,000 young people aged 15 to 17, poised to vote for the first time in the biggest election year of history. However, yet in 2022, 52.7% abstained, surpassing the national average. This trend is particularly pronounced among youth from peripheral areas, highlighting a disconnect with politics perceived as distant and irrelevant to their lives.The root causes of this disengagement include limited access to education, lack of representation, distrust in corrupt institutions, and the challenge of distinguishing real news from fake on social media. From this context, raises a question: How to involve this group in a project that aligns with the local reality?

 

TARGET GROUP

The target group selected for the project's development are young people from 15 to 18 years old from 5 public schools in Salvador, Bahia, in different neighborhoods. 

 

PROPOSED SOLUTION

The Global Shapers Hub Salvador da Bahia has developed “Pontes para o Futuro”, a joint of interactive workshops and a unique game, Cidadanópolis, which educates players on the roles of political offices in Brazil and encourages them to engage in decision-making processes. This game, developed by a member in 2014, not only simulates political responsibilities but also addresses critical issues like misinformation, diversity, and the global impact on national politics, aiming to empower young individuals with knowledge and active participation in their communities. The Hub will develop the digital version of the game to reach a wider audience. In addition, Pontes para o Futuro has replicability in other Brazilian geographies due to its online distribution and the possibility of adaptation to different local and contexts.

 

HUB ACTIVITIES

The implementation plan for the 'Pontes para o Futuro' starts from the question "How to communicate the importance of civic engagement to a group that does not feel addressed by political agents?" and includes 4 stages:

 

Stage 1: Partnership articulation with schools and guests for the roundtable

Period: From May 2024 to July 2024

The project starts by coordinating with schools and inviting guests for a roundtable, connecting with leaders in education and community activism from our network.

 

Stage 2: Production of Cidadanópolis board games and its digital version

Period: From June 2024 to August 2024

In parallel with the initial phase, Cidadanópolis will be modernized for today's context and mass-produced to meet school needs. Completing the update allows for a digital version.

 

Stage 3: Conducting workshops

Period: From August 2024 to September 2024

In our workshops at 5 public schools, we'll start with a survey gauging students' civic participation. A roundtable discussion with political figures will spark conversation, followed by guided gameplay of "Cidadanópolis." We'll also select 15 students for a day shadowing political leaders and offer scholarships and training to enhance their leadership skills and future employment opportunities.

 

Stage 4: Impact Evaluation

Period: From November 2024 to December 2024

A 1-2 month follow-up after workshops (and Brazil's elections) will assess the project's impact. Researchers will track voter registration, election participation, understanding of political positions, and ability to identify misinformation. This data will paint a clear picture of how the workshops influenced youth political engagement.

 

OUTCOMES

 

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  Conduct the workshop in 5 public schools impacting an average of 300 young students;

  
  


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  Train 300 students in the identification and combat of Misinformation;

  
  


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  Develop the digital version of the Cidadanópolis board game;

  
  


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  Offer scholarships and/or training, to improve the leadership sense of 15 selected young people;

  
  


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  Increase the political participation of peripheral young people in the 2024 elections and Improve students' critical thinking skills so that they can identify and combat the spread of misinformation.