The project “DEB@TE: We Think. We Speak. We Act.”, implemented by the Polish-American Educational Association as part of the "Young Citizens" program, is a comprehensive educational initiative aimed at 84 students in grades IV–VIII of the American Elementary School in Gdynia. Its goal is to foster civic engagement among young people by developing their social, media, and democratic awareness.

As part of the project, students will participate in a variety of educational activities:

• Media Club and Debate Club – regular extracurricular sessions focused on building rhetorical, mediation, and critical thinking skills

• "Citizen 2.0" Workshops – on disinformation and digital initiatives of the European Union

• Meetings with Local Leaders – inspiring conversations with activists and local government representatives

• "Traces of Freedom" Educational Visits – to the European Solidarity Centre, Museum of the Second World War, and other key places of Polish democracy

• "Europe Through the Lens" Film Workshops – culminating in the production of a short film promoting democratic values

• "My Public Service Announcement" Competition – ending with a school film festival

• "Solidarity ’80" Escape Room – history education through immersive experience

• School Charity Auction – promoting empathy and solidarity

The activities are carried out with the support of experts, cultural institutions, and non-governmental organizations. Free educational materials will be created and shared under the Creative Commons (CC BY) license.

💰 Project Funding

The project is funded by the Polish Ministry of National Education under the "Young Citizens" program.

• Total project value: 88,296.00 PLN

• Funding received: 78,824.00 PLN

📅 Project duration: June 9 – December 31, 2025