Globalisation has widened the gap between rich and poor, and recent challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and rising inflation have exacerbated this divide. Inequality is at a historic high, leading to poverty, poor health, and limited access to education. In this context, social inclusion is more critical than ever to create a society where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the resources they need.
Through the STAR 2.0 project, we harness the power of street art to connect and empower marginalised & vulnerable youth, giving them opportunities to express themselves within their communities and beyond.
Youth Work: Everyone Is Unique
Every individual brings unique qualities, challenges, and perspectives. As such, organisations approach youth work in distinct ways:
Dock emphasises a calming, reassuring strategy.
Combiwel employs a more structured, disciplined approach.
Vooruit engages part-time youth workers to connect with young people in their communities.
Academy van de Stad deploys young professionals to foster leadership and practical experience.
STAR 2.0 complements these approaches by using street art to empower youth creatively and help them develop essential life skills, such as self-expression, collaboration, and project management. This innovative approach ensures that all youth, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive in a society that values individuality.
A Unique Approach to Inclusion
Each STAR 2.0 partner focuses on a specific demographic, using street art as a powerful tool for social inclusion:
Czech Republic: Ukrainian evacuees and Roma youth, long marginalised groups.
Portugal: Roma residents in a Lisbon neighbourhood, stigmatised for over 15 years.
Italy: North African migrants, grappling with integration challenges while preserving the cultural stories.
Ukraine (via ALDA): Local communities enduring ongoing Russian attacks, demonstrating resilience through creative expression.
The Netherlands: Non-Western youth facing unique cultural and social challenges.
Street Art as a Unifying Force
Despite the diversity of these groups, street art serves as a common thread that connects them. Whether in Lisbon, Prague, Lviv, or Amsterdam, cities and towns are shaped by their unique blend of cultures and backgrounds. Creativity provides a universal language, and street art acts as a bridge that transcends borders, languages, and identities. It enables individuals from vastly different worlds to express themselves, claim their space, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Competencies Developed Through STAR 2.0
Creativity: Learning techniques such as graffiti, murals, and stencils.
Self-Expression: Encouraging emotional and communicative skill development through art.
Confidence: Building self-assurance by participating in public art projects.
Collaboration: Strengthening teamwork and social skills through joint projects.
Social Engagement: Inspiring youth to address societal issues through art.
Problem-Solving: Overcoming obstacles and finding creative solutions in public art creation.
Project Management: Developing skills to plan, budget, coordinate, and manage legal aspects of street art projects, enhancing leadership and organisational capabilities.
Becoming a Pioneer in Education
Whether you are a policymaker, budget holder, or educator at institutions like VU, HvA, or HKA, STAR 2.0 provides an innovative, peer-to-peer program designed to engage and empower youth.
STAR 2.0 is not just a program; it is a “do-it-yourself” methodology that enables young people to take ownership of their development. Moving from a method to a methodology, STAR 2.0 promotes a hands-on, participatory approach where students become creators. It incorporates the latest educational innovations, including co-evaluation, ensuring continuous refinement of the learning experience based on practical feedback. This leads to measurable outcomes.
Join the pioneers in education, where creativity and impact converge. By adopting progressive methodologies such as street art and non-formal education, you position yourself as a trendsetter, breaking away from traditional models to pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
Transforming Education with STAR 2.0
As a policymaker or formal education expert, STAR 2.0 offers tools to improve key performance indicators (KPIs) such as student engagement, community involvement, and cultural awareness. Not only does it equip students with cutting-edge, essential skills, but it also reshapes how education is delivered. Programs become more accessible, relevant, and tailored to the diverse needs of today’s learners, transforming education into a tool for social impact and inclusivity.
