Active Citizens is a British Council programme in the area of intercultural dialogue and global citizenship.

The vision of the project is a world in which people recognise their potential and exercise their responsibility to engage with others in the development of their communities at local and international level, that is a world of ‘Global Citizens’

Active Citizens was launched in 2009 in the UK and eight counties of Africa and Asia including Nigeria, Nepal, Kenya, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

In 2010 twenty other counties start the project in North, Central and South-East Europe and Israel.

ACTIVE CITIZENS IN ARMENIA

In 2010-11 Active Citizens in Armenia is piloted in Yeghegnadzor, Vayots Dzor and the nearby villages with possible future extension to other marzes of Armenia. The programme is delivered in partnership with the Armenian Young Women’s Association Yeghegnadzor branch. In 2012 the programme launched in Armavir. Active Citizens Programme in Armavir is being run in co-operation with the Centre for Development in Armavir.

We work with community leaders and through them, with their organisations and networks (schools, universities, trade unions, political parties, municipalities, public service providers, SMEs etc), bringing diverse community members together on a voluntary basis.

THE PROGRAMME

During the programme they will:

			Explore identity
			Increase value for difference and experience new perspectives (including UK perspective) on democratic engagement
			Increase recognition of UK as a global platform and resource for democratic engagement
			Form enduring international networks
			Develop increased commitment to solving global issues at a local level
			Become more skilled in cross cultural communication and dialogue and the role it plays in community action

The programme is delivered in three phases:

			Local training workshops will focus on global citizenship, working effectively with difference and agenda setting in order to achieve better understanding of the local community and global interdependency. The trainings will also cover such areas as project concept development, project management, social entrepreneurship, fundraising, effective networking etc.The trainings will be followed by cascading workshops delivered by the project participants in their own networks and communities.
			Local training workshops will focus on global citizenship, working effectively with difference and agenda setting in order to achieve better understanding of the local community and global interdependency. The trainings will also cover such areas as project concept development, project management, social entrepreneurship, fundraising, effective networking etc.The trainings will be followed by cascading workshops delivered by the project participants in their own networks and communities
			International exchanges and networking will provide some of the participants the opportunity to experience international practises and learn from other countries. Knowledge of English will be a requirement for participation

PARTICIPATION

We are therefore looking for people and organisations with

			a value for social justice
			established community and national networks
			a strong sense of local culture and identity
			commitment to life-long learning and broadening horizons
			strong influencing and communication skills