This spring, the renowned Belgian magazine Knack went in search of organizations that strengthen democracy. In april the winners were announced: Beste Burger (Zuidpoort) won the jury award and Djapo won the audience award! *proud*
Our democracy is under pressure. 56 per cent of the Belgian population feel unrepresented by the federal and/or regional government. 51 per cent feel that their vote does not count. 70 per cent feel that politicians in Belgium put their own interests above those of the people. These are just some of the results of an exclusive Knack poll that exposes how our democracy is under pressure.
In response of this, Knack went in search of individuals, collectives and organisations that strengthen democracy: original, motivating and inspiring projects that bridge the gap between different voices, visions and opinions. It involved a contest, which Knack organized together with the Belgian organizations Hannah Arendt Institute, Socius, De Federatie and De Ambrassade.
From 125 entries, the jury shortlisted five wonderful projects and organisations: Afromedica, Beste Burger, Coop Centraal, Djapo and Woonzaak. They stood a chance to win two prizes: a jury award and an audience award.
The jury chose 'Beste Burger', Zuidpoort's project that builds bridges between worlds that seem to be increasingly far apart: the government and people living in poverty.
The audience award went to Djapo. We were awarded for our efforts to empower children and young people to help shape the world.
Teacher shortage, administrative burdens, demotivated students: teachers and school boards face a mountain of challenges. How can we take better care of the people who help our children and young people grow up? Read how the European LIFE project can provide an answer.
In April 2024 a special comic book was presented at the Belgian high school Saint Gummarus College: Plastica's Revenge. With this English-language comic book, students from six European countries want to make other young people aware of the widespread use of single-use plastics. The project group engaged Djapo to develop two lessons so teachers can use the comic book in their lessons. The lessons are available in both Dutch and English.