As part of the “Cohesion Policy Stands by you!” information campaign, Aspon Consulting (CY), Alpha Cyprus (CY), Innovation Hive (GR), and GEInnova (ES) have launched a new scenario-based gamified learning experience called “Cohesion Island“. The game aims to educate youth and the public about the Cohesion Policy of the European Union and its role in improving the lives of all EU citizens.

In “Cohesion Island” players take on the role of governor  of Cohesion Island, one of the largest islands of Artea, an imaginary country in the European continent and a member of the EU. They face various challenges which require them to take decisions that will effectively solve the various problems and thus improve the level of well-being of their constituents. Players have access to the city budget for investments, and certain investments may be eligible for co-funding from Cohesion Policy funds. The game also includes a city library, which provides players with useful readings and real examples related to the Cohesion Policy to help them make informed decisions during the game, which are in line with Cohesion Policy’s objectives.

“We believe that ‘Cohesion Island’ is a unique and fun way to educate youth and the public about the Cohesion Policy,” said a spokesperson for the project. “By putting players in the role of a mayor/governor, we hope to provide an interactive learning experience that will familiarize players with the different Cohesion Policy funds and how they are utilized to achieve the policy objectives across the EU. We also want to show how Cohesion Policy funds have a real impact on people’s daily lives.“

The objectives of the game are to provide an overview of EU Cohesion Policy, make participants aware of the different Cohesion Policy funds and how they are utilized to achieve the policy objectives across the EU, make participants acquire a deeper understanding of how Cohesion Policy funds have an impact on their daily life, and familiarize players with examples of real projects implemented through Cohesion Policy funds.

“Cohesion Island” is available to play now through this link: https://cohesionisland.eu/ 

For more information about the game and the “Cohesion Policy Stands by you!” project, please visit the project’s social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.