As part of the Erasmus+ project Youth4Values, partner organization You in Europe successfully organized two online workshops focused on promoting democratic participation and active youth engagement through non-formal education methods.
The workshops were held on July 18 and August 4, bringing together young participants in an interactive online environment where they had the opportunity to exchange ideas and reflect on the core values of democracy. Despite the challenges of the summer period, often characterized by high temperatures and holidays, the activities demonstrated how digital tools and online learning spaces can effectively support civic participation and youth involvement.
During the sessions, Ms. Evelina Zilbere and Mr. Vasilis Stoulos guided participants through a series of discussions and non-formal educational activities designed to encourage critical thinking, dialogue, and active contribution. Young people were encouraged to openly express their perspectives on democratic values, participation, solidarity, and inclusion.
The workshops highlighted the importance of creating accessible opportunities for youth engagement, especially through innovative and flexible learning approaches. By using non-formal education methodologies, participants were able to develop communication skills, strengthen intercultural understanding, and actively contribute to discussions on democracy and European values.
We would like to thank all participants for their valuable contribution, active participation, and commitment to the success of the workshops.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Youth4Values – Youth for Democracy and Values project was created to support young people in becoming more active, informed, and engaged citizens in their local communities. The project focused on strengthening democratic values, active citizenship, youth participation, human rights, inclusion, and the connection between young people and decision-making processes.
In many European communities, young people still do not have enough space to express their opinions, participate in public life, or influence decisions that affect their everyday lives. This is especially visible among young people with fewer opportunities, who often face additional barriers such as limited access to information, lack of support, social exclusion, economic difficulties, or low trust in institutions.
Youth4Values responded to these needs by creating practical opportunities for young people to learn, discuss, act, and connect. The project did not focus only on theory. It encouraged young people to understand democracy through real experiences, local engagement, peer learning, dialogue, workshops, campaigns, and direct participation in community activities.
The project was implemented by partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Montenegro, and Spain, bringing together different realities, experiences, and approaches to youth participation. This international cooperation helped partners exchange good practices, compare challenges in their countries, and develop local activities that were adapted to the real needs of young people in each community.
A strong part of the project was its focus on non-formal education. Through interactive activities, participants had the opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication, teamwork, civic awareness, and a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The project also promoted the importance of youth organisations as spaces where young people can practice democracy, build confidence, and take active roles in society.
According to the project application, Youth4Values aimed to enhance democratic governance and the rule of law by promoting civic education, active citizenship, and youth empowerment. It also focused on connecting democracy with human rights, inclusion, and meaningful participation in decision-making processes.