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.
Why local activities were important
Local activities were one of the most important parts of the Youth4Values project. They allowed the project to move beyond international meetings and bring its results directly to young people in their own towns, cities, schools, organisations, and communities.
Through these activities, participants were not only listeners. They became active contributors. They discussed real challenges in their communities, shared their opinions, learned how democratic processes work, and explored how they can take part in positive change at the local level.
Local activities were especially important because active citizenship starts in everyday life. Young people first experience democracy in their local environment: through school, youth organisations, community initiatives, local councils, public discussions, volunteering, and informal groups. When young people feel that their voice matters locally, they are more likely to participate in wider democratic and civic processes.
The activities also helped partners reach young people who may not usually take part in international projects or formal educational programmes. By combining onsite and online formats, partners created more inclusive opportunities for participation. This was particularly important for young people from smaller communities, rural areas, or groups with fewer opportunities.
Across the partner countries, local activities included workshops, discussions, debates, youth-led events, online sessions, awareness activities, and community-based actions. Each partner adapted the format to its national and local context, while keeping the same common goal: to strengthen youth participation, promote democratic values, and build stronger connections between young people and their communities.
Through local activities, Youth4Values created visible results: more than 800 young people were directly involved, and activities reached communities in all partner countries. These local stories show that youth participation is not only a topic to discuss, but a practice that can be built step by step through education, trust, cooperation, and action.
Youth4Values project brought together partners from several European countries with one clear goal – strengthening the values of active citizenship and connecting young people through concrete local activities.
Through collaboration with partners from Greece, Montenegro, and Spain, the project demonstrated how a combination of education, interaction, and local engagement can create real social impact.
Greece – connecting through a combined approach
In Greece, partner You in Europe implemented a total of 10 activities, combining online and onsite formats.
Results:
- 204 participants
- 10 activities
- 4 local communities
Most activities (8) were held onsite, while 2 were conducted online, enabling greater accessibility and inclusion of a wider group of young people. This balanced approach proved to be an effective model for strengthening communities.
Montenegro – the power of direct interaction
Partner PRONA in Montenegro focused exclusively on onsite activities, delivering 10 workshops and events.
Results:
- 203 participants
- 10 activities
- 3 local communities
This approach enabled intensive interaction among participants and the creation of strong local connections, which is key for long-term impact.
Spain – the highest volume of activities
In Spain, partner Mojo de Caña implemented as many as 21 activities, representing the largest number among partner countries.
Results:
- 204 participants
- 21 activities
- 5 local communities
Most activities were organized onsite, while 2 were conducted online, further expanding the project’s reach. Spain demonstrated how a higher number of activities can significantly increase visibility and impact.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – wide territorial coverage
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, BRAVO implemented 13 activities across as many as 8 local communities.
Results:
- 204 participants
- 13 activities
- 8 local communities
A special focus was placed on inclusion, with 5 activities conducted online, allowing participation from young people across different parts of the country.
Although approaches varied – from a fully onsite model in Montenegro to combined formats in Greece, Spain, and Bosnia and Herzegovina – all partners contributed to the same goal: strengthening local communities and fostering active youth participation. This project is not just a series of activities – it is a network of young people who, through shared learning and action, have taken a concrete step toward a more active and connected society.
