From February 2nd to 9th, 2025, a Training Course within the Youth4Values project took place in Athens, Greece, gathering young participants and youth workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain, Greece, and Montenegro.
The activity was hosted by the organization Me in Europe, while BRAVO – Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities participated as the sending organization, with five participants representing Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The training course brought together motivated young people who shared a common interest in democracy, youth participation, and civic engagement.
Over the course of seven days, participants took part in a dynamic learning experience designed to strengthen their understanding of democratic principles and encourage active involvement in their local communities.
Learning Through Dialogue, Workshops, and Collaboration
Throughout the program, participants engaged in a variety of interactive workshops, discussions, debates, and teamwork exercises. These activities aimed to enhance participants’ critical thinking, advocacy skills, and understanding of democratic processes.
The sessions explored important topics such as:
- democratic engagement and political participation,
- civil rights and European democratic values,
- youth involvement in policy-making,
- the historical development of democracy in Europe,
- and the importance of active citizenship in modern societies.
Participants also worked in international and national teams, where they analyzed key challenges related to youth participation and developed practical solutions that could be applied in their own communities.
In addition to the educational activities, the training course also emphasized intercultural exchange and networking. Participants had the opportunity to learn about different cultures, share experiences from their countries, and build meaningful connections with like-minded young people from across Europe.
Being hosted in Athens, widely recognized as the birthplace of democracy, added a special dimension to the experience. Participants explored the city and its historical landmarks, gaining deeper insight into the origins of democratic thought and its relevance in today’s world.
Dissemination Through Video
As part of the project’s dissemination activities, BRAVO produced a dissemination video showcasing the Training Course in Athens.
The video captures key moments from the training course, including:
- interactive workshops and group discussions,
- teamwork activities and simulations related to democratic decision-making,
- interviews and testimonials from participants,
- reflections on the learning experience,
- and highlights from the intercultural environment created during the project.
Through participants’ personal reflections and visual highlights of the activities, the video provides a clear insight into the learning process, atmosphere, and impact of the training course. It also demonstrates how young people from different backgrounds can come together to discuss important societal topics and work towards promoting democratic values.
Participants’ Reflections
Participants emphasized that the training course was not only an educational experience but also a space for inspiration, networking, and personal growth.
One participant, Hena Šehović, highlighted how the program broadened her perspective on democracy and civic engagement while helping her develop valuable skills such as critical thinking and teamwork.
Another participant, Maria Perojević, described the experience as a powerful reminder that democracy is not only something written in laws and constitutions, but something that lives through the participation of active citizens.
Similarly, Aldin Jahić emphasized that the training course strengthened his understanding of youth participation and motivated him to become a more active and informed citizen.
About the Youth4Values Project
The Youth4Values project supports active citizenship and political participation of young people from different European regions. The project aims to foster the development of social and intercultural competencies, critical thinking, and transversal skills, while raising awareness about European values, democratic processes, and youth involvement in decision-making.
By encouraging dialogue, learning, and collaboration among young people, Youth4Values contributes to strengthening a culture of democracy, civic responsibility, and active participation in society.
The Training Course in Athens represents one of the key activities within the project, providing participants with knowledge, tools, and inspiration to continue promoting democratic values and civic engagement in their communities.
More activities within the Youth4Values project are planned in the upcoming period, continuing to empower young people across Europe to actively participate in shaping their societies.