Europamente at the Training Course in Romania
From April 4th to 13th, 2025, the town of Bușteni, nestled in the Romanian Carpathians, became a hub for democratic learning and youth empowerment. It hosted the international training course “Active Citizenship and Youth Participation”, a project funded by the Erasmus+ programme and coordinated by the Romanian NGO A.R.T. Fusion Association. Europamente took part in the initiative as a partner.
The training brought together 25 youth workers from various European countries, all with a common goal: to enhance their knowledge and tools to support young people in becoming active citizens and engaged members of democratic societies. The focus of the programme was to address the need for stronger civic participation among youth and to empower those who work closely with them.
Over the course of eight intensive days, participants explored the fundamental principles of democracy, including individual rights and responsibilities, the structure of democratic systems, and the importance of civic engagement at local, national, and European levels. What made this training especially effective was its emphasis on non-formal education methods. Instead of traditional lectures, the programme relied on group work, the creation of advocacy and activism campaigns, and theatre-based exercises to spark critical thinking, creativity, and active involvement. These methods helped participants not only to learn but to experience the dynamics of participation firsthand.
In a time when youth engagement in democratic processes is both essential and too often overlooked, initiatives like this serve as a powerful reminder of the role education plays in shaping active, aware, and responsible citizens. Investing in youth workers and equipping them with meaningful tools is a concrete step toward building more inclusive and participatory societies—across Europe and beyond.
Registered office
