In March 2024, a youth worker from Italy participated in the Erasmus+ project “European Values and Democracy Education for Youth Workers (EVADE),” which took place in Tbilisi, Georgia. This international initiative brought together youth workers from across Europe and neighboring countries to discuss how to build stronger, more inclusive, and democratic societies. At a time when misinformation and social division are rising, the training provided important tools and knowledge to help youth workers promote human rights, democratic values, and active citizenship in their communities. The project focused on giving practical skills and building motivation, so that youth workers could return home ready to support young people in becoming more involved and informed democratic citizens.
In Italy, the need for this kind of work has grown stronger in recent years. Many young people feel disconnected from political life and public institutions. They often believe their voices do not matter and that decisions are made far from their realities. Social media sometimes adds to this problem, as young people are exposed to misinformation and emotional debates that divide instead of connect. Some students do not learn enough about democracy or human rights in school. Others grow up in communities where participation is not encouraged. Association Minerva, an Italian NGO, has been working to change this by creating spaces where youth can meet, talk, and learn. Before the EVADE training, the team at Minerva was already organizing small debates and educational activities, but they were looking for a deeper and more structured approach.
The training in Tbilisi was a turning point. It started with introductions and activities that made people feel comfortable and curious. Participants came from different backgrounds and experiences, and this diversity brought energy and new ideas. The group talked about what democracy means in different countries. For some, it was about freedom and justice. For others, it was about responsibility and community. The youth worker from Italy was especially inspired by stories from Georgia, where young people are fighting for stronger democratic systems in difficult political conditions. These stories showed that even small actions can bring hope.
One of the most eye-opening moments came during a workshop about fake news and media literacy. The trainer shared tools to help young people understand how to question information and recognize manipulation. Another powerful session focused on human rights education. Participants explored how to explain big ideas like dignity, equality, and freedom in simple, everyday language. A visit to a local community center in Tbilisi showed how youth workers were using creative methods like theater, storytelling, and art to start conversations about participation and rights. This approach was very inspiring for the youth worker from Italy, who saw how powerful it could be to use culture and creativity in civic education.
After returning home, the youth worker felt a strong responsibility to use what was learned in Georgia. Together with the team at Association Minerva, a new initiative was launched under the title “Voices of Tomorrow.” This project focused on Dialogue with Politicians and aimed to build real connections between young people and local decision-makers in the Italian city of Lecce. The goal was to give youth the tools to express their ideas, ask questions, and make proposals. It also aimed to show politicians that young people care about their communities and want to be part of the solution.
“Voices of Tomorrow” included a series of meetings in schools and youth centers, where participants learned about the basics of democratic systems, how local governments work, and how to participate in civic life. Workshops helped them prepare speeches, write petitions, and organize debates. In the final part of the project, a youth-led forum was organized where young people presented their views to local politicians on issues such as education, climate change, and social inclusion. The event was open to the public and received positive media attention, creating a sense of pride in the community.
The impact of this project was felt in many ways. First, the young participants became more confident and informed. They started to believe that their voices could be heard and respected. Many of them said they now want to be more active in their schools and communities. Teachers and youth workers also reported a change in how young people engaged in discussions and group work. Some young people decided to join local youth councils or volunteer groups. The local politicians who took part in the forum expressed surprise at the quality and passion of the ideas presented by the youth. Some of their suggestions were included in a local action plan for youth policies.
Association Minerva also grew stronger as an organization. Through the experience of the EVADE training, they connected with other NGOs across Europe and began planning future collaborations. The methods learned in Georgia helped improve the way they design and deliver workshops. They also started training other youth workers in the region, spreading the knowledge and experience further. The initiative showed that real dialogue between young people and decision-makers is possible, but it needs support, time, and trust-building.
Looking back on this journey, the youth worker who joined the EVADE training feels grateful for the opportunity. The experience in Tbilisi was more than just a professional development—it was a reminder of how important and powerful youth work can be. Democracy is not only about institutions and laws. It is about people, relationships, and action. When youth workers help young people understand their rights and responsibilities, they are building the foundation for a better future. The journey from learning to action, and from local impact to international cooperation, continues.
Youth across Europe have great potential to be leaders, creators, and peacemakers. With support from programs like Erasmus+ and organizations like Association Minerva, they can become more than observers—they can become true agents of change. The work of promoting democratic values is never finished, but every step, every conversation, and every young voice makes a difference. The long-term vision is clear: a society where all young people are included, empowered, and respected.