In March 2024, a special Erasmus+ training program called “European Values, Active Democracy and Engagement” (EVADE) gathered youth workers from different parts of Europe and neighboring countries in the city of Tbilisi, Georgia. This international training was designed to respond to important issues in today’s world, such as misinformation, low political engagement, and the weakening of democratic participation. The program focused on building the competences of youth workers so they can better guide young people toward understanding European values, defending human rights, and becoming active citizens. The training was not only educational but also a place for dialogue, exchange, and the building of new ideas.
In Armenia, the situation before the training was marked by many challenges. Youth participation in public life remained low, and there was a strong feeling of mistrust towards political structures and decision-makers. Many young people felt disconnected from the processes that shaped their society. While the country has made progress in democratic reforms, the legacy of past political tensions, economic hardship, and the effects of regional conflict continued to affect young people's views on change and their role in it. For youth workers like those at Copernicus Yerevan, there was a growing need to develop fresh strategies that help young people reconnect with human rights, civic responsibility, and peaceful cooperation.
The training in Tbilisi was a life-changing moment for the youth worker from Copernicus Yerevan. The program was full of workshops that opened new perspectives on democracy and human rights. It was the first time this youth worker had the chance to exchange directly with peers from so many countries and to hear how they work with young people in different political and cultural situations. One activity in particular left a strong impression: a simulation of a local council meeting where participants had to take roles as community members, politicians, and activists. This made the connection between values and real action clear. Another eye-opening moment was a visit to a community center in Tbilisi that supports young people from vulnerable backgrounds. There, the team saw how creative workshops and human rights education were helping youth build trust and take part in improving their neighborhoods. These experiences planted the seed for a new idea: bringing similar energy and methods to Armenia through a new project focused on human rights.
After returning home, the youth worker from Copernicus Yerevan began planning a local project inspired directly by the training. The result was a series of workshops called “Rights and Voices,” designed for young people aged 15 to 20 across schools and youth clubs in Yerevan. The workshops aimed to educate young people about their rights in a way that was practical, inspiring, and connected to their daily lives. The sessions included interactive games, real-life case studies, and storytelling exercises. One important part of the program was to help participants understand that human rights are not only about law—they are about respect, freedom, equality, and being able to speak and be heard in their own communities. The project also included a mini-campaign where young participants created posters and short videos promoting tolerance, equality, and peaceful dialogue.
The response to the “Rights and Voices” project was very positive. In the first three months, over 120 young people joined the workshops. Many of them said they had never before talked about these topics in school. They felt that their opinions were respected, and that they were finally able to understand how their voice matters. One participant shared that after the sessions, she decided to start a human rights club in her school. Another group of young people from a youth center in the suburbs of Yerevan prepared a short theater performance on the topic of discrimination, which they later presented in their local community hall. Teachers and parents also appreciated the fresh approach of the project and asked Copernicus Yerevan to organize more sessions in other districts.
As the project grew, it started to reach beyond individual workshops. The NGO began to work more closely with local municipalities and school directors to include human rights education in school programs. A short manual based on the training methods from EVADE was prepared and distributed to teachers, helping them lead similar discussions in their own classrooms. The media took notice too, and several online platforms published articles about the importance of youth participation and human rights education. As a result, Copernicus Yerevan received more invitations to present their methods at educational events, and more youth workers expressed interest in applying these tools in rural areas and with marginalized youth.
Looking back, the journey that began in Tbilisi continues to grow in Armenia. The EVADE training gave not only knowledge but also the courage and clarity to act. It showed that when youth workers are equipped with the right tools and international inspiration, they can bring real change to their communities. The focus on Human Rights proved to be the right direction—because understanding one’s rights is the first step toward using them. In the words of one participant, “I always thought human rights were for politicians and lawyers. Now I understand they belong to me too.”
The future of Armenia depends on the strength, vision, and courage of its young people. By giving them the space to learn, speak, and take action, organizations like Copernicus Yerevan are building the foundations for a more just, respectful, and democratic society. Youth workers are at the heart of this effort. Their work is not always easy, but it is deeply meaningful. As the “Rights and Voices” project continues, it stands as a reminder that youth have the power to lead change when they are given knowledge, support, and trust. The hope is that more projects like EVADE will continue to grow across Europe, creating a new generation of leaders rooted in values, dialogue, and the simple belief that everyone deserves to be heard.