In April 2024, an important Erasmus+ training called “Digital Empowerment and Human Rights: Fostering Inclusive Communities through Technology” brought together youth workers from across Europe to Budapest, Hungary. The aim of the training was to explore how digital tools can support the promotion of human rights and help build more inclusive societies. In today’s world, where technology plays a huge role in how people learn, communicate, and connect, it is necessary to understand how these tools can be used in a responsible and positive way. The project gave youth workers new knowledge, digital skills, and practical methods to help young people use technology to raise awareness, support inclusion, and protect their rights.
In Germany, many young people have access to digital devices and social media. They use the internet every day for communication, education, and entertainment. But this digital freedom also comes with problems. Not all young people have equal access to technology, especially those from low-income families, migrant backgrounds, or rural areas. At the same time, misinformation, hate speech, and online bullying are growing concerns. These issues often make some young people feel excluded, unsafe, or misunderstood. Before the training in Budapest, Copernicus Berlin, an NGO working with youth in Germany, had already seen how the digital world affects real-life behavior and relationships. The organization wanted to find better ways to teach young people how to use technology for good—how to protect their rights and the rights of others, how to build inclusive digital spaces, and how to stay safe and respectful online.
The training in Budapest opened new doors. For the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin, the experience was inspiring from the very first day. The workshops were not only educational but also interactive and creative. One of the most eye-opening activities was a session where participants had to design a digital campaign for inclusion. This task showed how technology can be a tool for empathy, not just information. Participants from different countries shared how they use mobile apps, social media, and digital storytelling to speak about sensitive topics such as racism, gender equality, or accessibility. The youth worker learned about new platforms that allow young people to share their stories and connect with others in safe and creative ways. Another powerful moment was the visit to a local community space in Budapest that supports Roma youth. The center used digital photography and short films to let young people tell their own stories, which helped break stereotypes and build pride. It was clear that technology, when used wisely, can become a bridge between communities.
After returning to Germany, the youth worker brought these ideas back to the team at Copernicus Berlin. Together, they started planning a new project inspired by what was learned in Budapest. The project was called “Digital Voices” and its goal was to empower young people in Berlin—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to use digital tools to speak up, create, and connect. The program started with a series of weekend workshops where young people learned basic digital skills such as video editing, podcast creation, and safe online communication. The sessions were designed to be hands-on and focused on human rights themes. Participants were asked to choose a topic that mattered to them and create a short digital story around it. Some talked about mental health, others about cultural identity, environmental problems, or online hate. The workshops were supported by youth mentors who had also taken part in international trainings and understood the power of peer learning.
The response to “Digital Voices” was stronger than expected. Young people showed great creativity and courage in sharing their stories. A group of teenagers created a podcast series called “Berlin Talks” where they interviewed classmates and teachers about inclusion in schools. Another group developed a social media campaign about the importance of digital safety, which reached hundreds of young people online. For many participants, this was the first time they felt they could express themselves freely and be taken seriously. Parents, teachers, and youth workers noticed how the participants grew more confident and aware of their digital behavior. One of the schools involved in the project decided to include digital human rights education in its annual program, and a local youth center now runs monthly digital storytelling sessions inspired by the project.
As the project grew, it also reached other parts of Berlin. New partnerships were formed with community organizations that support refugees and LGBTQ+ youth. Copernicus Berlin began to organize open events where digital stories created by the youth were presented to the public. These events helped start important conversations between different groups and showed the wider community how powerful youth voices can be. The project was shared on local media and received attention from educators and policymakers interested in combining technology with civic education. More schools and youth centers asked to join, and the project received funding to continue into the next year.
Looking back, the Erasmus+ training in Budapest gave much more than technical skills. It gave a vision. It reminded youth workers that inclusion begins with listening and that technology should help people come closer, not grow apart. The experience showed that when young people feel trusted and guided, they can use digital tools to protect their rights and help others do the same. The connection between digital empowerment and human rights is not just a theory—it is a living practice that can be brought into classrooms, youth centers, and communities.
The journey of “Digital Voices” is just beginning, but it already proves that digital spaces can be inclusive and empowering. With the right support, young people can lead the way. They can become creators, not just users, and they can use their digital skills to shape a world where everyone feels seen and respected. In a time when so much happens online, teaching young people how to use digital tools with care, purpose, and awareness is more important than ever. Through training, creativity, and connection, the youth of Germany—and across Europe—can become the next generation of leaders, ready to protect human rights in every space, online and offline.