In April 2024, an Erasmus+ training titled “Digital Empowerment and Human Rights: Fostering Inclusive Communities through Technology” took place in Budapest, Hungary. The project gathered youth workers from across Europe with one goal: to learn how to use digital tools to promote inclusion and protect human rights. Organized by Copernicus Berlin, the program focused on helping youth workers understand the connection between technology, equality, and social justice. The training was built on a foundation of digital literacy, digital ethics, and practical advocacy tools. Participants left with new skills, methods, and motivation to bring these lessons back to their communities and create positive change through digital empowerment.
In Greece, the digital world is a big part of young people’s lives. However, not everyone has equal access to it. Many young people in rural areas, refugee communities, and under-resourced schools struggle with poor internet, lack of devices, or limited digital skills. These gaps create disadvantages in education, communication, and job opportunities. At the same time, online hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying are common, especially toward migrants, LGBTQ+ youth, and other vulnerable groups. Before the training in Budapest, the NGO GO Alive, based in Greece, was already trying to address these issues. The team saw that digital tools could be helpful, but they also knew that youth needed support to use them in safe, inclusive, and responsible ways. There was a strong need for education that combined technology with human values, especially in a society still healing from economic struggles and political division.
The training in Budapest gave the youth worker from GO Alive a new understanding of how technology and human rights can work together. One of the most eye-opening experiences during the training was a workshop about digital rights as fundamental human rights. Participants discussed privacy, data protection, online freedom of expression, and the right to access technology. It became clear that not all young people enjoy these rights equally, even in Europe. Another powerful moment came during a group project where teams created small digital campaigns to raise awareness about digital inclusion. Some campaigns focused on online safety, others on digital access for rural youth or people with disabilities. Through hands-on tasks and international teamwork, the participants learned how to turn values into action. The visit to a local community media center in Budapest showed how Roma youth were using podcasts and video blogs to tell their stories and change the way people see them. It showed that technology, when used for inclusion, can shift narratives and build bridges.
Returning home to Greece, the youth worker shared the experience with the team at GO Alive. Inspired by the training, the organization designed a new initiative called “Digital Bridges.” The project aimed to empower marginalized youth in Thessaloniki by offering digital skills training that also included human rights education. The workshops focused on topics such as online identity, ethical communication, recognizing fake news, and using social media to speak out against injustice. Young people were taught how to create short videos, blogs, and digital art pieces around themes that mattered to them—bullying, mental health, cultural identity, and discrimination. The project made space for creativity and expression, but also for reflection and understanding.
The reaction from young people was strong and positive. Many said it was the first time they had a chance to speak publicly about their challenges and hopes. Some created short films about their experiences as refugees, while others made Instagram campaigns about mental health support for teens. One student with a disability shared his story through a podcast that quickly gained attention in local youth circles. As more young people joined, the project became a safe space for learning, sharing, and growing together. The schools and youth centers that hosted the project also benefited. Teachers and facilitators became more aware of how digital rights and inclusion can be integrated into everyday education.
The success of “Digital Bridges” started important conversations in the community. Parents and local leaders began to understand that digital inclusion is not only about internet connection—it is also about respect, participation, and equality. The materials and stories created during the project were collected and presented at a local event called “Digital Youth Day,” where participants shared their work with families, NGOs, and municipal officials. The project was later featured in a local newspaper, which helped reach an even wider audience. Encouraged by the results, GO Alive is now working with other regional organizations to take “Digital Bridges” to smaller towns and islands, where digital education is even more limited.
The training in Budapest gave the youth worker not just tools, but also a network of like-minded people who continue to support each other. Since the training, GO Alive has stayed in contact with other participants, sharing project results and exchanging ideas. This European collaboration helps the team feel part of a larger movement toward inclusive digital spaces and ethical technology use.
Looking forward, GO Alive believes that digital empowerment must become part of every youth program. It is not enough to give young people access to technology—they must also learn how to use it with care, confidence, and respect. The vision is clear: a generation of young people who know their rights, support others, and create digital spaces where everyone feels safe and valued. With the right training, strong community support, and international collaboration, this vision can become reality. Through initiatives like “Digital Bridges,” young people in Greece are finding their voice and helping to shape a future where no one is left out—online or offline.