In April 2024, an Erasmus+ project called “Digital Empowerment and Human Rights: Fostering Inclusive Communities through Technology” took place in Budapest, Hungary. This international training gathered youth workers from many European countries to explore how technology can be used to protect human rights and build more inclusive societies. Organized by Copernicus Berlin, the project focused on digital literacy, ethics, data protection, and the growing importance of digital rights. As more of daily life takes place online, from education to job applications to social dialogue, young people must be supported to participate in the digital world in a safe, informed, and equal way. The training aimed to give youth workers the tools and understanding they need to support this process and to bring back inclusive strategies to their communities.
In Romania, digital transformation has moved fast, but not everyone has benefited equally. In both rural areas and some urban neighborhoods, young people still struggle with poor access to internet or devices. Some schools are not well-equipped for digital education. For youth from minority groups or low-income families, digital exclusion creates more challenges in school, work, and social life. At the same time, young people often face online bullying, hate speech, or feel overwhelmed by misinformation. The NGO ACT O’Clock, based in Romania, had already noticed these issues before the Budapest training. Their work focuses on active citizenship and inclusion, and they understood that today, being excluded from the digital world can mean being excluded from basic rights. However, they lacked structured tools and ideas for connecting digital skills with human rights education.
The training in Budapest was a turning point. The program was carefully designed to mix theory with practice. For the youth worker from ACT O’Clock, one of the most powerful moments came during a workshop about digital ethics and privacy. The group discussed how human rights apply to digital spaces—how online expression, safety, and data protection are not only technical topics but essential rights. Another meaningful experience was an international group activity where participants designed digital campaigns on topics like access to education, gender equality, and youth voices. These activities helped the participants to see how digital advocacy can be creative, simple, and accessible for all. The visit to a local media lab in Budapest showed how Roma youth created their own videos and podcasts to speak up about identity, pride, and discrimination. It was a clear example of how access to technology can give a voice to those who are often ignored.
When the youth worker returned to Romania, they worked with the ACT O’Clock team to build a local version of what was learned. The team launched a new initiative called “Rights in the Digital Age.” The project was designed for high school students and young people aged 15 to 21 from underrepresented groups, including youth in rural areas, Roma youth, and recent refugees. The project started with a series of workshops that combined basic digital skills with discussions about online rights and responsibilities. Sessions included how to recognize fake news, how to protect personal data, how to express opinions respectfully online, and how to report hate speech. Participants also learned how to use simple digital tools like video apps, online design platforms, and social media for storytelling.
What made the project special was its focus on connecting digital skills with real-life challenges. Young people were invited to choose a human rights topic they cared about and to create a digital product—such as a blog post, video, or poster—to raise awareness. Some spoke about online bullying. Others created campaigns about school discrimination or youth mental health. The workshops were held in schools, libraries, and youth centers, always creating an open and inclusive space where participants could express themselves freely.
The impact of “Rights in the Digital Age” was clear and strong. Over 150 young people took part in the first phase. Many of them shared that it was the first time they felt listened to and that they understood how the digital world is connected to their rights and their voice. Several participants decided to continue working on awareness campaigns even after the official workshops ended. Teachers said students showed better online behavior and more critical thinking in school. Some schools asked for new sessions and wanted to include parts of the program in their yearly activities. Local media also covered the story of the project, giving more visibility to digital inclusion as a human rights issue.
ACT O’Clock then began to create a digital toolkit based on the methods used, so other organizations in Romania could apply similar workshops in their own communities. The project also helped the organization connect with others they met in Budapest, leading to new ideas for European collaboration on digital rights education. The digital stories created by the youth were presented in a local exhibition during Human Rights Week, and many visitors said they were moved by the honesty and creativity of the participants.
Looking ahead, ACT O’Clock sees this work as just the beginning. In today’s world, digital access is more than a service—it is a condition for full participation in society. Young people must know how to use digital tools not only for school or entertainment but also to defend their rights and build communities based on respect. The training in Budapest proved that with the right support, youth workers can lead this mission and empower young people to create change. “Rights in the Digital Age” is now planned to expand into other regions of Romania, with a stronger focus on involving parents and local authorities in conversations about digital justice.
Digital tools can be doors or barriers. For many young people in Romania, these tools are now becoming bridges—towards knowledge, participation, and dignity. The Erasmus+ project in Budapest helped light the path, and now ACT O’Clock and its youth are walking it with confidence, creativity, and care for others. The future will be digital—but it must also be inclusive, ethical, and human-centered. And this future begins with young people who are ready to lead.