In March 2023, youth workers from across Europe gathered in Berlin, Germany, to take part in the Erasmus+ project “Constructing the Present from Moments in the Past.” The training was focused on using the legacy of European dictatorships after 1945 as a tool for civic and historical education in youth work. It explored authoritarian regimes, propaganda, political violence, and the everyday life of people under oppressive governments. The goal was to help participants understand how past political systems functioned and to give them skills to connect this history to today’s social and political issues. By reflecting on democracy, peace, and human rights, the training inspired youth workers to think about how to support young people in understanding the importance of democratic values and civic responsibility.
In Lithuania, historical memory is a sensitive and important topic. The country has lived through periods of occupation, dictatorship, and resistance, and these experiences have left deep marks on society. Many young people today grow up in freedom but often do not fully understand what was sacrificed to reach that point. In recent years, a rise in misinformation, populism, and disinterest in political engagement has become visible among the youth. Many are unsure of what democracy really means, or how their voices can make a difference. In some cases, frustration with the political system makes them turn away from civic involvement. This creates a risk of history being forgotten and mistakes being repeated. Before the project in Berlin, the youth worker from Asociacija Tavo Europa noticed that there was a growing need for tools that would help young people better connect with the history of their country and understand how it relates to their present.
The experience in Berlin was powerful and eye-opening. The training combined history lessons with active learning methods. Participants didn’t just sit and listen—they joined simulations, took part in discussions, and shared experiences from their countries. A visit to the German Resistance Memorial Centre showed real stories of people who stood up against injustice, even at great personal risk. This helped participants understand that democratic values are not just ideas—they are choices made by people in very difficult times. Another visit to the East Side Gallery, where the Berlin Wall once stood, helped show how the physical and symbolic barriers of the past still influence people’s thinking today.
One of the most emotional moments was a group discussion about propaganda, where participants analyzed posters, films, and songs used by past regimes to control public opinion. This created strong connections between the past and today’s media landscape. Many youth workers saw clear parallels between the manipulation of information in authoritarian times and the spread of fake news or online hate today. It became clear that historical education could not be separated from present-day civic education. The project also showed how non-formal education methods like storytelling, role-playing, and debates could make even difficult topics easier to understand and discuss. The international atmosphere added to the richness of the experience. People came from countries with different histories, but the conversations showed many common lessons and shared hopes.
After returning to Lithuania, the youth worker from Asociacija Tavo Europa began developing a local initiative called “Memory for Change.” The aim of this project was to create a space where young people could learn about Lithuania’s past and connect it with current democratic challenges. The project included weekly workshops in youth centers and schools, where participants explored topics such as censorship, resistance, and democratic participation through the lens of personal stories. Inspired by the Berlin training, the workshops used interactive methods like historical simulations, storytelling circles, and role-playing games. One activity asked students to imagine themselves as young people living under an authoritarian regime and decide how they would respond to propaganda or injustice. Another activity involved interviews with grandparents and older community members about life before democracy.
The response was very positive. Many students said they had never thought about history in this way before. They felt more connected to their country’s story and began asking more questions about current events. Teachers shared that students showed more interest in civic education classes and even started participating more in school debates or local decision-making processes. One of the highlights was a community event where young participants presented creative projects—short films, poems, and artwork—about the importance of protecting democracy. Parents, teachers, and local officials attended and joined the discussion. For many, it was a reminder that civic education should be alive, personal, and connected to the world young people live in.
The “Memory for Change” project also brought more attention to the work of Asociacija Tavo Europa. Local organizations began reaching out to explore how they could integrate historical themes into their youth programs. A small partnership was created with a local museum to co-host exhibitions that were curated by young people. This helped create bridges between institutions and communities and gave youth a stronger voice in public spaces. The impact of the training in Berlin was visible not only in the knowledge that was gained but in the way it was used to activate real change in the community.
Looking to the future, the youth worker from Asociacija Tavo Europa believes that education is one of the most powerful tools to protect and promote democracy. Youth are not only the future—they are the present. When they understand history in a meaningful way, they are better prepared to recognize the signs of injustice and take action. The Berlin training was more than a learning experience—it was a call to action. It showed that history is not something to be left in books or museums, but something that lives in conversations, actions, and choices. The hope is that more youth will be given the chance to explore their past, understand their present, and shape their future with responsibility, courage, and care.