In March 2023, a group of motivated youth workers from across Europe gathered in Berlin, Germany, for an Erasmus+ training program titled “Constructing the Present from Moments in the Past.” This international project focused on using the history of European dictatorships after 1945 as a foundation for civic education and youth empowerment. Through deep reflection on the past, the training helped participants better understand the rise and fall of authoritarian regimes and equipped them with tools to connect history to present-day issues. The program was designed not only to educate, but also to inspire new methods for preventing radicalization, encouraging democratic thinking, and strengthening youth participation in society.
In Hungary, the importance of historical-political education has grown in recent years. Many young people are not fully aware of their country’s past, especially when it comes to authoritarian rule and the struggles for democracy. A lack of access to balanced education, combined with growing online misinformation and polarizing narratives, creates confusion and apathy among youth. Some begin to feel that history is just something in textbooks—far removed from their daily lives. But history continues to shape people’s thinking, values, and decisions. Before the training in Berlin, members of Creative Youth Academy Hungary noticed this trend and felt a need to find new ways to help young people better understand democracy, human rights, and civic responsibility through the lens of historical awareness.
The experience in Berlin was transformative. The city itself served as a living classroom, with its streets, memorials, and museums offering lessons that no textbook could teach. The training included visits to places like the Berlin Wall Memorial and the German Resistance Museum. These visits brought to life the stories of people who had resisted authoritarianism and defended human dignity, even when it was dangerous to do so. One of the most powerful experiences was a discussion workshop held in a former Stasi prison, where participants were asked to imagine the lives of young people under surveillance and censorship. These real-life stories helped participants understand how important it is to protect freedom of speech, tolerance, and democratic values in every generation.
The training used interactive methods that created deep engagement. Simulations, storytelling, group discussions, and case studies allowed youth workers to connect with the topic on a personal level. Participants from different countries shared their experiences and perspectives, showing that while every country has a unique history, many of the challenges are shared. This exchange created a strong sense of European unity and reminded everyone that the defense of democracy and human rights is a collective effort. The topic of radicalization was also addressed with care and seriousness. The trainers introduced methods to spot early signs of extremist thinking and ways to create dialogue and understanding before hate can grow.
Returning to Hungary, the youth worker from Creative Youth Academy Hungary launched a local educational program called “Voices of the Past, Actions for Today.” The program included a series of school-based workshops where students were encouraged to explore their own family history, investigate the stories of local resistance movements, and draw connections between past events and modern-day issues. With guidance from teachers and local historians, students created mini-projects that included photo exhibitions, community interviews, and creative presentations such as poetry and video storytelling. The workshops also included debates about the importance of democratic institutions and simulations where students had to make ethical decisions in difficult historical scenarios.
The response from the young participants was encouraging. Many said that learning about their own country’s past in such an active and personal way helped them see history differently. They became more interested in civic life, asked more questions about political developments, and started participating in school councils or local youth initiatives. Teachers also noticed that students were more engaged and thoughtful in their responses during classes related to history and social studies. The project even led to collaboration with a local radio station, where students produced a series of short programs on human rights and democracy, which aired weekly. This gave young voices a chance to be heard in the broader community and sparked public dialogue on civic values.
On a broader scale, the initiative supported by Creative Youth Academy Hungary strengthened the connection between formal education and youth work. Schools and NGOs began to see the value of working together to provide meaningful learning experiences that go beyond traditional classrooms. A partnership was also formed with a local university’s education faculty, which expressed interest in including elements of the project in teacher training modules. By sharing the project’s results at local education conferences, the team was able to show how history and youth engagement can be combined to build critical thinking and democratic skills.
Reflecting on the experience, the youth worker involved in the Berlin project and the follow-up in Hungary believes that history education is not just about remembering the past—it is about building the future. Young people need to know not only what happened but also why it matters today. When they learn how democracy was lost and regained, they understand how fragile and important it is. The training in Berlin opened minds and hearts, and the project back home turned that inspiration into action. It proved that when youth are given the chance to explore, express, and engage, they become powerful defenders of human rights and active citizens in their communities.
The journey continues. With more interest from schools, NGOs, and public institutions, there are plans to expand “Voices of the Past, Actions for Today” to reach rural areas and include young people from diverse backgrounds. The long-term vision is to create a network of youth ambassadors who can lead discussions, design new activities, and bring civic engagement to more communities. The past will always hold difficult lessons, but when those lessons are used to guide action, they become tools for hope. In the hands of young people, that hope can become real and lasting change.