In March 2023, a group of youth workers gathered in Berlin, Germany, to take part in the Erasmus+ training course titled “Constructing the Present from Moments in the Past.” This project focused on the historical and political legacy of European dictatorships after 1945 and how these lessons can help build a more just and democratic present. The training offered youth workers tools to reflect on authoritarian systems, recognize signs of radicalization, and support young people in becoming active defenders of human rights, freedom, and civic values. The project came at an important time, as many European societies are facing growing divisions and threats to democratic life.
Luxembourg is a small but diverse country. Over the past years, its multicultural society has been a positive example of peaceful coexistence. However, it also faces challenges, especially in civic participation among young people. In the years leading up to 2023, educators and community leaders noticed that many youths were disengaged from political life, felt disconnected from democratic processes, or lacked understanding of human rights. Some teenagers expressed opinions shaped by online misinformation or had trouble recognizing extremist rhetoric. There was a clear need to create spaces where young people could explore history, talk openly about difficult topics, and develop the critical thinking skills needed to be active citizens.
The training course in Berlin provided the perfect opportunity to address these challenges. The program was designed not only to share knowledge, but to create meaningful experiences. Participants visited memorials and museums dedicated to victims of dictatorship, propaganda, and war. One of the most emotional visits was to the Topography of Terror, where youth workers learned about how authoritarian regimes used fear and control to limit freedom. These visits were followed by deep group discussions about the role of memory in society. For many participants, it became clear that knowing history was not enough. It was also important to reflect on it emotionally and ethically, and to think about how these lessons could be used in today’s world.
Workshops and interactive methods were also a big part of the training. Through role plays and simulations, youth workers explored how political violence begins, how people respond to injustice, and what it means to resist peacefully. Some activities included sharing personal stories from their own countries and comparing them with historical examples. These exercises showed how different countries dealt with authoritarian pasts, and how education can help prevent future abuse of power. A strong focus was placed on recognizing the early signs of radicalization and learning how to speak with young people who may be vulnerable to extremist messages. This helped youth workers build strategies that they could later use in their own communities.
After returning to Luxembourg, the youth worker from the NGO Formation et Sensibilisation de Luxembourg felt motivated to turn this experience into action. Inspired by the Berlin project, the team designed a new workshop series called “Rights and Voices.” The aim of the workshops was to teach young people about human rights through creative and participatory methods. Instead of giving lectures, the team invited teenagers to explore historical events through short documentaries, photos, and testimonies. They then connected these stories to present-day challenges, such as discrimination, freedom of speech, and social media responsibility.
The workshops were held in youth centers and schools around Luxembourg City and were open to all young people aged 14 to 20. The sessions included storytelling games, group discussions, and even a podcast project where young participants recorded short episodes about topics they cared about. They talked about racism, identity, political manipulation, and freedom of expression. The idea was to give youth a safe space where they could express themselves and ask questions without judgment. Trained facilitators guided the discussions and helped connect personal experiences to wider human rights principles.
The impact of “Rights and Voices” grew quickly. Young people who joined the sessions said they felt more confident to speak about social issues and more aware of their rights. Some of them decided to get involved in school councils or community initiatives. A few even started their own Instagram page to share educational content about human rights. Teachers also shared positive feedback, saying that the workshop helped bring important topics to life and encouraged students to think critically. As the program continued, local media picked up the story, and the project was invited to speak at a youth policy conference organized by the Ministry of Education.
At the conference, the NGO Formation et Sensibilisation de Luxembourg presented its approach and shared how international experiences like Erasmus+ can shape meaningful projects at home. Policymakers were impressed by how history education could be made practical and engaging for today’s youth. Discussions began on how similar workshops could be included in the national curriculum or offered as extracurricular activities. This recognition gave the project a wider platform and opened the door for more partnerships between schools, NGOs, and public institutions.
The journey from Berlin to Luxembourg showed how international training can create real local change. The Erasmus+ project did more than teach historical facts. It offered a new way of seeing the past—not as something distant, but as something that still shapes lives today. It also reminded youth workers of their power to influence the next generation by giving them knowledge, courage, and a voice. Through the “Rights and Voices” project, young people began to understand that defending human rights is not just about grand speeches or politics. It starts with small actions, like listening, learning, and standing up for each other.
In the end, this experience proved that young people are not indifferent. They are curious, passionate, and ready to be changemakers when given the right tools. Human rights education, when made personal and creative, can build bridges between generations and communities. As challenges to democracy continue across Europe and the world, the role of youth workers becomes even more important. By learning from the past, guiding the present, and empowering young people for the future, they are helping to build a stronger and more united society—one where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.