In March 2023, youth workers from across Europe gathered in Berlin, Germany, to participate in the Erasmus+ project “Constructing the Present from Moments in the Past.” This initiative explored the legacy of European dictatorships after 1945 and how their consequences are still visible in modern society. The training used historical-political education to help participants better understand authoritarian systems, political violence, and propaganda. More importantly, it provided tools for youth workers to support young people in building democratic values and critical thinking. Through interactive learning, the project encouraged reflection, awareness, and action, connecting the past to today’s realities in powerful and meaningful ways.
Italy, a country with a long and complex political history, has seen significant social transformation in recent decades. However, before the time of this project, there was a growing concern about political apathy among young people. Many young Italians expressed a lack of interest or trust in political institutions. In schools and youth centers, educators noticed that history was often treated as something far away, disconnected from daily life. This gap between historical understanding and present engagement made it harder for young people to recognize the importance of democratic values. In some communities, there was also a silent spread of extremist language on social media, which increased the risk of radicalization, especially in isolated or disadvantaged areas.
During the training in Berlin, the youth worker from Associazione Minerva experienced a new way of learning that was deeply emotional and intellectually engaging. The program combined visits to historical sites with group discussions, creative workshops, and personal reflections. At the German Resistance Memorial Center, participants explored stories of people who risked their lives to fight against dictatorship. These stories were not only historical facts but examples of courage, ethics, and civic responsibility. The group also visited the Stasi Museum and learned how authoritarian regimes controlled people’s lives through fear, propaganda, and surveillance. These visits sparked deep conversations about freedom, justice, and the role of civil society in protecting human rights.
One of the most inspiring parts of the training was the simulation games. In these exercises, participants played roles in fictional societies dealing with crisis, power shifts, and political decisions. These games showed how easily freedoms can be taken away and how important it is to be active in protecting democratic values. Sharing experiences with other youth workers from different countries also helped to see how challenges in Italy were part of a larger European picture. Even though each country has its own past, the goal of building peace and justice is shared by all.
Returning to Italy with new motivation and tools, the team at Associazione Minerva launched a local initiative called “Voices from History, Actions for Today.” The goal was to create a youth-led civic education program that used storytelling and community dialogue to connect the past with the present. The program began in a high school in Bologna, where students created short theatrical pieces based on real stories from Italian history. They studied people who resisted fascism, fought for women’s rights, or helped refugees during times of crisis. Then, the students compared those stories with modern issues such as migration, discrimination, and digital misinformation.
The project grew into a series of events held in schools and community centers. Students worked in groups to research, write, and perform scenes that showed the moral choices people had to make in difficult times. These performances were followed by discussions with local historians, educators, and youth workers, allowing the audience to reflect on how history can guide actions today. The project also invited local citizens, including older generations, to share their memories and contribute to the storytelling. This created a valuable bridge between generations and made young people feel part of a shared civic mission.
The impact of the project was clear and powerful. Teachers noticed a new energy in their students. Young people who were usually silent in class became active participants in debates and discussions. Some students decided to volunteer with local NGOs or join youth councils in their cities. One group even started a digital campaign against online hate speech, using historical facts and personal stories to fight back against extremist content. The local municipality recognized the project’s value and offered support to expand it to other schools in the region. The media coverage also helped bring attention to the importance of civic education and youth participation in democratic life.
Associazione Minerva used this momentum to develop educational materials that could be used by other organizations. A handbook was published, explaining the methods used in the project and offering practical steps for teachers and youth workers. The handbook included lesson plans, discussion guides, and tips for using local history in civic education. This helped the project to continue beyond the original group and reach more communities across Italy.
Reflecting on this journey, it becomes clear that youth engagement is not something that happens by accident. It must be nurtured through meaningful experiences, honest conversations, and a strong connection between past and present. The Erasmus+ training in Berlin showed that history is not only about dates and facts. It is about choices, consequences, and the human desire for dignity and justice. When young people understand this, they become more than students. They become citizens, ready to shape a better future.
The long-term vision of the youth worker and the NGO is to build a society where every young person knows their voice matters. Through civic engagement, storytelling, and intercultural dialogue, young people can develop a sense of responsibility, connection, and hope. In a world facing many challenges, including polarization, social tension, and misinformation, this work is more important than ever. The success of the project in Italy proves that when young people are given the right space, tools, and encouragement, they can become true agents of change—not just for their own lives, but for their communities, countries, and all of Europe.