In March 2023, a group of youth workers gathered in Berlin for the Erasmus+ project “Constructing the Present from Moments in the Past.” The training, hosted in Germany’s capital, focused on exploring the legacy of European dictatorships after 1945. The goal of the project was to equip youth workers with new knowledge, practical tools, and experiences that could help young people understand the dangers of authoritarian regimes and the importance of democratic values. Through education, storytelling, and shared dialogue, the training aimed to reduce radicalization, promote civic participation, and protect the fundamental principles of freedom, tolerance, and human rights across Europe.
Germany has a very unique and complex historical background. After the Second World War and the fall of the Nazi regime, the country went through major changes to become a strong democratic society. However, in recent years, there has been growing concern about the rise of nationalist and populist narratives, especially among young people. In some areas, youth are becoming more exposed to misinformation, hate speech, and online radical content. At the same time, the memory of the past is slowly fading for many. Schools and institutions do their best to teach history, but there is a lack of personal connection to the stories of those who lived under dictatorships. This creates a risk that the same mistakes could be repeated if young people are not guided to understand and protect their freedoms.
The training experience in Berlin was emotional, challenging, and full of inspiration. Participants came from many European countries and brought different perspectives and stories. During the training, the group visited important historical locations, such as the German Resistance Memorial Center, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the Stasi Museum. These places gave a deep and real understanding of what it means to live without freedom. At the Resistance Memorial, participants learned about people who fought against dictatorship, even when it was dangerous for their lives. Their courage became a symbol of civil responsibility and moral strength. At the Stasi Museum, the group saw how East Germany’s secret police controlled and manipulated its citizens. This created strong discussions about fear, propaganda, and how democracy can be lost if people do not stay active and informed.
One of the most powerful activities during the training was the simulation game. In this exercise, participants played roles in a fictional society dealing with new rules and limited rights. Slowly, they saw how fast freedoms could disappear if no one speaks up. This game was not just educational but emotional too. It helped participants understand the emotional experience of people living under authoritarianism. Another important part of the training was the space for international exchange. Youth workers had the chance to share best practices from their home countries and discuss how history is remembered or forgotten in different communities. These conversations created strong connections between participants and allowed them to see how democracy must be defended together, across borders.
After the training, Copernicus Berlin launched a local youth initiative called “Democracy Starts with Us.” This project invited young people from different schools and youth centers in Berlin to explore history through storytelling, dialogue, and creative expression. The project included workshops where students learned about post-war dictatorships and reflected on the connections between past events and current social challenges. In one workshop, students worked in groups to write short scripts inspired by real historical events and then performed them in front of their classmates and families. The performances were followed by group discussions where everyone could share their thoughts and feelings. These workshops were designed to make history feel real and relevant, not something far away in books.
The initiative also included digital storytelling. Young people created short videos where they explained why democracy and human rights matter to them. These videos were shared on social media to reach other youth in Berlin and beyond. The campaign received attention from local media and helped start a larger conversation about how to engage young people in civic education through creative tools. Local teachers and youth workers supported the project and gave positive feedback. Some schools decided to repeat the workshop model in other classes. This showed that the method was not only interesting but also easy to apply in different learning environments.
The impact of this initiative was visible and strong. Many young participants reported that it was their first time really thinking about history in a personal way. They said the workshops helped them understand that democracy is something that must be protected every day. Some students decided to join school debates, attend city council meetings, or volunteer in their communities. The project gave them the confidence to speak out and the knowledge to do so in an informed way. For the team at Copernicus Berlin, it was a reminder that youth have great power when given the chance to learn, think, and act.
The training in Berlin and the local follow-up actions proved that historical-political education is not about memorizing facts. It is about understanding how the past can guide present choices. When youth workers and young people are given the space to reflect, discuss, and express themselves, they can become defenders of democracy and promoters of peace. The Erasmus+ program played an essential role in connecting people across Europe and showing that although our histories may be different, our shared values are the same.
Looking into the future, the hope is that more young people will become active citizens. The team at Copernicus Berlin believes that inclusive, creative, and participatory education is the key to building stronger communities. Projects like “Constructing the Present from Moments in the Past” help youth workers to develop new tools, open their minds, and return home ready to inspire others. With continued support, youth will not only remember history but use it to create a more fair, free, and human Europe for all.