In May 2025, a group of youth workers, educators, and community leaders gathered in Benalmádena, Spain, for a meaningful Erasmus+ training called “ICT4Rights: Digital Advocacy and Inclusion for All.” This international project aimed to prepare youth workers with skills to promote digital inclusion and stand for human rights in the ever-changing online world. With technology becoming a big part of everyday life, the project answered an important need: helping youth workers support young people in navigating the digital space safely, fairly, and confidently. Participants came from many countries and backgrounds, each with their own challenges, but united by a shared belief in equality and justice in the online world. The training focused on digital literacy, human rights in technology, advocacy strategies, and tools for ethical tech use in communities. It was more than just a course. It was a space for open dialogue, exchange of ideas, and the start of future collaborations.
In Germany, digital transformation has reached many parts of society, but not all communities benefit equally. There are still big differences in access to technology and digital literacy. Some young people—especially those from migrant backgrounds, rural areas, or low-income families—do not have the same opportunities to learn how to use technology safely and wisely. Before the training, youth workers at Copernicus Berlin e.V. noticed that many young people had strong digital skills but lacked knowledge about online rights, respectful behavior, and how to protect their data. At the same time, misinformation, hate speech, and online discrimination were growing. Many youth were facing challenges online but had no tools to respond or no one to talk to. The need for digital education, with a strong focus on human rights, was clear. However, there were not enough resources and knowledge to run projects that connected technology and inclusion in an effective way.
The training in Benalmádena opened a new perspective. One of the first realizations during the course was how closely connected digital access is to human dignity. Trainers showed how internet inequality affects people’s ability to express themselves, learn, and even participate in democracy. The group learned about how technology can support or harm freedom of speech, privacy, and access to education. Interactive workshops explored topics like ethical data use, responsible artificial intelligence, and how to design community-based tech projects. A session about digital storytelling gave participants ideas about how to lift voices that are often unheard. The group also had the chance to visit a local initiative in Spain where young people were building their own podcasts to speak about social topics. This was especially inspiring, as it showed how digital tools can become instruments for change, not just entertainment. Conversations with other participants from Italy, Bulgaria, and Estonia brought new ideas and helped everyone see their local work as part of a bigger European mission.
After returning to Germany, the Copernicus Berlin e.V. team developed a new community initiative called “Digital Justice Talks.” The idea was to organize small events where young people could explore how digital rights connect to their lives. Each event had a different topic, such as data privacy, social media activism, or fighting hate speech online. The sessions used creative tools like role-playing, debates, and short films. The goal was to make the abstract topic of digital rights more personal and understandable. The project was directly inspired by the training in Spain, especially the methods used in the advocacy skills workshops. In the first phase, the project focused on high schools and youth clubs in Berlin. Later, it grew to include weekend camps and online events so that more youth could take part. A toolkit with easy-to-understand materials was also created to help teachers and youth workers lead similar activities.
The impact of “Digital Justice Talks” became visible within the first few months. Young people who had never spoken publicly before started to lead group discussions and create their own awareness campaigns on social media. Some used the skills they learned to start digital petitions or take part in local debates on online safety. A few schools asked Copernicus Berlin e.V. to train their staff in order to keep the work going in the classroom. Feedback from the youth showed that many felt more confident, not just online, but also in how they see their role in society. They learned that they have rights online, and that they can also help protect the rights of others. Even parents and teachers began to pay more attention to how digital tools are used at home and in school. The initiative also helped build bridges between communities that often do not work together, such as migrants and long-term residents. Through dialogue and shared activities, the project supported understanding, trust, and active citizenship.
This experience showed how technology, when used with purpose and care, can be a strong tool for positive change. The Erasmus+ training was not only about gaining new knowledge. It was about changing the way youth workers think about their role in today’s digital society. In every discussion, workshop, or shared lunch in Benalmádena, there was a common belief: that inclusion, justice, and human rights must be at the center of the digital future. The “ICT4Rights” project reminded everyone that youth are not just users of technology. They are builders of tomorrow’s online spaces. With guidance, they can become advocates, educators, and changemakers. Copernicus Berlin e.V. continues to believe in this vision and is already working on new partnerships to expand the project further. The journey that began in Spain is not finished. It continues with every young person who speaks up for fairness, every community that opens its doors to learning, and every digital action that supports human dignity and respect.