In March 2024, a group of youth workers gathered in Tbilisi, Georgia for an Erasmus+ training course called “European Values and Democracy Education for Youth Workers (EVADE).” This international training aimed to build the knowledge and skills of youth workers who want to support young people in becoming active citizens. The program focused on promoting European values, human rights, and democratic participation at a time when the spread of misinformation and political tensions were growing in many regions. For a youth worker from Germany, representing the NGO Copernicus Berlin, this experience brought not only new professional insights, but also a deeper personal commitment to civic engagement.
In the months leading up to the training, the political atmosphere in Germany was becoming more tense. Young people were increasingly exposed to online misinformation, hate speech, and political manipulation. While Germany has strong democratic institutions, some youth still felt disconnected from politics and unsure how to take part in civic life. Many had little understanding of European values or how their own voices could matter in decision-making. In Berlin, Copernicus Berlin had already been working with young people on education, leadership, and mobility. However, the team noticed that many participants in their programs were struggling to make sense of the political changes happening around them. There was a growing need to support youth in understanding democracy—not just as a system, but as a practice of everyday life.
The EVADE training in Georgia offered a space for youth workers from different countries to come together and share experiences. For the participant from Germany, it was a chance to see how democracy is lived and supported in another part of Europe. The program included expert talks, interactive workshops, and local visits. One of the most eye-opening experiences was a discussion with Georgian civil society leaders who work with young people on democratic participation. They spoke about the challenges of misinformation and how it affects youth attitudes toward voting and activism. Their stories showed the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, where young people can ask questions, express doubts, and build their own opinions.
Another powerful moment during the training was a simulation game where participants practiced responding to political disinformation. They learned how fake news spreads online and how to counter it with facts and empathy. The group also explored the concept of active citizenship—not just as voting once every few years, but as being engaged in community life, standing up for others, and speaking out for what is right. Through these activities, the German participant realized how important it is to make democratic values real and accessible for young people, especially in times of social and political pressure.
After returning to Berlin, the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin decided to design a new workshop series called “My Voice, My Choice.” The workshops were aimed at young people between 16 and 24 years old and focused on civic engagement, democratic values, and media literacy. The idea came directly from the EVADE training and used many of the same methods, including role plays, group debates, and fact-checking games. The goal was to help youth feel confident in expressing their opinions and understanding the importance of their participation in a democratic society.
The first round of workshops took place in local youth centers and schools in Berlin. Each session started with a simple conversation about values—freedom, equality, respect—and how these ideas relate to daily life. Then, participants explored case studies about civic challenges, like online hate or public protests. They discussed how they would respond and what actions they could take. The workshops ended with small projects, such as writing open letters to local representatives or creating social media campaigns about voting.
The response from the youth was inspiring. Many said it was the first time they felt their voices were being heard. Some admitted they had never talked about politics before because they didn’t think it was for them. Others said the workshops helped them see that even small actions—like joining a community event or signing a petition—can be a form of civic power. One participant created a poster series about youth rights and displayed it in her school hallway. Another wrote a blog post about his experience and shared it with classmates. These small steps added up to a larger wave of awareness and energy.
The impact of the initiative also reached the wider community. Teachers and youth workers who joined the sessions asked for copies of the materials to use in their own groups. Copernicus Berlin decided to develop a toolkit based on the workshops, with easy activities and tips for other youth professionals. The toolkit included a section on how to respond to misinformation, inspired by the exercises in Tbilisi. It also encouraged facilitators to include local examples, making the content more relevant to their communities. In the longer term, the organization hopes to translate the toolkit into several languages and share it with European partners.
The experience of the Erasmus+ training also helped Copernicus Berlin strengthen its network. During the EVADE program, the team from Germany connected with other NGOs from countries like Georgia, Poland, and Portugal. They began discussing a possible follow-up project focused on intercultural civic engagement. The goal would be to bring together youth from different countries to share how they understand democracy in their own contexts and to build joint actions for their communities. These partnerships are now in progress, showing how one training can lead to wider European cooperation.
Looking ahead, the youth worker reflects on how the EVADE experience shaped their own journey. It was not just about learning new tools, but about believing in the power of youth voices. In a world where many young people feel ignored or overwhelmed by politics, civic engagement must start with listening. When young people feel heard, they start to act. When they act, they shape the future.
Democracy is not only about institutions or laws. It is also about relationships—between people, communities, and ideas. Youth workers have a special role in building these relationships. They can help young people move from confusion to clarity, from silence to expression, and from frustration to action.
The work of Copernicus Berlin continues, stronger and more inspired thanks to the lessons of EVADE. In every workshop, every youth conversation, and every small act of civic courage, the values of Europe are being lived and shared.