In March 2024, a youth worker from Belgium took part in a transformative Erasmus+ training course in Tbilisi, Georgia. The project was called “European Values and Democracy Education for Youth Workers (EVADE)” and focused on building youth workers’ knowledge and capacity to support democratic engagement among young people. The program came at a time when misinformation and political changes were spreading across Europe, creating confusion and mistrust, especially among youth. By bringing together participants from different countries, the training aimed to strengthen their ability to promote civic engagement and human rights, helping build more peaceful and inclusive societies.
Before the training, the situation in Belgium presented many challenges related to democratic participation. Many young people, especially those from migrant backgrounds or low-income neighborhoods, felt excluded from political conversations. They often did not see themselves reflected in political decisions or media coverage. As a result, some became disinterested or skeptical about democracy altogether. The spread of misinformation online only made things worse, confusing young people about what was true and what was not. In schools and youth centers, professionals working with youth felt the pressure to do more to explain democratic values and human rights in simple and meaningful ways. ASSOCIATION UNIVERSITAIRE LATINO-AMERICAINE ASBL, a local NGO based in Belgium, had already been working with young people on inclusion and civic awareness. However, the team wanted to explore new tools and approaches to better connect with youth and make democratic education more accessible and engaging.
The training in Georgia offered new hope and direction. From the first day, participants experienced a strong spirit of cooperation. People came from across Europe and neighboring countries, bringing their own stories and ideas. One of the most powerful parts of the experience was the focus on intercultural dialogue. The group discussed what democracy means in different countries and how cultural and historical experiences shape people’s understanding of it. For the youth worker from Belgium, it was eye-opening to see how some countries, like Georgia, are still fighting for democratic stability, while others, like Belgium, are trying to protect it from growing mistrust. Both struggles, though different, are deeply connected.
The sessions during the training were both informative and interactive. Participants learned about the European Union’s core values and discussed how human rights connect with daily life. They also practiced how to build civic engagement workshops and campaigns that speak to the real needs of youth. One moment that stood out was a storytelling activity, where youth workers shared how they supported young people to take action in their local communities. These stories gave practical ideas and reminded everyone that change does not always come from large institutions—it often starts with one person helping another find their voice. A field visit to a Georgian youth center also showed how small, local actions can create big waves of democratic awareness, especially when young people feel trusted and supported.
Inspired by the experience, the youth worker from ASSOCIATION UNIVERSITAIRE LATINO-AMERICAINE ASBL returned home with a clear idea. A new initiative called “Speak Up Brussels” was developed. This project invited young people in Brussels to join a series of workshops about democracy, rights, and civic action. The focus was on dialogue with politicians and building trust between youth and decision-makers. Many young people feel that politicians don’t listen to them or care about their lives. The goal of “Speak Up Brussels” was to change that feeling and give youth the skills and confidence to speak directly with local leaders.
The workshops were held in community centers and included activities like role-playing town hall meetings, writing messages to local representatives, and learning how decisions are made in the city. Politicians and public workers were invited to speak with youth, not just to present, but to listen. The sessions were designed to be open and honest, giving space for both criticism and ideas. Many young participants said they had never spoken to a politician before and didn’t expect them to care. By the end of the series, some youth started planning small campaigns in their neighborhoods, such as improving public spaces, addressing bus safety, or fighting against racism in schools.
The impact of the project was clear. Youth who had felt invisible began to feel like active citizens. One girl who had never spoken in public shared a powerful speech about her dream of becoming a lawyer. A boy who often skipped school became one of the most active participants, later joining a local youth council. Teachers and social workers also noticed changes in how their students talked about politics—not just as something far away, but as something they could be part of. The local politicians who joined the workshops said they were surprised by the maturity and creativity of the young participants. Some even promised to include their ideas in future policies.
The training in Georgia also helped the Belgian NGO expand its partnerships. The youth worker kept in touch with peers from the EVADE project and started working on a plan to create a cross-border youth network for civic education. This network will share methods, stories, and tools to support democratic engagement across Europe. The team also plans to publish a short booklet in multiple languages, based on the “Speak Up Brussels” model, to help other organizations run similar activities in their communities.
Looking to the future, the youth worker reflects on the power of small beginnings. Democracy is not just something that happens during elections. It is something that lives in everyday conversations, choices, and actions. When youth feel that their voices matter, they start acting as leaders, not just followers. The experience in Tbilisi reminded everyone that the work of youth workers is not only about teaching—it is about creating safe spaces for discovery, dialogue, and courage.
Projects like EVADE show that youth across Europe are not waiting for change—they are ready to create it. With the right support, trust, and knowledge, they can become strong voices for justice, inclusion, and peace. The journey from silence to participation is not easy, but it is possible. And once it begins, it has the power to shape not only the future of young people, but the future of democracy itself.