In March 2024, a youth worker from France participated in the Erasmus+ project “European Values and Democracy Education for Youth Workers (EVADE),” held in Tbilisi, Georgia. The program brought together young professionals from across Europe and neighboring regions to explore democracy, human rights, and active civic participation. The aim of the training was to give youth workers the knowledge and tools to help young people engage in democratic life, understand European values, and contribute to inclusive, peaceful, and participatory societies.
In France, the conversation around democracy and civic engagement is always present, but in recent years it has become more urgent. Many young people in France feel disconnected from political institutions and traditional forms of civic life. This was especially visible before the project, during a time when misinformation and political tensions were growing. Protests, social media debates, and declining trust in government showed that something was missing. Many young people expressed that they wanted to take part in building their communities, but they didn’t know how to start or didn’t feel listened to. These challenges were more intense in areas with lower income, fewer educational opportunities, or where young people felt isolated. Youth organizations, like TOGETHER FOR YOUTH, noticed this and started looking for new ways to bring civic education closer to young people.
Taking part in the EVADE project was a turning point. The training in Georgia was more than just a learning event—it was a chance to connect with others, share experiences, and discover how youth work can make a difference. Participants came from different countries and backgrounds, but they all believed in the power of education and civic engagement. The days in Tbilisi were full of meaningful discussions and practical exercises. Workshops focused on the values of the European Union, human rights, democratic principles, and how to support young people in becoming active citizens. One powerful session explained how misinformation spreads and what youth workers can do to teach critical thinking. Another session explored how to build trust between communities and local authorities.
What stood out the most was the openness of the participants and trainers. Everyone shared stories from their own countries, and these stories revealed many similarities. Even though the challenges were different, the emotions were the same—frustration, hope, confusion, and energy. One day, participants visited a youth center in Tbilisi that worked with young people from underrepresented communities. The center used theater, media, and peer-to-peer learning to explore difficult topics like justice, discrimination, and political participation. This visit inspired many ideas for the future.
Back in France, the youth worker returned with a clear goal: to create a local initiative that helps young people learn about democracy and feel confident to take part in it. Supported by TOGETHER FOR YOUTH, a new project was launched under the name “Young Citizens Lab.” The idea was to mix education with creativity and real-world experience. The lab offered sessions where young people could learn about civic rights, the role of local institutions, how to organize community actions, and how to speak with decision-makers. One of the most exciting parts of the project was the simulation activities. Participants were invited to create their own mini elections, debate laws, and play the roles of different members of a democratic system. These fun yet deep activities helped them see the complexity of politics and the importance of participation.
The Young Citizens Lab also included meetings with local council members, school visits, and media projects where youth created podcasts and videos about their vision of democracy. The training in Tbilisi had shown how important storytelling is, and that was now a central part of the French project. The youth were encouraged to share their personal experiences and reflect on what kind of society they wanted to live in. The feedback was very positive. Many young people said it was the first time they had talked about politics in a safe, respectful environment. They said they felt heard and valued.
The impact of the project became visible in different ways. Some young people became more active in their schools or local councils. Others started small initiatives like clean-up campaigns, art installations, or youth clubs. Teachers and parents noticed that their children were more confident, more curious, and more motivated to help others. Local leaders were also surprised by how much the young people cared about their communities. They started asking how to support similar activities in other areas.
For TOGETHER FOR YOUTH, the success of the Young Citizens Lab confirmed the importance of Erasmus+ programs and international cooperation. The knowledge and methods learned in Tbilisi helped shape a project that truly answered local needs. It also opened the door to new partnerships and more ambitious ideas for the future. The youth worker who joined the EVADE project became a point of contact for other NGOs looking to develop similar actions.
As the project continues to grow, so does the belief that young people can be powerful agents of change. They just need the space, the tools, and the trust to do so. Civic engagement is not only about voting or attending meetings—it is about caring, learning, and acting with others. It is about understanding the world and wanting to make it better. In today’s world, where fear and division are easy to find, building communities based on respect, dialogue, and cooperation is more important than ever.
The experience of EVADE and the work of the Young Citizens Lab show that this is possible. With time, dedication, and the right support, even small actions can grow into strong movements. Young people in France, and all over Europe, have ideas and dreams. They want to be part of the solution. Projects like EVADE give them a chance to learn, connect, and lead. The vision now is to make civic engagement a natural part of youth life—not something distant or boring, but something alive and meaningful. It is about planting seeds of democracy today so that tomorrow’s world can be more just, more inclusive, and more united.