Project Information

Project Reference: 2024-3-DE04-KA153-YOU-000293930
Status: Completed
Duration: March 2025 – March 2026
EU Grant: €36,270
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Mobility of Youth Workers
Countries Involved: Germany, North Macedonia, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Turkey

Project Background

The From Uniting Youth to Strong Empowerment project was created to address important social challenges affecting young people, especially those from Roma communities and other groups facing discrimination. Antigypsyism, bullying, and social exclusion continue to limit equal opportunities and negatively affect young people’s well-being and participation.

The project recognised the important role of youth workers in creating safer and more inclusive environments. However, many youth workers need more practical tools and knowledge to respond effectively to discrimination and promote human rights in their daily activities.

Project Objectives

The main objective of the project was to strengthen the skills and competences of youth workers in the fields of human rights, anti-discrimination, and bullying prevention. The project aimed to provide participants with practical methods that could be used in their work with young people.

Another important goal was to encourage cooperation between youth organisations from different European countries, support the exchange of good practices, and promote equality, tolerance, and social inclusion.

Participants and Inclusion

The project involved 18 youth workers and future youth workers from Germany, North Macedonia, Italy, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey. Participants represented six partner organisations and brought different professional experiences and cultural perspectives.

The project paid special attention to inclusion by involving participants with fewer opportunities from each partner country. This created a diverse learning environment where participants could exchange experiences and better understand different social realities.

Project Implementation

The project was implemented through three main phases: preparation, training activities, and follow-up actions. The first activity was a training course held in Kratovo, North Macedonia, from 15–23 May 2025, focusing on antigypsyism, bullying, and human rights education.

The training used non-formal learning methods, including workshops, discussions, case studies, and interactive activities. Participants explored real-life situations of discrimination and developed practical approaches to support young people and promote inclusion.

Practical Activities and Learning Methods

A key element of the project was the use of creative and participatory methods. The “Detective Game” helped participants develop critical thinking skills and recognise stereotypes and discrimination in everyday situations.

Participants also created a community campaign promoting human rights and awareness about antigypsyism and bullying. After the training, they organised local pilot activities, applying the new methods and tools in their own communities.

Experience Exchange and Results

The second main activity was a seminar held in October 2025 in Kratovo, North Macedonia. It focused on sharing the results of local activities, discussing challenges, and exchanging successful practices between participants and partner organisations.

Through the project, participants improved their knowledge of human rights, strengthened their youth work skills, and developed greater confidence in addressing discrimination and supporting vulnerable young people.

Key Achievements

The project created a strong impact on participants’ professional and personal development. Youth workers gained practical tools to work with topics such as hate speech, stereotypes, social exclusion, and equality.

Participants also improved their communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and intercultural skills. The international environment helped them understand different perspectives and develop a stronger commitment to inclusive youth work.

Long-Term Impact and Dissemination

The project results continue through the sharing of developed materials, including a toolkit with educational resources and video materials. These resources are available for youth organisations and professionals who want to promote human rights and inclusion.

Partner organisations continue to share project outcomes through their networks, websites, and social media channels. Participants also act as multipliers, transferring their knowledge and methods to young people in their local communities.

Conclusion

From Uniting Youth to Strong Empowerment demonstrated the importance of empowering youth workers as key actors in building inclusive societies. By focusing on human rights, equality, and practical education, the project helped create stronger support systems for young people facing discrimination.

Through international cooperation and shared learning, the project contributed to a more respectful, inclusive, and connected European youth community.