On April 8, 2025, our organization Youth for Equality successfully organized a local workshop titled Introduction to Democracy and Citizenship within the framework of the international project Youth DemocrAID, supported by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme of the European Union. The workshop was designed for high school students and focused on encouraging their understanding of democratic principles, civic responsibility, and active participation in society.
Through a variety of interactive, non-formal learning activities, participants explored how democratic systems function, discussed the challenges of disinformation and media manipulation, and reflected on the values that shape open, pluralistic societies. One of the highlights was a creative exercise simulating the spread of fake news, which helped students understand the impact of online content and the importance of media literacy.
Another engaging part involved a budgeting simulation, where groups had to decide how to fairly distribute public money across different sectors, fostering negotiation and teamwork.
The workshop concluded with a thought-provoking debate on freedom of speech, during which students exchanged diverse viewpoints on whether and when limits on free expression are justified. Throughout the day, participants demonstrated high levels of interest, critical thinking, and willingness to listen and learn from each other.
We were truly inspired by their curiosity and openness, and we believe that such experiences play a vital role in shaping informed, responsible young citizens. We are grateful for the opportunity to host this event and look forward to continuing our efforts in civic education through the Youth DemocrAID project.
On April 9, 2025, Youth for Equality organized a workshop titled Youth Leadership and Empowerment as part of the international project Youth DemocrAID, supported by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme of the European Union. The session was designed to inspire and equip young people with knowledge and tools to better understand their potential as leaders within their communities and democratic societies.
Through a series of interactive activities and guided discussions, participants explored the qualities of leadership, reflected on their own strengths and values, and learned about different leadership styles and approaches. The workshop focused on encouraging self-awareness, confidence, and motivation, helping young people identify areas where they can take initiative and influence positive change.
A key part of the session was the practical teamwork exercise, in which small groups collaborated to design youth-led community initiatives, practicing communication, decision-making, and shared responsibility. The workshop also touched on the importance of civic engagement, youth voice, and inclusive participation in public life.
Throughout the day, participants showed strong interest, creativity, and a willingness to support each other’s ideas, contributing to a safe and empowering learning environment. We are proud to have facilitated this space for self-discovery and connection, and we look forward to continuing our work in supporting youth leadership through upcoming activities in the Youth DemocrAID project.
On April 16, 2025, Youth for Equality organized a workshop titled Community Action and Grassroots Initiatives as part of the international project Youth DemocrAID, supported by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme of the European Union. The aim of the workshop was to encourage young people to explore the concept of grassroots activism and to reflect on their role in shaping positive change in their communities.
Throughout the session, participants took part in interactive group work, shared their ideas and experiences, and engaged in meaningful discussions about local challenges and collective solutions. To make the learning process more dynamic, a short quiz was also included, which helped reinforce key concepts in an engaging way.
The atmosphere during the workshop was open, inclusive, and full of energy, and participants demonstrated strong interest, creativity, and a spirit of collaboration.
We are pleased to see how motivated and thoughtful the young people were, and we look forward to continuing to support youth engagement and civic participation through the Youth DemocrAID project.
On May 26, 2025, Youth for Equality held a workshop titled Youth and Civic Engagement as part of the international project Youth DemocrAID, supported by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme of the European Union. The workshop focused on promoting civic awareness and encouraging young people to actively participate in democratic life and social change.
Participants were introduced to key concepts related to civic engagement, political ideologies, and democratic values. The workshop used non-formal education methods and interactive activities, such as creating their own political parties, exploring their positions on a political compass, and engaging in group discussions.
These exercises were designed to help participants better understand their own values, develop critical thinking, and reflect on how they can make a difference in their communities. The session also included a fun icebreaker to build group dynamics and ended with a thoughtful debate on youth participation in politics.
The atmosphere was inclusive and dynamic, and the young participants showed high levels of interest and enthusiasm throughout. We are proud to have provided a space for open dialogue, creativity, and empowerment, and we look forward to continuing our mission to foster civic engagement among young people in Slovakia and across Europe.
On May 28, 2025, Youth for Equality organized a local workshop titled Political Participation and Advocacy as part of the international Youth DemocrAID project, supported by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme of the European Union. The event aimed to raise awareness among young people about the importance of political engagement and civic advocacy as essential tools for democratic participation.
During the workshop, participants explored various forms of political participation—both conventional and unconventional—and reflected on how youth involvement can drive social and political change. Through a series of interactive, non-formal activities, such as a knowledge quiz, small group discussions, and speed-debating sessions, participants had the opportunity to strengthen their critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.
The atmosphere was inclusive and engaging, allowing young people to freely express their opinions and engage in meaningful conversations on topics such as freedom of speech, political correctness, and the influence of digital platforms on civic participation. The session also included a final reflection activity in which participants imagined future advocacy campaigns on key social issues like mental health, education, and climate change.
Overall, the workshop successfully encouraged participants to view themselves as active members of society capable of shaping the future through democratic means. It was another meaningful step in our mission to foster civic education and youth empowerment across Europe.
On November 12, 2024, Trnava University became a vibrant hub of discussion and inspiration as 51 young people and students gathered for a seminar within the Youth DemocrAID project, funded by the CERV program. Organized by Youth for Equality, the event focused on the pivotal role of youth in democratic processes, exploring the impact of the Internet on political systems and youth engagement.
The seminar opened with an introduction to the Youth DemocrAID project by Mario Vrabel, a representative of Youth for Equality. Mario outlined the initiative’s mission: empowering young individuals to participate actively in democratic decision-making and shaping a more inclusive and resilient future.
The keynote session was delivered by Tomáš Kriššák, a political scientist and expert in combating online disinformation. A graduate of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Kriššák has dedicated his career to addressing the challenges posed by hoaxes and misinformation. During his address, he unpacked the complex relationship between the Internet and political systems, emphasizing the power of young people to influence political agendas and advocate for their rights.
Kriššák presented actionable strategies to enhance youth participation in democratic processes. He underscored the importance of fostering inclusive dialogue, using social media as a tool for advocacy, and developing media literacy to combat the spread of disinformation. In a world shaped by the digital age, understanding and navigating the online landscape is critical for youth who aspire to be active citizens.
The session also provided a platform for interactive discussion. Participants shared their experiences, challenges, and ideas for strengthening democratic engagement within their communities. Topics ranged from addressing apathy among peers to creating opportunities for meaningful involvement in local decision-making.
The seminar concluded with a networking session complemented by light refreshments. The seminar allowed participants to exchange ideas, forge connections, and explore collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering youth engagement in democratic life.
The event was more than just a discussion; it was a call to action. By equipping young people with knowledge and strategies, the Youth DemocrAID project is creating a ripple effect, encouraging them to take ownership of their role in shaping democratic societies.
On a 2 days event in September 19-20 2024, organized as part of the Youth DemocrAID project under the CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values) programme, an international seminar and a Training of Trainers were organized in Trnava, Slovakia.
Day 1: International Seminar on Youth, Democracy, and Europe
The first day was dedicated to the international seminar titled “Youth, Democracy, and Europe: Shaping Our Future Together.”
Participants included international volunteers, representatives from the partner organizations involved in the project and special guests from European Dialogue (a Slovak NGO), the European Parliament, and Youth for Equality who met to explore critical issues related to democracy, youth engagement, and media literacy education. The seminar started with a presentation by YouNet, introducing the CERV programme and outlining the main objectives of the Youth DemocrAID project, followed by a two-part panel discussion:
The Importance of Voting: The first part of the discussion delved into the responsibility that comes with voting in democratic societies, particularly in the context of European elections. Speakers emphasized that the European Parliament plays a significant role in shaping national laws, highlighting how European elections impact both national and local decision-making processes.It was also discussed why many young people feel disconnected from politics, noting that the average age of EU Parliament members could be a contributing factor.
Media Literacy and Democracy: In the second half of the panel, the relationship between media literacy and democracy was explored, particularly in light of modern threats such as misinformation and artificial intelligence. It was emphasized the importance of teaching media literacy in schools, equipping young people with the skills needed to critically evaluate information, allowing them to support older generations in navigating the complex digital landscape.
Day 2: International Training of Trainers on Non-Formal Education and Gamification
The second day, representatives from the partner organizations, YouNet APS (Italy), Youth for Equality (Slovakia), Klaster Innowacji Społecznych (Poland), Citizen Crossroads (Greece), and GloUni (Portugal), gathered together for a training session aimed at building the capacity of educators, trainers, and youth leaders in the field of non-formal education. Led by a trainer from YouNet APS, the Training of Trainers (ToT) focused on the role of gamification and innovative educational methods in citizenship education.
Key Topics Covered
Principles of Non-Formal Education The session began with an overview of the principles of non-formal education, emphasizing its flexibility and learner-centered approach.
Best Practices in Citizenship Education Participants shared examples and best practices from their respective experience, highlighting successful non-formal education initiatives that promote active citizenship.
Gamification in Citizenship Education One of the key elements of the training was gamification—using game-based strategies to enhance engagement in educational settings. Participants learned about different gamification methods and tools that can be used to make citizenship education more interactive and effective.
Leading a Debate Another important skill covered during the training was how to structure and lead a debate. Trainer discussed different types of debates and techniques to foster engaging, respectful, and meaningful discussions, a vital component of citizenship education.
Workshop Design The training also provided participants with guidelines and tips for organizing effective workshops.
Podcast Production
Lastly, an overview of podcast production was shared, outlining common rules and best practices to support the creation of podcasts for the project’s upcoming series.
The two-day event was a crucial step in the Youth DemocrAID project’s mission to engage young people in shaping Europe’s democratic future. The knowledge shared during the seminar and training will be instrumental in the next phase of the project, which includes creating workshop materials and launching a podcast series to further citizenship education.
