Our main goal was to raise students’ awareness of what European citizenship truly means and how it connects to their daily lives. In a time when nationalism is on the rise, we wanted students to understand the role of European institutions, the values of democracy, and the importance of unity in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and social inequality. We aimed to empower them to see themselves not only as local actors but as active European citizens with the ability to influence change. The project also sought to develop students' critical thinking, especially in identifying fake news, and encourage civic engagement through volunteering and interaction with non-govermental organizations. On a practical level, we focused on improving language skills in English and strengthening soft skills such as communication, autonomy, and open-mindedness. Through international collaboration, students observed and shared models of youth participation and created tools to raise awareness in their own communities. Overall, we wanted them to feel that their voice matters—and to use it.
We applied for this project because we deeply care about European citizenship and see the urgent need to support young people in today’s complex world. The rapid development of technology, the growing influence of social media, the pandemic’s aftermath and the threat of conflicts have disrupted human connection and shaken young people’s trust in democratic values and social harmony. We felt it was essential to help them rediscover their role in society by offering opportunities to become active, informed, and empathetic citizens. Our aim was to guide them in understanding societal, environmental, and political issues, and to encourage them to take action based on knowledge and responsibility. Moreover, the partnership was built on previous successful collaborations, where trust, common values and a shared pedagogical vision flourished. Language learning and intercultural communication were also key goals: we wanted students to practice English in real-life contexts and understand its importance for their future. Through Erasmus+, we empowered our youth to connect, engage and grow as European citizens ready to shape a better future