We are EUStars! - Connecting Youth with the EU is a 7-days training course and professional development activity that will gather 32 youth workers (YW) from 16 EU countries to explore new and engaging ways to promote Europe, active citizenship, and European opportunities for young people. The project will be hosted by our team at Hawk Stars NGO in the historic town of Pinhel and is designed to enhance the competencies of youth workers in fostering awareness on European literacy and engagement with EU institutions and democratic participation. Participants will deepen their understanding of the Erasmus+ Programme, sustainable development, and active citizenship. The course will also emphasize creating plans for introducing young people to EU opportunities and promoting their active participation in democracy at all levels, from local to European. In order to ensure that European opportunities are available to all facets of society, the training will provide youth workers with fresh tools and creative strategies for involving young people in civic life and EU integration initiatives. Hawk Stars NGO and partners are heavily involved in European matters and active citizenship, and together decided to design this project idea. Angelo Videira Santos for example, the President of Hawk Stars has a degree in European Studies and has involved himself and his organization in projects and entities like the National Federation of European Studies in Portugal, whom he was one of the founders. The consortium did research on the needs of our project: -Youth Workers play a critical role in non-formal education, with 59% of young people involved in youth organizations confirming that these experiences increased their awareness of EU opportunities like Erasmus+. Source: European Commission Report, 2020. -According to a 2021 Eurobarometer, 68% of young people in the EU believe their voices are not sufficiently heard by EU institutions. This highlights a gap in awareness and connection between youth and the EU. Source: Eurobarometer, 2021. -Only 10% of young people in the EU have participated in programs like Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps, despite the wide availability of such opportunities. Source: European Youth Strategy, 2019-2027. -A 2019 Eurobarometer survey found that only 42% of young Europeans (aged 15-24) feel they are well-informed about the EU and its institutions. Source: Eurobarometer, 2019. -In 2020, youth participation in political processes was recorded at just 22% across the EU, indicating low engagement in formal democratic activities. Source: European Youth Report 2021. -Studies show that young people who engage with Youth Workers are more likely to participate in democratic life. 75% of young people involved in youth work reported a higher likelihood of voting in EU elections. Source: European Commission Youth Report, 2020. We are EUStars! project addresses these issues by training 32 youth workers from 16 EU countries to become better equipped in promoting active citizenship and EU opportunities through activities and YW intervention. Through enhanced skills and innovative non-formal education methods, youth workers will be empowered to inspire young people to engage in European democratic life, while ensuring that EU opportunities are accessible to all, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This project is crucial in fostering a more informed, engaged, and inclusive generation of young Europeans who can actively participate in shaping the future of the EU. Objectives: Equip 32 youth workers from 16 EU countries with innovative tools and methods to promote European Literacy, active citizenship and European opportunities among youth. Increase the awareness of 32 YWs of the Erasmus+ Programme and its various opportunities for young people and youth organizations. Foster the development of sustainable networks and collaborations between 16 youth organizations across Europe through collaboration on an International Professional Development Activity. Empower 32 youth workers to design and implement educational activities that connect young people to EU institutions, projects, and democratic processes together with decision makers Encourage the creation of strategic partnerships between 32 YWs and 16 youth organizations, educational institutions, and community organizations to facilitate ongoing engagement with EU opportunities Develop a NFE Tools Manual on European Literacy for Youth featuring 6 new activities like games, simulations, debates and debriefings with 32 YWs from 16 organizations that will be available in YW Platforms (Salto Youth etc.) and be sent directly to the European Commission, Partners, stakeholders and NGOs