With DemoGames – Training by Playing, we want to strengthen youth work practice in Europe by equipping youth workers with innovative tools to foster democratic participation. Today, youth workers face the dual challenge of motivating young people to engage in civic life and helping them navigate misinformation and democratic decline. Our project responds by introducing gamification as a practical and creative methodology, making democracy education more interactive, relatable, and motivating. From a youth work perspective, the project aims to: Strengthen youth workers’ competences in democracy education We will provide youth workers with concrete knowledge and strategies to promote youth participation in voting, civic dialogue, and community action, directly linked to the EU Youth Strategy and European Youth Goals. Integrate gamification into daily youth work By learning and co-creating role-plays, simulations, and educational games, youth workers will gain methods that can make their sessions more engaging and attractive to young people, particularly those with fewer opportunities. Support youth workers in tackling democratic challenges The training will deepen understanding of current issues such as voter apathy, misinformation, and media restrictions. Youth workers will develop practical skills to address these in inclusive, youth-friendly ways. Produce sustainable, transferable resources Together, participants will create at least five gamified tools, a comparative report on democratic realities in eight countries, and a digital resource library. These outputs will remain available for everyday use, benefiting both the participating organisations and the wider youth sector. Enhance facilitation and cooperation skills The project will improve youth workers’ ability to lead sessions using innovative methods, build international networks, and act as multipliers by transferring learning into their organisations and communities. We expect youth workers to return to their local contexts more motivated, skilled, and confident in guiding young people toward active citizenship by implementing the project. Partner organisations will also expand their methodological portfolios, improve their capacity to address democracy through innovative practices, and strengthen European cooperation. In this way, DemoGames ensures a sustainable impact at local, national, and European levels.