Creative Youth Information Award category

Discover Europe – with board games and Erasmus+

Title of the Project

Discover Europe – with board games and Erasmus+

Organisation

Eurocentrum Plzeň

WEBSITE

https://tvorimevropu.cz/plzen/

Project link

https://tvorimevropu.cz/event/poznej-a-procestuj-evropu-s-deskovkami-a-erasmem/

Project dates

2025-11-15

2025-11-15

What is it about?

The activity “Discover Europe – with board games and Erasmus+” took place at the biggest board game festival in the Pilsen Region. We focused on knowledge games about Europe and the Erasmus+ programme – especially the games “Travelling Europe from West to East” and “Adventure in Europe”. Thanks to these games, the young participants (aged 13–30 years) could learn, in a fun way, interesting facts about European countries; they could travel across Europe mentally using board games and get information on how to discover Europe practically, thanks to the Erasmus+ programme. Both games included competition cards about the Erasmus+ programme, whose goal was to arouse participants’ interest in learning more about this programme at the event. They could also receive a lot of information materials about the Erasmus+ programme and take advantage of the opportunity to consult any questions concerning the Erasmus+ programme live with an employee of the Eurocentre Pilsen.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

The activity “Discover Europe – with board games and Erasmus+” fully corresponds to the thematic category Creative Youth Information by using innovative, interactive, and playful methods to provide young people with relevant information about Europe and the Erasmus+ programme.

Instead of traditional information delivery, the project creatively transformed youth information into an engaging experience through educational board games. By playing “Traveling Europe from West to East” and “Adventure in Europe”, young participants aged 13–30 learned about European countries (culture, history, and geography) in an informal and entertaining way. This approach made complex information more accessible and attractive, especially for young people who may not actively seek out or pay attention to such information through standard channels (schools).

At the same time, the games served as a creative tool for youth information about the Erasmus+ programme. Special competition cards focused on Erasmus+ opportunities, encouraging participants to discover how they can travel, study, work, volunteer, or take part in international exchanges across Europe. This playful learning method increased curiosity and motivation to learn more about the programme and discover European cultures firsthand.

In addition, the activity combined creative information methods with direct access to expert guidance. Participants could obtain Erasmus+ information materials and consult their questions in person with an employee from Eurocentrum Pilsen, ensuring that the information provided was accurate, up to date, and tailored to their interests.

By connecting learning, play, competition, and personal consultation in a public festival setting, the project effectively delivered youth information in a creative, inclusive, and engaging way, fully aligning with the objectives of the Creative Youth Information thematic category.

What was the impact of the project?

The project “Discover Europe – with board games and Erasmus+” had a positive impact on young people by making European topics and international opportunities more accessible, understandable, and attractive. Through interactive board games, participants gained new knowledge about European countries, cultures, and the Erasmus+ programme in a fun and informal way. This method helped break down barriers to learning and engaged young people who might not usually be interested in traditional educational activities.

A key impact was the increased awareness and understanding of the Erasmus+ programme. Many participants learned for the first time about concrete opportunities such as youth exchanges, volunteering, the DiscoverEU competition, traineeships, and educational mobility. The Erasmus+ competition cards and direct consultations with a Eurocentre Pilsen employee motivated young people to actively ask questions, explore possibilities, and consider participating in international projects in the future. As a result, the project strengthened young people’s confidence to engage in European mobility and non-formal learning.

The project also fostered social interaction and inclusion. The board game format encouraged communication, teamwork, and friendly competition among participants of different ages (high school students, university students, etc.) and backgrounds. This created an open and welcoming atmosphere at the festival and supported peer learning and exchange of experiences.

Did the project have any green focus?

The use of board games as the main activity represented a sustainable and eco-friendly approach, as the games are reusable and can be used repeatedly at future events without generating additional waste. This reduced the need for single-use materials and supported long-term sustainable use of resources. Moreover, board games are much more environmentally friendly than computer games – and are more inclusive.

Information about the Erasmus+ programme was shared primarily through personal interaction, games, and consultations, which limited the amount of printed materials distributed. When printed materials were used, they were provided selectively to interested participants to avoid unnecessary waste.

By organising the activity as part of an existing large-scale event—the biggest board game festival in the Pilsen Region—the project also minimised its environmental footprint. Using an already established venue and infrastructure reduced additional energy consumption and material usage.

How did you ensure Eurodesk's visibility in your project?

With the logo on the event poster, with Eurodesk flyers, with the Eurodesk roll-up, and also during consultations with those interested in more information

Project highlights

https://tvorimevropu.cz/event/poznej-a-procestuj-evropu-s-deskovkami-a-erasmem/

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