Inclusive Youth Information Award category

European Opportunities Reach Rural Youth in Șimian

Title of the Project

European Opportunities Reach Rural Youth in Șimian

Organisation

Youthopolis

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/youthopolis.ro/

Project link

https://www.instagram.com/p/DP6qBKYjNLD/?img_index=1

Project dates

October 10, 2025

October 10, 2025

What is it about?

The project was a Time to Move information session organised on 17 October 2025 at Tudor Vladimirescu Technological High School in Șimian, a rural community in Romania. The activity involved 26 high-school students, most of whom come from backgrounds with fewer opportunities, including low-income families, single-parent households and limited access to non-formal learning and international mobility.

The main objective of the session was to bring European opportunities closer to young people who are rarely reached by youth information activities. The workshop focused on providing clear, accessible and relevant information on Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps and DiscoverEU, with particular attention given to DiscoverEU Inclusion. The session combined an interactive presentation with open discussions and peer examples from previous VET mobility experiences.

At the beginning of the activity, students showed low confidence and limited awareness of how European programmes could be relevant to them. As the session progressed, their engagement increased significantly, resulting in active participation and numerous questions, especially related to mobility and inclusion opportunities. The approach helped reduce perceived barriers and encouraged students to see themselves as potential participants in European initiatives.

The activity was organised in close cooperation with the school’s management and teaching staff and took place within a supportive and open learning environment. As a concrete follow-up, the school’s project coordinator expressed interest in developing a DiscoverEU Inclusion project for students from the school.

Overall, the session demonstrated how targeted Eurodesk youth information activities can create immediate engagement and open pathways for longer-term institutional involvement in European programmes.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

This initiative directly corresponds to the Inclusive Youth Information thematic category by ensuring that European opportunities reach young people who are often excluded from youth information flows. The activity targeted students from a rural technological high school, many of whom come from backgrounds with fewer opportunities, including socio-economic disadvantages, limited access to non-formal education, and low exposure to European mobility programmes.

Inclusion was addressed first through targeted outreach. The session was organised directly at the students’ school, removing common barriers such as travel costs, lack of information channels, or limited institutional support. The content was adapted to the participants’ context, using clear language, concrete examples, and peer experiences to make European programmes feel accessible and relevant.

Secondly, the initiative focused on reducing perceived barriers. Many participants initially believed that European mobility opportunities were not meant for them due to financial or social constraints. By explicitly addressing inclusion mechanisms and support measures, particularly within DiscoverEU Inclusion, the session helped participants understand that fewer opportunities do not exclude them from participation.

The interactive format further supported inclusion by creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Students were encouraged to ask questions, express doubts, and share their concerns without fear of judgement. This approach transformed initial reluctance into active engagement and meaningful dialogue.

Finally, the initiative had an inclusive follow-up dimension. The school’s project coordinator expressed interest in developing a DiscoverEU Inclusion project specifically tailored to the needs of students from the school, indicating that the activity contributed not only to individual awareness, but also to longer-term institutional engagement with inclusive European opportunities.

Overall, the initiative demonstrates how inclusive youth information can empower young people with fewer opportunities by bringing relevant information directly to them, adapting it to their realities and opening concrete pathways for participation.

What was the impact of the project?

The project had a significant impact both on the participating young people and on the wider school community by increasing access to European opportunities and strengthening local engagement with youth mobility programmes.

At an individual level, the activity improved young people’s awareness and understanding of European opportunities. Many participants initially had limited knowledge of EU programmes and low confidence in their ability to participate due to socio-economic barriers. Through direct interaction, clear explanations and concrete examples, the session helped reduce uncertainty and increased students’ motivation to explore opportunities such as Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps and DiscoverEU 

Inclusion. The high level of engagement during the session and the number of follow-up questions demonstrated a shift from passive participation to active interest.

At community level, the impact extended beyond the event itself. The session strengthened cooperation between Youthopolis and the school, increasing the institution’s openness towards European projects and non-formal learning initiatives. Teachers and school management recognised the relevance of inclusive youth information for their students and expressed willingness to support future activities and project development tailored to the needs of the local youth community.

A concrete outcome of the project is the preparation phase of two Erasmus+ projects specifically designed for the local youth community reached through this activity. These initiatives aim to respond directly to the needs identified during the session, with a strong focus on inclusion and access for young people with fewer opportunities. This demonstrates how the event acted as a catalyst for sustainable, long-term engagement rather than a one-off information session.

Overall, the project contributed to empowering young people from a rural area by making European opportunities more accessible, strengthening their confidence and creating concrete pathways for future participation at both individual and community level.

Did the project have any green focus?

The project aimed to apply environmentally responsible practices while remaining inclusive and accessible for all participants. Although we strive to reduce printed materials as much as possible, the activity took place in a context where not all young people could be assumed to have access to a smartphone or digital devices.

For this reason, essential documents such as consent forms, attendance lists and feedback questionnaires were provided in paper format to ensure equal participation and compliance with ethical and administrative requirements. All other content was delivered digitally through a presentation, and no additional printed information materials were used.

The activity was organised locally, at the participants’ school, which reduced the need for transportation and limited the overall environmental footprint. This balanced approach reflects a conscious effort to combine eco-friendly practices with inclusivity, ensuring that environmental considerations do not create new barriers for young people with fewer opportunities.

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

Eurodesk’s visibility was ensured throughout the activity by clearly presenting the Eurodesk network and its role in providing youth information on European opportunities. During the session, Eurodesk-branded materials, including the Eurodesk flag and Time to Move promotional items (stickers and keyrings), were displayed and distributed to participants. The Eurodesk visual identity was also integrated into the presentation used during the workshop. In addition, the activity was implemented within the official Time to Move campaign, reinforcing Eurodesk’s presence and recognition among students and teaching staff.

Project highlights

https://www.instagram.com/p/DP6qBKYjNLD/?img_index=1

Your project on video