The main objective of the project “Diversity + Erasmus+ – European Opportunities and Values” was to increase the level of information among young people about the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, with a special focus on diversity, inclusion, and democratic participation. 

The project aimed to reduce inequalities in access to information, combat stereotypes related to international mobility, and encourage the active involvement of young people in civic and community life at the local and European level.

The target audience consisted of young people with fewer opportunities, mainly high school students from rural areas studying in Curtea de Argeș, Argeș county and young people of Roma ethnicity from Bucharest, beneficiaries of the “Împreună” Agency. Participants were initially sceptical about European opportunities, with some expressing anti-European or xenophobic attitudes, but remained open to engagement. Their interests varied between the travel dimension of DiscoverEU and learning about participation and solidarity projects, depending on the session.

The session was designed to be accessible and relevant even to young people who are just starting out in terms of European involvement.

The project included 8 events and the steps were: 

-preparation of materials;

-information sessions and interactive presentations on Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and the Eurodesk network and platforms;

-thematic discussions on diversity, inclusion, European values, and democratic participation;

-presentations of concrete examples of mobility, solidarity projects, and participatory activities;

-question and answer sessions tailored to the needs and interests of participants;

-reflection and open dialogue activities on the role of young people in the community and in Europe.

-creating the social media posts;

-reporting.

Methods used:

-interactive facilitation and open dialogue;

-reflection exercises;

-learning through real examples and personal experiences;

-adapting content based on direct feedback from young people.