ERASMUS & CAREER DAYS 2025

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Title of the Project

ERASMUS & CAREER DAYS 2025

Organisation

GenT

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/generaciatrnava/

Project link

https://www.icm.sk/c/150/_ERASMUS_CAREER_DAYS_2025___

Project dates

2025-10-01

2025-10-31

What is it about?

ERASMUS & CAREER DAYS is a youth-focused information and participation event designed to make European opportunities understandable, accessible and relevant for young people in Trnava, Slovakia.

The main objective of the project was to empower young people to make informed decisions about their education, careers and civic engagement, with a strong focus on Erasmus+, volunteering, international mobility and opportunities within European and international institutions. The project also aimed to strengthen young people’s critical thinking, democratic awareness and active participation, especially in a time of widespread disinformation.

The primary target group was young people aged 15–25, mainly secondary school students and young adults considering their future study, work or volunteering pathways. A secondary target group included youth workers and teachers who act as multipliers of youth information.

The event took place at the cultural centre Malý Berlín and confirmed participation of around 80–100 young people from three schools and individual registrations. Activities included:

-information stands of partner organisations,

-panel discussions and talks with young people who had first-hand international experience,

-interactive workshops, including a workshop on disinformation and media literacy,

-EU-themed games and quizzes encouraging participation and dialogue.

The project followed a youth-centred and participatory approach. Young people were not only passive recipients of information but were encouraged to ask questions, share opinions and engage in peer-to-peer learning. Former Erasmus participants and young volunteers acted as role models and facilitators, making European opportunities tangible through personal stories.

By combining youth information, participation and interactive learning in one space, ERASMUS & CAREER DAYS supported young people in becoming more informed, confident and active European citizens.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

ERASMUS & CAREER DAYS strongly corresponds to the Youth Participation and Democracy category by actively empowering young people to make informed decisions, engage with democratic structures, and participate in discussions shaping their future at local, national, and European levels.

The initiative created a safe, open, and interactive space where young people could directly engage with youth information providers, public institutions, and European actors. Through information stands, panel discussions, and peer-to-peer exchanges, participants gained first-hand knowledge about Erasmus+, volunteering, internships, and career pathways within European and international institutions. This access to reliable information is a prerequisite for meaningful participation and informed civic engagement.

A key democratic element of the event was its participatory and youth-centred approach. Young people were not only passive recipients of information but active contributors: asking questions, sharing experiences, and critically reflecting on opportunities and challenges related to mobility, education, and work. Former volunteers, interns, and youth workers acted as relatable role models, lowering barriers to participation and encouraging young people to see themselves as active European citizens.

The programme also included an interactive workshop on disinformation and media literacy, strengthening young people’s critical thinking skills and their ability to navigate information ecosystems—an essential competence for participation in democratic societies. Through teamwork, simulations, and quizzes, participants experienced how misinformation spreads and learned practical tools to counter it.

By involving Eurodesk multipliers, youth information centres, the National Agency for Erasmus+, and representatives of European institutions, the event connected local youth realities with European democratic processes. In doing so, ERASMUS & CAREER DAYS reinforced trust in public institutions, promoted active citizenship, and supported young people in shaping their educational, professional, and civic trajectories—core values at the heart of Youth Participation and Democracy.

What was the impact of the project?

ERASMUS & CAREER DAYS had a tangible impact on young people by increasing their awareness, confidence and ability to actively shape their educational, professional and civic pathways.

Around 80–100 young people, primarily secondary school students, took part in the event. Many of them had limited prior knowledge of Erasmus+, volunteering, internships or international career opportunities. Through direct contact with youth information providers, European institutions and peers with first-hand experience, participants gained clear, trustworthy and practical information that helped them better understand available opportunities and how to access them.

A key impact was the strengthening of self-confidence and motivation. Personal stories shared by former Erasmus participants, volunteers and interns made international mobility and civic engagement feel achievable rather than distant or elite. Young people reported feeling encouraged to explore opportunities they had previously considered “not for people like me”.

The project also contributed to the development of critical thinking and democratic competences. The interactive workshop on disinformation enabled participants to recognise manipulation, reflect on information sources and understand the importance of informed decision-making in democratic societies. These skills extend beyond the event itself and support young people’s long-term civic engagement.

At community level, ERASMUS & CAREER DAYS strengthened cooperation between schools, youth organisations, Eurodesk multipliers and public institutions. The event created a better-connected local youth information ecosystem, ensuring that young people know where to seek support even after the event ends.

Overall, the initiative empowered young people to become more informed, active and engaged members of their community, while reinforcing a culture of participation, dialogue and European citizenship in Trnava.

Did the project have any green focus?

While ERASMUS & CAREER DAYS was primarily focused on youth participation and democratic engagement, the project also integrated several eco-friendly organisational measures and promoted environmentally responsible behaviour.

The event was organised in a centrally located venue easily accessible by public transport and on foot, reducing the need for individual car travel. Participants and partners were encouraged to use public transport or shared mobility. Catering was kept simple and local, with an effort to minimise food waste.

Printed materials were limited to essential items only, while most communication, registration and follow-up information was shared digitally. At the venue, we promoted waste sorting and used reusable equipment and materials whenever possible.

Through these small but intentional steps, the project reflected our commitment to sustainability and responsible event organisation, in line with broader European values.

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

Eurodesk’s visibility was ensured through direct involvement of Eurodesk Slovakia and organisations acting as Eurodesk multipliers, including youth information centres and youth organisations. Eurodesk was visibly presented through information stands, programme content and expert contributions. The event also involved the National Agency for Erasmus+, as well as representatives of the European Parliament Office in Slovakia and the European Commission, strengthening Eurodesk’s positioning within the broader European information ecosystem. Eurodesk opportunities were actively promoted during discussions, workshops and peer-to-peer exchanges.

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category