From June 13th to 20th, 2026, the picturesque village of Traisteni in the Valea Doftanei
region of Romania became a hub for innovation and civic engagement.
Our organization had the professional privilege of participating in “CivicLab,” an Erasmus+ mobility of youth workers that brought together participants from nine different countries—Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Türkiye, and Romania—to redefine the impact of youth work in local communities.
The project was uniquely designed as a structured learning laboratory, moving away from traditional training methods to focus on experimentation and co-creation. Nestled in the stunning landscape of the Carpathian Mountains, we spent eight intensive days exploring how to become more active and impactful actors in our own regions. The “lab” concept allowed us to connect professional youth work development with practical innovation, ensuring that every session had a direct application to our daily reality.
A significant portion of our time was dedicated to mastering visual facilitation and graphic skills. We learned how to use these tools to improve workshops, design more effective flipcharts, and make public presentations more engaging for young people. Alongside these creative techniques, the programme delved into the digital world, showcasing how Artificial Intelligence and smart digital tools can be integrated into youth work to increase reach and efficiency. By using methodologies like the “Ladder of Participation,” we analyzed new ways to motivate young people to take a leading role in their municipalities.
The learning experience extended far beyond the classroom through hands-on activities that tested our skills in real-world scenarios. This included a civic mapping challenge in the city of Brașov and a “Community Engagement Lab” where we worked directly with high school students from Campina. These sessions were invaluable, as they allowed us to practice facilitation and communication techniques in real-time, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and local community activation.
In addition to the professional workshops, “CivicLab” served as a powerful platform for international networking. Through intercultural evenings and the sharing of best practices, we built strong connections with partner organisations from across Europe. We concluded the week by co-creating new project ideas and developing concrete action plans to be implemented upon our return home.
We are returning with more than just a Youthpass certificate; we are bringing back a wealth of practical tools, strategic thinking, and a renewed motivation to initiate sustainable change in our local environment. 🌍
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