TC Civitas

TC Civitas

As part of the Erasmus+ program, Youthfully Yours participated in TC Civitas 2025, organized by Udruga Prizma from May 24 to May 30, 2025, in Veli Iž, Croatia.

Fostering civic awareness among young people through youth work is a key element in building inclusive, democratic, and resilient societies. We found that youth work is a practice that supports the personal and social development of young people through non-formal education, mentorship, and community activities. It promotes citizenship especially by:

• empowering young people to express themselves and take initiative,

• developing skills necessary for active participation, such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration,

• creating a safe space for dialogue and identity exploration,

• encouraging civic engagement through volunteering, campaigns, and advocacy activities.

As individual participants, along with other group members, we understood that non-formal education plays a fundamental role in promoting active citizenship by offering flexible, participatory, and experiential learning opportunities outside the traditional school environment – for both young people and trainers. It was interesting to see, within the open space, how other organizations operate; the practical exercise on deliberative democracy was very thought-provoking.

During the TC, we engaged in many activities such as workshops, simulations, debates, and community services, which embodied the principles of non-formal education. These experiential methods encouraged us to actively participate in social issues, developed our critical thinking, and helped us realize our role in the community. We gained much insight into European values and how to build a compelling argument. The theatrical performance, especially the characters of the oppressed, was one of the “aha” moments for us that left a strong impression.

It was emphasized that participants had the opportunity during the course to share their experiences, challenge preconceived notions, and co-create solutions, which fostered a sense of shared responsibility and ownership. This approach empowers individuals to see themselves as active agents of change, while developing skills such as leadership, communication, and civic awareness. We learned about Youth Pass, key competencies according to Udruga Prizma, and the concept of active citizenship through active peer learning, games, and music.

I appreciate that the organizers and trainers utilized the informal and inclusive nature of the non-formal education (NFE) environment, which reduces barriers that often hinder participation – especially among marginalized groups. By creating safe spaces for dialogue and reflection, the project promoted social inclusion and democratic values, thereby strengthening the principles of active citizenship.

Finally, the integration of digital tools and social media into NFE activities during the training course extended the overall impact of this quality learning process. Sharing project experiences online encourages broader community engagement and raises awareness, emphasizing that active citizenship is a collective effort. Addressing topics such as resource scarcity and misleading headlines, we understood during the workshop and the “broken telephone” game how easily misinformation spreads and why media literacy is so important. At the same time, we questioned how we ourselves consume information online.

In conclusion, TC Civitas in Veli Iž, as part of the Erasmus+ project, offered dynamic and effective approaches to promoting active citizenship. Through participatory activities, peer learning, and inclusive practices, participants not only gained new knowledge but also developed the skills and motivation to actively engage in the lives of their communities, thereby contributing to the building of a more democratic and participatory society.

This project was co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, which accepts no responsibility for them.