Erasmus Social Community

Erasmus Social Community

Partnership Building Activity (PBA), Dates: 20–26 April 2026, Duration: 7 activity days + 2 travel days

Project Description

Erasmus Social Community is a 7-day Partnership Building Activity designed to bring together youth workers, youth leaders, and representatives of youth organizations from rural areas of Romania and other European countries. The activity addresses a critical issue identified among young people: the lack of democratic awareness, civic participation, and understanding of their role as European citizens.

Many young people, especially those living in rural or disadvantaged areas, grow up without developing an electoral opinion or a sense of responsibility toward society. This often results from limited civic education, lack of participation opportunities, and historical and cultural barriers. In Romania, the persistence of communist-era mindsets still affects how young people perceive freedom, power, and personal development. These attitudes are often passed down through generations, creating fear of self-expression, leadership, and civic engagement.

At the same time, interactions with young people from other European countries reveal similar challenges: insufficient understanding of European citizenship, democratic values, equal rights, and the opportunities offered by the European Union. This shows that the issue is not isolated but shared across borders, making international cooperation essential.

Objectives of the Activity

The main objectives of Erasmus Social Community are:

• To create sustainable international partnerships between organizations working with youth from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.
• To strengthen young people’s understanding of democratic values, participation, and the importance of voting and civic involvement.
• To support youth workers and organizations in developing tools and methods for democratic education from early teenage years.
• To raise awareness about European citizenship, equal rights, and opportunities within the European Union.
• To challenge limiting mentalities inherited from past political systems and encourage active, empowered, and informed youth participation.

Activity Framework

During the 7 activity days, participants will take part in:

• We will work specifically of writting KA2 projects together and we will discuss other collaboration possibilities
• Interactive workshops on democracy, civic participation, and European values
• Non-formal education sessions focused on critical thinking, opinion-forming, and electoral awareness
• Group discussions and reflection spaces addressing cultural and historical barriers to participation
• Best-practice exchanges between organizations from different European countries
• Partnership development sessions for future Erasmus+ youth projects
• Community-based simulations and role-play activities related to democratic decision-making
• Green Practices and Sustainability
• The project integrates environmentally responsible practices throughout its implementation:
• Use of digital tools instead of printed materials
• Promotion of living in rural areas with basic living conditions
• Waste reduction and recycling during activities
• Awareness sessions linking democratic participation with responsibility for the environment and local communities

Expected Results, By the end of the activity, participants will:

• Have a deeper understanding of democracy and active citizenship
• Be better equipped to educate and empower young people in their communities
• Develop concrete project ideas and partnerships for future Erasmus+ initiatives
• Strengthen a European network of organizations committed to youth participation, equality, and sustainability
• Erasmus Social Community aims to empower youth and those who work with them to become active contributors to democratic life, reinforcing the idea that democracy truly represents the power of the people and that every young European has the right and responsibility to shape society.