After the successful implementation of the Electionville game in classrooms across Romania, the project has embarked on its next exciting phase: 20 editions of online workshops aimed at bridging the gap between subnational governance and the European Union (EU) level. This innovative initiative is designed to engage students in understanding the broader European governance systems, equipping them with the knowledge to become active, informed EU citizens.
Why the online workshops matter
These online workshops represent a crucial educational transition from local politics, as explored through Electionville, to understanding the intricate governance structures of the EU. This phase was designed to broaden the students’ horizons, highlighting the importance of the EU’s influence on both local and national policies. Here’s why this phase was so important:
- Bridging local and european governance – The workshops were instrumental in helping students connect subnational politics with the EU’s political framework. By showcasing how the EU shapes national decisions and policies, the students were encouraged to see governance on multiple levels. This deeper understanding positions them to be more knowledgeable and engaged citizens, aware of how the EU’s policies affect their communities.
- Fostering EU citizenship awareness – As Romania is a member of the EU, it is vital for its youth to understand their rights and responsibilities as EU citizens. These workshops aimed to build that awareness by educating students on the EU’s institutions, decision-making processes, and the impact of European policies on their everyday lives. The discussions emphasized the EU’s pivotal role in shaping the future of Romania, making these young participants more aware of their place within the European framework.
- Development of critical thinking – One of the core educational goals was to foster critical thinking. The workshops encouraged students to engage in discussions about complex governance systems, exploring topics such as democratic processes, representation, and policy-making at the EU level. This approach equipped students with analytical tools to better understand political systems and the importance of civic participation.
Held on the ZOOM platform, these online workshops offered an interactive and accessible way for students to participate, no matter where they were located in Romania. This digital learning approach ensured equal access to educational resources, allowing students from various regions, including more rural areas, to engage in real-time discussions, simulations, and Q&A sessions. The online format provided a dynamic learning environment where students could actively contribute, ask questions, and interact with peers and educators.
Collaboration with CRPE and partners
The project, supported by CRPE and its partners, builds upon previously developed EU learning modules. The seamless transition from the in-class Electionville game to these EU-focused online modules ensured a structured and cohesive learning journey. The involvement of CRPE’s partners added expertise and resources, further enhancing the quality of the workshops and providing valuable insights into European governance.
Nationwide reach and impact
A total of 472 students from across Romania participated in the workshops, ensuring that the initiative reached a diverse audience. This broad participation reflected the initiative’s national scope, making it a truly representative project. By including students from various backgrounds and regions, the workshops helped foster a unified understanding of EU governance and encouraged students to reflect on how their local communities connect with the larger European context.
Each workshop lasted approximately two hours and was designed to be intensive but accessible. The sessions balanced informative content with interactive engagement, allowing students to absorb substantial information about the EU while also actively participating in discussions and simulations.
A milestone in civic education
The 20 editions of online workshops mark a significant milestone in the project, as they not only helped students understand governance beyond the local level but also prepared them for active participation in the European political sphere. The initiative’s success lay in its ability to cater to a diverse range of students, ensuring regional perspectives were represented while cultivating a unified understanding of European Union governance.
By linking the Electionville game, which focused on subnational governance, with more advanced discussions on EU-level politics, this project demonstrated a creative and innovative approach to civic education. As a result, these students are better prepared to become informed, engaged, and active citizens within the European Union.
Summary of high schools involved and workshop dates
The online workshops reached various high schools across Romania, with a broad range of participants, from mainly rural communities. Here is a detailed summary of the high schools involved and the dates of their respective workshops: Tudor Jarda Music High School, Bistrița (10.05.2023), Costache Negri National College, Galați(17.05.2023), Regina Maria Pedagogical National College, Ploiești (24.05.202), Spiru Haret National College, Tecuci(26.05.2023), I.L. Caragiale Theoretical High School, Ploiești (29.05.2023), Dimitrie Cantemir High School, Darabani(29.05.2023), August Treboniu Laurian Technical College, Agnita (12.06.2023), Jacques M. Elias Technological High School, Sascut, Bacău County (13.06.2023), Mihail Sadoveanu High School, Borca (14.06.2023), Technological High School No. 2, Târgu Jiu (16.06.2023), Mihai Bravu Technical College, Bucharest (22.06.2023), Dimitrie Cantemir High School, Darabani, Botoșani County (20.09.2023 – 2 sessions), Technological High School No. 2, Târgu Jiu(20.09.2023), Solomon Haliță Theoretical High School, Sângeorz-Băi (25.09.2023) Mihai Eminescu National College, Buzău (25.09.2023), Miguel de Cervantes Theoretical High School, Bucharest (04.10.2023), Spiru Haret Dobrogean College, Tulcea (11.10.2023), Gheorghe Munteanu Murgoci Theoretical High School, Măcin, Tulcea (11.10.2023).
This initiative not only provided a platform for students to learn about the EU, but also demonstrated the power of innovative teaching methods, using digital tools to engage students in crucial conversations about governance and citizenship.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
