The EUTEAM Project (Youth learning and living european values through virtual exchanges and gamification), coordinated by the Romanian Center for European Policies (CRPE), together with our consortium of partners from Moldova, Georgia, Slovakia, continues to empower youth, educators, and youth workers across Europe. As part of this transformative initiative, CRPE organized two virtual learning sessions on December 2, 2024, and December 12, 2024, focused on introducing non-formal learning packages (first three modules developed within the project) to educators and youth workers in Romania.
These events marked a significant step in equipping professionals with tools to foster active citizenship, critical thinking, and creativity among young people while reinforcing European values.
Participant demographics and regional representation
A total of 26 participants attended the sessions, representing a diverse group of professionals, including:
- 20 teachers from various regions across Romania, including: Ploiești (Prahova county), Eforie Sud (Constanța county), Chiojdu (Buzău county), Ivești (Galați county), Sascut (Bacău county), București (Bucharest, municipality), Petrila (Hunedoara county), Arad (Arad county), Berești (Galați county).
- 6 NGO representatives and youth workers from organizations in Târgu Bujor (Galați county), Roznov(Neamț county), Piatra Mare (Brașov county), Buzău (Buzău county), Râmnicu Sărat (Buzău county), Satu Mare (Satu Mare county).
The gender distribution included 21 female participants and 6 male participants. This diverse representation ensured that the sessions reached professionals working in both urban and rural areas, aligning with CRPE’s goal of broadening educational access and equity
Outreach and registration
Participants were invited through a public call posted on CRPE’s social media platforms and shared via email. The email campaign targeted:
- High schools across Romania, focusing on areas with limited access to non-formal learning resources.
- Youth organizations and NGOs engaged in community development and youth empowerment.
The email included comprehensive details about the non-formal learning packages, the session objectives, and a registration form. Respondents were encouraged to share information about their professional backgrounds and the specific audiences they aimed to support using the learning materials.
Session structure and activities
Both sessions followed a structured and engaging format to maximize learning outcomes:
- Introduction to CRPE and the EUTEAM project (next phases)
Each session opened with an overview of CRPE’s mission and objectives. Participants were introduced to the initiative, its goals, and the broader impact of integrating non-formal learning approaches into educational settings.
- Presentation of learning modules:
The core non-formal learning packages were introduced, focusing on three thematic areas:
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- Innovative teaching strategies: Emphasizing creativity and adaptability in educational practices.
- Community engagement: Encouraging collaboration and local impact.
- Empowering youth through critical thinking: Highlighting methods to develop problem-solving skills and resilience in young learners.
Detailed guidance was provided on implementing the modules, outlining educator expectations and the anticipated benefits for students and communities.
- Interactive Q&A session:
The sessions concluded with a lively Q&A segment, where participants could ask questions, seek clarifications, and discuss practical applications of the learning packages. This segment fostered an exchange of ideas and enabled participants to feel confident in using the resources in their respective contexts.
Outcomes and impact
The sessions effectively introduced CRPE’s non-formal learning packages to a diverse and engaged audience of educators and youth workers across Romania. By providing detailed insights into these innovative educational tools, the sessions empowered participants to implement the materials within their own schools and organizations.
These events highlight CRPE’s commitment to supporting youth workers and teachers in adopting non-formal educational approaches that foster creativity, critical thinking, and active community engagement among young people. By reaching participants from various regions, including those with limited resources, CRPE ensured the initiative’s accessibility and relevance to a broad spectrum of educational contexts.
This initiative demonstrates CRPE’s dedication to equipping educators with the tools necessary to inspire and empower the next generation of learners, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion throughout Romania.
Advancing EUTEAM’s Mission
These virtual sessions are part of EUTEAM’s broader strategy to foster youth empowerment and social cohesion through education. As the project progresses, CRPE will continue to:
- Host virtual and in-person events to amplify the project’s reach.
- Support youth-led initiatives and campaigns addressing local challenges.
- Facilitate cross-border collaboration to strengthen European values.
Stay tuned for updates on future events and initiatives under the EUTEAM project!
For more information about CRPE and the EUTEAM project, follow us on social media. Together, let’s inspire the next generation of active European citizens.
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.