9-12 September 2024 | Cluj-Napoca, Romania
How do we help young people move from feeling unheard to becoming active and meaningful participants in democracy? That question marked the beginning of ASPYRE EUROPE, as partners from Romania, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered in Cluj-Napoca for the project’s Kick-Off Meeting and public Launching Event.
Over four days, educators, young people, civil society organisations, and local stakeholders came together to begin a two-year journey dedicated to strengthening youth participation in democratic life across Europe.
Building the project together
The first two days were dedicated to bringing the international consortium together for the first time in person. Beyond getting to know one another, the partners worked intensively to build a shared vision for the project, align implementation plans, and develop the educational resources that will guide ASPYRE EUROPE over the coming years.
Discussions focused on:
- developing the ASPYRE EUROPE Toolkit on Democracy and Youth Civic Participation;
- establishing a common Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework;
- planning communication and dissemination activities;
- sharing national experiences and challenges related to youth participation and democratic engagement.
This collaborative planning process laid the foundation for a strong partnership built on complementary expertise and a shared commitment to empowering young people.
A project shaped by young people
The public Launching Event introduced ASPYRE EUROPE to local schools, educators, youth workers, and young people who will participate in the project over the next two years.
More importantly, it created a space where young people themselves could share their experiences, expectations, and ideas.
Former participants of previous Polylogos initiatives, including the first edition of the ASPYRE project, reflected on how embracing the opportunity to participate had already changed their lives. They spoke about gaining the confidence to raise their voices, work together with others, and engage directly with decision-makers. Some shared concrete examples of change they had helped achieve in their communities – from improved heating systems in schools to free public transportation for students.
New participants spoke about their hopes for ASPYRE EUROPE: learning new skills, meeting peers from other countries, understanding how democratic institutions work, and discovering how they can contribute to positive change in their own communities.
Early impact
The Launching Event successfully engaged young people, teachers, educators and youth workers, representatives of local institutions, and members of the wider community, creating the first network of participants who will continue working together throughout ASPYRE EUROPE.
The event also generated valuable insights that will shape future activities. Participants helped identify the skills, challenges, and opportunities that matter most to young people today, ensuring that the project remains responsive to their real needs and experiences.
Looking ahead
The Launching Event was only the first step.
Over the next two years, ASPYRE EUROPE will bring together hundreds of young people, teachers, educators, and decision-makers through workshops, co-creation activities, youth forums, Civic Cafés, and international exchanges.
By equipping young people with knowledge, practical skills, and opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers, the project aims to strengthen democratic participation and help build communities where every young person knows that their voice matters, and that they have the power to make a difference.
