ProActive Youth
ProActive Youth brings together young people from different European countries to strengthen democratic values, active citizenship, and social inclusion through experiential learning, cooperation, and youth-led initiatives.
This Erasmus+ Youth Project was supported by Jugend Für Europe and the European Union.
Overview
In an era when democratic participation is essential to shaping Europe’s future, ProActive Youth aims to empower young people to become agents of change in their communities.
The project promotes the vision of a more democratic, inclusive, and tolerant Europe, where youth serve as the driving force for positive transformation.
Built on the principles of co-management and experiential learning, the project places young people at the center of the action—encouraging them to lead, collaborate, and take initiative on issues that matter to them.
The project seeks to motivate, educate, and support young people in developing local and international initiatives that promote active citizenship, human rights, and democratic participation.
Specific Objectives
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To foster awareness of democratic values, participation, and the role of youth in decision-making processes.
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To equip participants with tools to design and implement civic initiatives in their local communities.
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To strengthen cooperation among European youth through dialogue and teamwork.
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To promote inclusion by engaging young people with fewer opportunities.
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To encourage volunteering and proactive involvement in community development.
Main Activity: Mobility in Skopje 🇲🇰
The central activity of the project is a 7-day youth mobility taking place in Skopje, North Macedonia, in October.
It brings together 40 young participants from five European countries: Germany, Hungary, North Macedonia, Turkey, and France.
Participants
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Age: 20–25 years
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Profile: Young people interested in democracy, volunteering, and civic participation
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Inclusion: 50% of participants are young people with fewer opportunities
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Each national team: 7 participants + 1 experienced group leader
During the mobility, participants take part in interactive workshops, debates, simulations, role-plays, and community visits, all designed according to non-formal learning principles.
Methodology
The project applies the experiential learning cycle, enabling participants to:
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Experience real-life examples of civic engagement.
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Reflect on their values, attitudes, and motivations.
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Conceptualize strategies for local activism.
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Act by developing initiatives they can implement in their communities after the mobility.
Activities are grounded in co-management, meaning young participants co-create, co-decide, and co-evaluate the program together with facilitators, ensuring ownership and meaningful participation.
Follow-Up and Dissemination
After the mobility, participants return to their home countries and organize local follow-up workshops to share their learning.
They present the project’s main results, including:
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a digital booklet (reader) on active citizenship practices,
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a project video showcasing their experiences.
These materials are disseminated within schools, NGOs, and youth councils to inspire more young people to become proactive citizens.
Expected Impact
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On Participants: Increased knowledge of EU values, democratic structures, and civic engagement, with stronger motivation to participate in decision-making at local and international levels.
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On Communities: A more aware and participatory youth population fostering inclusion, tolerance, and dialogue.
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On Organizations: Strengthened European cooperation and improved capacity to design and implement youth participation projects.
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On Society: Contribution to building more democratic, equitable, and youth-driven societies across Europe.
