In late July 2024, as part of the CLYP (Civic Lab for Young People) project, we had the privilege of hosting an inspiring workshop in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
This interactive event, organized during the Summer School by the Gutenberg Association and facilitated by dedicated youth workers from both C.School and Gutenberg, brought together 76 young people aged between 15 and 18.
Setting the Stage for Empowerment
The workshop was designed to tap into the strengths, assets, motivations, and interests of the participants, using a series of engaging sessions that encouraged self-expression and collaboration. Our goal was to not only understand the personal aspirations of these young people but also to gather insights on the challenges they face in their communities—information that is crucial for shaping future civic engagement tools and initiatives under the CLYP project.
Workshop Structure and Methodology
The day was segmented into three main sessions, each employing design thinking methods to create an interactive and open environment. Two distinct groups emerged during the activities: 20 young people who participated in all three sessions, and an additional 56 who engaged in the majority of the exercises. Together, they formed a diverse pool of perspectives and ideas, ensuring that every voice was heard.
Session 1: „Paper Dolls – Who Is in the Room?”
The first session was all about self-exploration. Participants engaged in the “Paper Dolls” exercise—a creative activity that invited them to express who they are, what interests them, and what they aspire to be. Through this exercise, the young people shared their passions: some were drawn to the arts (music, painting, dance, and writing), while others expressed a keen interest in sports, travel, and even learning exotic skills like alpinism or extreme sports. Many noted a desire to learn new languages, particularly challenging ones like Chinese, and even simple pleasures such as cooking or drawing.
This session served as a catalyst for self-expression, allowing participants to articulate their strengths, such as creativity, ambition, and a thirst for knowledge. It also highlighted a common thread in their responses: the yearning for freedom, for being heard, and for having the opportunity to shape their own identities without the pressure of external expectations.
Session 2: „Problem, Passion, and Solution Circles”
Building on the momentum of the first session, the second session focused on community issues and personal challenges. Here, participants were encouraged to discuss problems they observed in their communities, ranging from environmental concerns—like waste management and the lack of green spaces—to social issues such as poor infrastructure, limited leisure opportunities, and the absence of dedicated centers for teenagers.
A significant insight from this session was the identification of a gap in civic engagement. Many young people noted a feeling of isolation in their communities and expressed a desire for spaces where they could come together, share ideas, and work towards common solutions. The discussions not only brought individual challenges to the forefront but also paved the way for brainstorming innovative solutions, fostering a sense of empowerment among the participants.
The “Problem, Passion, and Solution Circles” exercise revealed that the young people’s challenges were deeply intertwined with their personal lives. Issues such as the pressure to conform, the struggle to balance school responsibilities with personal interests, and the need for supportive networks were recurrent themes. Through candid storytelling and group discussions, the workshop highlighted how personal passions—like sports, volunteering, and creative pursuits—could serve as vehicles for addressing broader community problems.
Session 3: „Jobs to be Done and the Cover Story You+5WHYs”
The final session of the day was dedicated to actionable insights. In the „Jobs to be Done” exercise, participants identified what they needed in order to pursue their passions and overcome challenges. This involved discussing both the gains they hoped to achieve (such as access to better facilities, fun and interactive workshops, and flexible, engaging programs) and the pains they experienced (stress, pressure, and the lack of safe, supportive spaces).
Additionally, the session included the „Cover Story You+5WHYs” exercise—a reflective activity that encouraged the young people to articulate their life goals and the deeper reasons behind their aspirations. One of the standout stories was from a participant whose life goal was to explore the world, learn from diverse cultures, and bring positive change to every community they visited. This narrative, along with many others, underscored a collective desire for personal growth, the pursuit of excellence, and the courage to follow one’s dreams despite obstacles.
Key Insights and Takeaways
Through these meticulously designed sessions, several key insights emerged:
- Desire for Self-Expression and Autonomy: A recurring theme was the need to be heard and to have the freedom to explore personal interests without judgment. Many young people expressed a strong desire for independence and the opportunity to shape their own paths.
- Passion for Diverse Experiences: The participants showed a keen interest in a wide range of activities—from creative arts and sports to travel and language learning. This diversity in interests reflects a generation eager to embrace new experiences and to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Community-Centric Mindset: While personal development was a significant focus, many discussions also revolved around community issues. The need for better infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and more inclusive social spaces was evident, pointing to a strong civic awareness.
- The Importance of Supportive Networks: Whether it was through group exercises or personal storytelling, the workshop highlighted the value of support systems. Participants noted that having friends, mentors, and family who listen and provide encouragement was crucial for their personal and community development.
- Innovative Problem-Solving: The exercises demonstrated that when given a safe space to share and collaborate, young people can generate innovative solutions to everyday challenges. The blend of creativity and practical thinking observed during the sessions promises exciting possibilities for future civic initiatives.
The Road Ahead
This workshop in Cluj-Napoca was more than just a one-day event—it was a stepping stone towards a larger vision of youth empowerment under the CLYP project. The insights gathered from these sessions will play a vital role in shaping future engagement and development tools. By understanding the real needs, motivations, and strengths of young people, we are better equipped to create programs that are not only interactive and fun but also flexible and responsive to their evolving aspirations.
The energy, creativity, and genuine desire for change displayed by the participants were truly inspiring. It is clear that when young people are given the opportunity to express themselves and to collaborate on meaningful projects, they can drive significant positive change in their communities.
Conclusion
The Romanian workshop offered a vivid snapshot of the challenges and potentials of our youth. From the creative expressions during the “Paper Dolls” session to the insightful problem-solving in the “Jobs to be Done” exercise, every activity underscored the importance of fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where young people can thrive.
As we move forward with the CLYP project, these insights will inform the design of future initiatives aimed at empowering youth and enhancing civic engagement. We remain committed to creating spaces where every young person can discover their strengths, explore new horizons, and ultimately, become an active agent of change in their communities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants, youth workers, and partner organizations for making this workshop a resounding success. The journey toward a more inclusive and empowered society is ongoing, and we are excited to see where these insights lead us next.
Explore more CLYP initiatives here:
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The Civic Lab for Young People (CLYP) project is co-funded by the European Union through the #ErasmusPlus program and Léargas (Ireland). The project is led by ATU Donegal (Ireland) and implemented in collaboration with C.School for Creative Acts (Romania), Asset Technology (Greece), Gutenberg (Romania), Donegal Youth Service (Ireland), WE organization (Netherlands), and KomPro (Norway).