Maria Bednar is a passionate youth leader from Romania who has dedicated herself to civic engagement and social projects through her work with the Gutenberg Association. Her journey from a shy participant in youth projects to a leader and mentor reflects her deep commitment to making a positive impact on her community. Let’s explore her inspiring story and the projects that have shaped her path.
Starting the Journey with Gutenberg
Maria’s involvement with the Gutenberg Association began in 2018 when she joined their flagship project, the Gutenberg Summer School. This week-long event gathers high school students from across Romania for workshops covering topics like journalism, civic education, and project management. Despite her initial hesitation and shyness, Maria’s mother encouraged her to attend, a decision that would eventually change her life. The Summer School sparked her interest in civic engagement and provided her first insights into how impactful youth-driven projects can be.
Rising Through the Ranks of Leadership
In 2021, Maria took on a more active role in Gutenberg, beginning in the Human Resources department. Over the years, she has climbed through the organization’s ranks, becoming a department mentor and a Board Advisory Member. In these roles, she has overseen important projects and provided guidance to younger members, fostering the next generation of youth leaders within the organization. Her leadership in the 2023 edition of the Summer School was one of her most fulfilling experiences, marking a full-circle moment from participant to project coordinator.
Empowering Youth Through Civic Monitoring and Beyond
Beyond the Summer School, Maria has also been involved in projects like „EYE on EU,” an Erasmus+ initiative focused on civic monitoring. This project engaged high school and university students in researching the use of public funds, promoting transparency and democratic participation. The experience not only educated the students but also empowered them to become more active citizens, a mission Maria deeply supports.
Currently, Maria is part of a student exchange program between Romania and Spain, where she helps organize activities that bridge cultural and academic experiences for students from both countries.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Civic Leaders
Maria’s passion for civic engagement is fueled by her desire to motivate other young people. She sees immense potential in today’s youth and believes that with the right encouragement, they can create real change in their communities. Her advice to those not yet involved? Start small and recognize the impact you can have. Maria’s story serves as a testament to the power of youth involvement and the lasting effects of community-driven projects.
Through her leadership and dedication, Maria Bednar continues to inspire and guide young people, ensuring that the torch of civic engagement remains bright for future generations.
EYE on EU – Erasmus+ Youth Participation Project – Youth Mobility @ Bruxelles, 09.2024
The Gutenberg Summer School & National Network Meeting, Cluj-Napoca, 07.2023
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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).