Experiment Teatru Clandestin - D-Contract – About Contracts in Democracy

Project Description

D-Contract – About Contracts in Democracy is an Erasmus+ Training Course designed for youth workers from Romania and other European countries who are actively involved in youth education, civic participation, and community development. The training addresses a common challenge across Europe: young people’s limited understanding of democracy, civic responsibility, and their role as active European citizens.

In rural areas and communities affected by historical, social, and political limitations, democracy is often perceived as distant, abstract, or ineffective. In Romania, remnants of communist-era mindsets continue to influence how young people and their families relate to power, freedom, and participation in public life. As a result, many young people grow up without developing an electoral opinion, confidence in their rights, or awareness of the opportunities provided by the European Union. Similar challenges are observed among young people in other European countries, showing the need for a shared European response.

The concept of “D-Contract” refers to the social and democratic contract between citizens and society: rights come with responsibilities, participation strengthens democracy, and active involvement shapes communities. Through this training course, youth workers will explore how to translate democratic values into practical, accessible learning experiences for young people.

Objectives of the Training Course

• The main objectives of D-Contract – About Contracts in Democracy are:
• To strengthen youth workers’ understanding of democratic participation, voting awareness, and civic responsibility.
• To equip participants with non-formal education methods for teaching democratic values to young people from early teenage years.
• To increase awareness of EU Youth Goals, European citizenship, equal rights, and opportunities within the European Union.
• To challenge limiting mentalities inherited from past political systems and encourage empowerment, freedom of expression, and participation.
• To support youth workers in integrating digital tools and virtual components into democratic education.
• To promote environmentally responsible practices within youth work and project implementation.

Methodology and Activities

The training course will use non-formal education methods, focusing on learning by doing, reflection, and peer exchange. Activities will include:

• Interactive workshops on democracy, participation, and the social contract
• Simulations and role-plays related to elections, decision-making, and civic dialogue
• Group discussions on historical and cultural barriers to democratic involvement
• Digital and virtual learning sessions using online platforms and collaborative tools
• Exchange of good practices between youth workers from different countries
• Practical labs for designing youth activities focused on democratic participation
• Digital and Virtual Components
• Digital technology will be integrated as both a learning tool and an educational theme:
• Use of online collaboration platforms before, during, and after the mobility
• Digital storytelling and media tools to explore democratic narratives
• Virtual follow-up sessions to ensure continuity and long-term impact
• Development of digital resources adaptable for local youth activities
• Green Practices and Sustainability

The project promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices, including:

• Digital materials instead of printed resources
• Encouragement of basic living conditions
• Waste reduction, recycling, and responsible consumption during the training
• Linking democratic participation with responsibility toward the environment and community

Expected Results and Impact

By the end of the training course, participants will:

• Have increased competences in democratic education and civic participation
• Be able to design and implement inclusive youth activities on democracy and EU values
• Strengthen European cooperation among youth organizations
• Act as multipliers of democratic values, digital innovation, and sustainability in their local communities

D-Contract – About Contracts in Democracy contributes to building a stronger, more participatory European society by empowering youth workers to help young people understand that democracy is a shared responsibility and an active contract between citizens and their communities.