Between 22-26 May, the final LTTA of the Youth4Bauhaus project took place in Braga, Portugal, where more than 40 students from Romania, Slovakia, and Portugal participated. The project operates under the framework of the New European Bauhaus initiative and aims to encourage young people to become more aware and active in their local communities, learning how to make their voices heard in the co-creation of public spaces in their cities.
Testimonials
Below you can read the thoughts and impressions of our students regarding their experience in Portugal:
Paula Benu: "This project was one of the best educational experiences I've ever had. I really enjoyed learning and experimenting in the field of architecture; it was amazing to see how many ideas a group of teenagers can have. The intercultural night was amazing—we had a lot of fun dancing together and embracing each other's culture. I've learned so much about how it feels to belong to a global community."
Simina Pascal: "Although this was my first time participating in such a project, I immediately felt right at home. Every single person managed to find their voice, communicate their ideas, and aid each other in figuring out the perfect Minecraft world that would fit all our visions. I am very thankful for the opportunity and hope to participate in more experiences like this."
Maria Benescu: "What surprised me was the rigorous organization and the combination between traditional and digital art. There was a shift between our cardboard project and the Minecraft world that felt welcoming and natural. We managed to create a sustainable city through the 'COZONAC' concept: unique qualities that together form a delicious recipe for a successful project."
Maria Calin: "We analyzed, brainstormed, and proposed innovative solutions for Braga's river area. My team decided to give space back to the community by building parks, an outside gym area, accessible playgrounds, and bike lanes, incorporating the existing biodiversity that was previously overshadowed by cars."
Catinca Onofrei: "I loved this project; it taught me how to communicate better. Using Minecraft to design was intuitive and immersive. Although I wasn't a frequent player, everyone helped me. I learned so much from the instructors and my team about design, architecture, and teamwork."
Eliza Radu: "The visit to Theatro Circo was a highlight; I was amazed by the architectural details. Having architects present motivated us to come up with the best ideas. These projects help me develop my skills and make it easier to decide what I actually enjoy doing for my future."
Alexia Tubac: "Participating in Youth4Bauhaus was truly transformative. The intercultural night allowed me to debunk stereotypes and celebrate diversity. It was the missing puzzle piece in my life, and it has ignited a passion within me to stay involved in personal growth and cultural exchange."
Spătaru Bianca: "Each activity helped me develop a new skill. The walk across the river helped me sharpen my decision-making and orientation skills. For the first time, I could not rely solely on the Internet; I had to look around me and use a physical map to understand the surroundings."
Ana Grosu: "It was amazing to see how people from different countries connect through music. In this project, I learned how to use differences to connect and transform them into something beautiful. I made friendships that will last and learned new things about architecture and myself."
Alexandru Tane: "Working in Minecraft Education made it easy for everyone to catch up with the ideas implemented by the members. I was assigned to work in the Minecraft world and was surprised by the incredible ideas my teammates had. I found myself lucky to have the chance to participate."