On May 15 and 16, 2024, GEYC organized two dynamic events at high schools in Campina, Romania. These workshops, part of the EFIVOS project, provided an engaging platform for students to deepen their understanding of European opportunities and express their knowledge on critical contemporary issues.
The workshops utilized a participatory discussion methodology, designed to encourage active student engagement and critical thinking. The structure of the sessions was as follows:
- The sessions began with a brief introduction to the EFIVOS project, emphasizing the importance of understanding EU institutions, policies, and global issues such as climate change and the influence of media on policymaking.
- Students were divided into smaller groups, each facilitated by a moderator, to allow for more intimate and in-depth discussions.
- Each group discussed a specific topic for 20 minutes before rotating to ensure that all students had the opportunity to engage with each topic.
- After the rotations, groups reconvened to share their insights and conclusions with the larger assembly.
- The sessions concluded with an open floor for questions and additional comments from the students, facilitating further exploration of the topics discussed.
During the workshops, students delved into four primary topics:
1. EU Institutions
Students examined the structure, roles, and functions of major EU bodies, including the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Council.
2. EU Elections and Policies
Discussions centered on the processes and significance of EU elections, current policies affecting member states, and the role of youth in shaping future policies.
3. Climate Change
The impact of climate change on Europe and the world, the EU’s climate policies, and the role of young people in climate activism were key discussion points.
4. Use of Media in Policy Making
Students explored the influence of traditional and social media on policy decisions, media literacy, and the ethical use of media.
The participants, high school students aged 15-18, demonstrated varying levels of pre-existing knowledge on the topics:
- EU Institutions and Policies: Students had a basic understanding, often influenced by their school curriculum and media exposure. They showed a notable interest in learning how these institutions directly impact their lives.
- Climate Change: This topic was the most familiar to students, many of whom are actively engaged in environmental clubs or activities.
- Use of Media: While students exhibited a high level of awareness about social media, they were less familiar with its impact on policymaking and ethical considerations.
- Innovative Ideas and Proposals
Throughout the workshops, students shared numerous innovative ideas:
- EU Institutions: Proposals included more interactive educational programs to better understand EU mechanisms, such as virtual tours of EU institutions and simulation games.
- EU Elections and Policies: Students emphasized the importance of youth voting and suggested campaigns to increase awareness and participation among young voters.
- Climate Change: Ideas included school-based sustainability projects like community gardens and advocating for greener school policies.
- Use of Media: Students suggested workshops on media literacy to combat misinformation and responsible social media campaigns to influence positive policy changes.
Students were highly engaged throughout the workshops, asking insightful questions and participating vigorously in discussions. Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to discuss these important topics in a structured yet open format. The event inspired several students to get more involved in community and school projects related to the topics discussed, with a significant number showing interest in forming committees to further explore these issues and implement some of the shared ideas.