Sfântu Gheorghe, Romania — Yesterday, March 11th, marked an exciting milestone as StartUp HUB officially kicked off the highly anticipated “Cultural Awareness and Social Inclusion Through Dramatic Arts” training course!

After a day of travel and settling in, 40 passionate youth workers, educators, and active volunteers from 10 different countries gathered here in Sfântu Gheorghe, ready to embark on a transformative six-day journey of learning, connection, and creativity.

A Global Consortium for Local Impact

Co-funded by the European Union, this mobility project has brought together an incredible mix of cultures and perspectives. We are thrilled to host participants representing partner organizations from Hungary, the Netherlands, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, and of course, our home country of Romania.

In today’s context of globalization and increased mobility, cultural and ethnic diversity is a beautiful, yet sometimes challenging, aspect of everyday life. Our shared goal over the coming days is to find innovative ways to foster peaceful coexistence and support the integration of young people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Why Dramatic Arts?

You might be wondering: why theater? Throughout the core activities (running from March 11th to 16th), our youth workers are stepping out of their comfort zones and onto the stage. We are utilizing a non-formal, participant-centered methodology that blends theory with deeply practical, experiential exercises.

Participants are diving into:

  • The Stanislavski Method (Psychological Theatre)
  • Theatrical Improvisation
  • Pantomime and Creative Movement
  • Role Play and Storytelling

These aren’t just acting classes. These dramatic tools are incredibly powerful instruments for breaking the ice, building team dynamics, improving communication, and encouraging self-expression. By mastering these techniques, our youth workers will be better equipped to address the specific needs of minority youth, including migrants and refugees, empowering them and deepening their understanding of cultural differences and institutional racism.

Looking Ahead

The energy in the room on day one was already palpable. Over the next few days, these 40 dedicated individuals will not only improve their intercultural competencies but also build a lasting international network of support.

When the training concludes, they will return to their local communities armed with new, innovative methods to facilitate social inclusion and empower the next generation.

Stay tuned to our page for more updates, photos, and insights as we progress through this amazing week. Let the drama (the good kind!) begin!

This training mobility (KA153-YOU-3D60AE03) is part of a broader 18-month project co-funded by the European Union, running until November 2026.