Between 10 and 16th of March, 2026, 40 dedicated youth workers from 10 different countries—Romania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia—gathered in Sfântu Gheorghe for the Erasmus+ training program “Cultural Awareness and Social Inclusion Through Dramatic Arts”. 

Hosted by StartUp HUB, this intensive project aimed to equip educators with innovative tools to foster empathy, combat stereotypes, and support marginalized young people in their home communities. 

The Story of the Project: A “Live Lab” for Empathy 

Throughout the week, participants moved away from traditional educational methods and dove into the world of dramatic arts. By exploring techniques such as Stanislavski’s psychological theatre, theatrical improvisation, and pantomime, the youth workers learned how to use expression and body language to overcome linguistic barriers and build trust.

The training operated as a “Live Lab,” meaning the participants didn’t just listen to lectures; they took center stage to design and facilitate their own experiential workshops. 

Through participant-led sessions like “The Power of First Impression” and “Together Beyond Differences,” the international teams proved that deep communication and problem-solving can occur without a shared spoken language.

The group also experienced rich cultural immersion outside the training room. Participants joined the March 15th national celebrations in the main square of Sfântu Gheorghe, traveled to Săcele to visit the Barcaság Csángó Association to learn about rural community building, and concluded their journey with a sightseeing tour in the historic center of Brașov.

Voices from the Participants: Personal Learning Experiences 

To capture the true impact of this mobility, we spoke with the participants at the end of the week to hear about their personal and professional growth. Their reflections highlight a deeply transformative experience:

  • On finding their voice and empowerment: “During this project, I became more confident and I can boldly express my opinion and I think that I can change the society around me for the better,” shared one participant. Another added that their biggest growth was “gaining more confidence and new ideas for working with youth”.
  • On breaking cultural barriers: When asked about the international environment, one youth worker noted, “Becoming more open-minded and confident in an international environment. Working with participants from different countries helped me improve my communication, teamwork, and intercultural understanding”. Another participant emphasized that they learned “how to work better in a team with people from different backgrounds”.
  • On the unique methodology and trainers: Reflecting on the dramatic arts approach, a participant shared: “My biggest professional and personal growth was meeting many people and connecting with them… Especially our trainers, who were a great support the whole time. I enjoyed every moment of this project, from fun theatre activities and mime to getting to know other cultures”.
  • On the community atmosphere: Summing up the emotional safety of the event, one participant beautifully stated, “I am truly grateful for this amazing experience. The past few days have been inspiring, full of laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments. Thank you for creating such a warm and welcoming environment!”.

Concrete Results and Future Impact 

The training week resulted in much more than just personal growth. The consortium permanently elevated its capacity by co-creating tangible, ready-to-use educational tools. The participants collaborated to develop an E-booklet on tolerance and a set of interactive “Tolerance Cards,” which are now available as Open Educational Resources for educators working with minorities, migrants, and refugees.

Furthermore, looking toward the future, the participants successfully co-designed blueprints for new international youth exchanges, tackling pressing issues like digital storytelling for cultural understanding, media literacy, and global conflict awareness.

The program officially concluded with a joint karaoke night and a Youthpass ceremony, formally recognizing the new professional competencies acquired by the 40 youth workers. As they return to their home countries, they leave Sfântu Gheorghe with a shared European vision: regardless of their origin, young people can change the world through expression and empathy.