The local training for the SHINE project was organised on 18-19 April 2026 in Altenburg, Germany, in cooperation with the local youth organisation Futurists Agency for a new Cultural Kickoff e.V.. The event was attended by 32 participants, including youth workers, educators, and young people from rural municipalities. The training provided a space to explore how civic engagement can strengthen the local community and empower young people to take an active role in their region.
The program followed an experiential learning approach, focusing on regional development and social participation. Using the “Values Tree“, participants explored key concepts such as social cohesion, innovation, and mutual respect, sharing personal ideas on how to make their home region a better place to live. Another focus was the “Media Mirror: Seeing Ourselves in the News” session, where the group critically examined media portrayals of Eastern Germany and developed alternative narratives to promote more positive communication about their region.
Through the “Bridging the Gap: Youth & Community in Dialogue” workshop, participants addressed local challenges by developing concrete visions for modern and liveable communities. This session strengthened their confidence and communication skills, providing tools to foster better links between young people and local authorities. The event concluded with participants gaining practical skills to participate in shaping their future, ensuring their voices are heard in regional development and democratic processes.
The SHINE project is co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme.
