Asociatia Timbru de Bucovina
540, Principala street, 727440 Pojorata, Romania
A practice of processes and methods
The good practice developed within the GOYNG – Governance of the New Generation project consists in using non-formal education methods to support the active participation of young people in civic and democratic life. Through thematic workshops, simulations of the voting process and simulation of sessions of the European Parliament, young participants had the opportunity to understand in a practical way the functioning of public institutions and the decision-making process. This approach facilitated the development of civic skills, critical thinking and capacities for involving responsibilities in the community.
The project also promoted experiential learning through educational mobilities, teamwork activities and the development of a digital toolkit dedicated to the civic involvement of young people.
The involvement of participants in the creation of this tool contributed to strengthening the sense of responsibility, initiative and belonging to the community. The working model applied in the project can be considered a good practice because it combines educational activities, active participation of young people and collaboration with local actors, generating a positive impact both at the individual and community level.
The aim of this good practice is to support the development of young people’s civic participation and to increase their level of understanding of how democratic processes and public institutions work. The practice aims to provide young people with knowledge, skills and concrete tools to actively engage in community life and dialogue with decision-makers, while encouraging the development of critical thinking, civic responsibility and initiative. The main challenge addressed by this practice is the low level of civic engagement among young people, especially in rural areas, as well as the lack of educational resources and opportunities that explain democratic participation mechanisms in an accessible way.
The practice also addresses the lack of information on citizens’ rights, decision-making processes and ways in which young people can interact with public institutions and decision-makers. Through participatory methods and practical activities, the project contributes to reducing these gaps and encouraging more active civic engagement.
Target group and number of participants; The project participants were over 210 young people aged 18-30 from Câmpulung Moldovenesc, its neighboring communes (Pojorâta commune, Sadova, Vama, Moldovița commune), Șaru Dornei commune, but also from the municipality of Suceava. The young people were mainly from rural areas, being either high school students (12th grade), young students or young people belonging to the NEET category.
-in February 2026, Timbru de Bucovina Association obtained the KA154 GOYNG 2 Regional project, the continuation on a regional scale (counties in the Moldova region) of the project, which will take place between April 2026-August 2027, with the aim of supporting informal youth groups in rural Moldova for civic involvement.
The impact of this good practice was reflected both at the level of the participants and at the level of the local community. The young people involved developed civic skills, such as the ability to understand democratic processes, to communicate and negotiate, as well as to actively participate in public initiatives. The activities carried out, such as workshops, simulations of the voting process and the European Parliament, but also educational mobilities, contributed to raising awareness of the importance of civic engagement and participation in democratic processes. In addition, the young people gained a better understanding of local, national and European institutions and how they can interact with decision-makers.In terms of results, the project directly involved:
-over 210 young people directly involved in the implementation of the project, more than the 170 considered when writing it.
-130 YouthPass certificates created throughout the implementation of the project.
-a project launch session in September 2023 with young people from the area and our partners from the beginning.
-2 mobilities, one in Bucharest for 3 days with 50 young people and 3 group leaders, and one in Brussels for 4 days with 20 young people and 2 group leaders.
-1 simulation of the European Parliament and the Vote that brought together 60 people (55 young people and 5 facilitators) for one day: https://www.instagram.com/p/DByQ0n1IDWc/?igsh=bXVyYWR1cjh1anl2
-10 workshops throughout the project that totaled approximately 100 young people involved. The workshops were on the themes: civic engagement, decision-making process, voting, law 544/2001, creating a map of decision-makers, simulating a protest, role play dissemination activities and presentation following the two mobilities. -creating a manual/toolkit of steps for civic engagement of young people published online, made with 10 of the project participants. The manual can be seen here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGZKPHjBgg/4rOWkfjUpZLmmlT1P44KWQ/view?utm_content=DAGZKPHjBgg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h7bf8cf384d
Organisation and practice