Day 1 of „Future Skills: Digital for Life” – When 28 Young People from 4 Countries Begin Their Digital Journey
October 10, 2025 – A day of beginnings full of emotion, connections and discoveries
The October sun was rising over Bucharest when 28 young people from Romania, Poland, Italy and Spain woke up with a common thought: today begins their European digital adventure. At CCSS, the atmosphere was one of anticipation, curiosity and, for some, a little nervousness.
First smiles and heartbeats
„I was extremely excited,” confesses Eliza from the Romanian team. „I didn’t know what to expect. I saw the others’ photos on the WhatsApp group, but when you see them face to face, it’s different.”
The conference room gradually filled with voices in different languages, shy greetings and curious smiles. Andreea, the project facilitator, together with the 4 group leaders, set the tone for a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The official opening was simple, but moving. „Welcome to ‘Future Skills: Digital for Life’! The next 7 days will be about you, about learning, about new friendships and about discovering the power you have in the digital world,” declared Andreea, receiving enthusiastic applause.
Breaking the ice – When barriers fall
The getting-to-know-you activities quickly transformed the room full of strangers into a warm group of young people with common stories.
In an energetic game, participants had to find someone who:
- Hasn’t checked their email in the last 24 hours (only 3 people!)
- Has used Excel in the last month (surprisingly few)
- Spends more than 4 hours a day on their phone (almost everyone)
- Has fallen victim to fake news (many raised their hands, sparking animated discussions)
„When I realized that we all have the same problems with technology – whether we’re from Bucharest, Wałbrzych, Lecco or Tauste – we felt instantly connected,” says Pio from Italy.
Expectations, contributions and… fears
After a break where coffee and tea flowed abundantly (and the first group selfies were taken), the afternoon session became deeper and more personal.
On colorful post-it notes, participants wrote:
Expectations:
- „I want to learn to use Notion for university.”
- „To understand how not to waste so much time on TikTok”
- „To meet new people and improve my English”
- „To discover digital tools that can help me at work”
Contributions:
- „I can teach others about Canva.”
- „I know how to make cool presentations in PowerPoint.”
- „I have experience with video editing.”
- „I can help with Spanish translations.”
Fears:
- „I’m afraid I won’t understand everything in English.”
- „What if I’m not good enough at technology?”
- „I hope I don’t embarrass myself when I have to facilitate a session.”
Nicoleta then took over the discussion about safety rules and the group agreement. „We are here to support each other. No question is too simple, no fear is too small. This is your safe space,” she emphasized, creating a moment of calm and understanding in the room.
Erasmus+, European values and skills for life
After lunch, participants entered the heart of the Erasmus+ programme.
- What Erasmus+ for Youth really means
- How a Youthpass can help with finding a job
- Why European key competences are important in the digital age
„I didn’t know I could put Youthpass on my CV!” exclaimed a participant from Poland. „Now I understand that these 7 days are not just about fun, but about real development.”
The discussion about EU values – human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality – took an unexpected turn when participants began talking about how these values apply in the digital world:
„Freedom of expression online must come with responsibility,” observed Natalia from Spain. „Equality means everyone should have access to digital education, not just those with money,” added Nataniel from Poland.
Reflections and promises for the next day
The evening reflection session was the perfect moment to process everything that happened during this intense first day.
In a circle, with soothing music in the background, each participant had the chance to share a thought from their day:
„I feel surprised by how welcoming the group is.” „I was nervous this morning, but now I feel at home.” „I can’t wait to start learning about Notion tomorrow!” „The most beautiful part was when I realized that we all want the same things: to grow, to learn, to connect.”
A beginning full of promise
By the lake at CCSS Tei, the evening continued informally. Small groups of participants stayed to talk, make plans for the visit to the computer repair service, exchange Instagram handles and laugh together.
„Day 1 is always special,” reflects Andreea. „It’s the moment when strangers become friends, when fear transforms into enthusiasm, when each participant realizes they made the right choice coming here.”
And it has only just begun. The next 6 days promise to be full of learning, challenges, digital discoveries and, most importantly, moments that will remain in the memory of these 28 young people forever.
Tomorrow: We explore digitalization in the 4 countries, learn about critical thinking and discover digital tools that will change the way we work and learn.
Future Skills: Digital for Life continues daily until October 16, 2025. Follow us on social media for live updates from the mobility!
Project co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme
