Day One of From Training to Leadership: Official Start of International Mobility
November 10, 2025 – The Erasmus+ mobility program „From Training to Leadership” officially launched today in Bucharest, bringing together 26 youth workers from Romania, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Turkey, and Spain for an intensive week of leadership skills training.
The opening session began at 9:30 AM, when Felix, the project coordinator from the Atelierul European de Artă Cultural Association, welcomed the participants and introduced the facilitation team. Nicoleta and Andreea, the project trainers, then took over the sessions, presenting the program of activities planned for the coming days.
Building the Group and Creating a Safe Space
The first half of the morning was dedicated to getting-to-know-you activities and ice-breaking exercises. Through non-formal education methods, participants from the five partner countries had the opportunity to interact and overcome initial intercultural communication barriers.
After the morning break, the „Expectations, Contributions, Fears” session allowed each participant to express their expectations for the program, the contributions they could bring to the group, as well as any concerns related to the learning process. This exercise was followed by establishing the group agreement – a set of rules and principles that will govern participants’ interactions throughout the entire mobility. Mutual respect, active listening, confidentiality, and each person’s right to participate at their own pace were enshrined as fundamental values of the group.
Foundations of the Erasmus+ Program
The afternoon session, held between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM, was dedicated to exploring European Union values and key European competences. Trainers Nicoleta and Andreea facilitated discussions about democratic principles, social inclusion, and respect for cultural diversity – essential values in youth work.
Participants analyzed the eight key competences for lifelong learning, exploring how these can be integrated into youth work activities. Digital competences, sense of initiative and entrepreneurship, cultural awareness and expression were just some of the areas addressed in the context of youth development.
Reflection and Evaluation
The last working session of the day, held between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, was dedicated to „harvesting” – a structured reflection process through which participants evaluated the day’s experiences, identified key learnings, and formulated questions for upcoming sessions. This method of continuous evaluation is an essential component of non-formal education, facilitating awareness and consolidation of acquired knowledge.
The day’s program concluded at 8:00 PM, after the communal dinner, with participants then having free time for socializing and rest.
The first day of the „From Training to Leadership” mobility laid the groundwork for an intensive week of learning and professional development. The program continues tomorrow with new training modules dedicated to leadership competencies in youth work.
The „From Training to Leadership” project is funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program and takes place between November 10-16, 202,5 in Bucharest.
