Empathy and Preparations for the Public Event
November 14, 2025 – The fifth day of the Erasmus+ mobility „From Training to Leadership” was dedicated to deepening the concept of empathy in youth work and intensive preparation for tomorrow’s public event, when participants will facilitate activities alongside volunteers from the local community.
The extended morning session was dedicated to exploring empathy as a fundamental dimension in working with youth groups. Trainers Nicoleta and Andreea facilitated discussions and practical exercises about how empathy – the ability to understand and resonate with the experiences and emotions of others – becomes an essential tool in youth work.
Participants analyzed the difference between empathy and sympathy, explored barriers that prevent the manifestation of authentic empathy, and identified concrete strategies for developing this competency in the context of facilitating activities for young people. The session also addressed specific challenges of working with diverse groups, where empathy becomes fundamental for creating an inclusive and safe space.
Preparations for Youth Activity Day
After the lunch break, the program focused entirely on preparing for tomorrow’s public event at the National Youth Foundation. The 26 youth workers from Romania, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Turkey, and Spain worked intensively to design and structure the interactive workshop they will facilitate.
Participants organized into teams and designed activities that would explore the concepts of „host leadership” and „guest leadership” – two complementary approaches in leading groups. Host leadership refers to the ability to create space and conditions for others to grow and contribute, while guest leadership involves the ability to let oneself be guided, to receive, and to learn from others.
Tomorrow’s workshop will include interactive games, practical exercises, and facilitated discussions about communication, active listening, and emotional intelligence – all concepts explored in previous days of the mobility. Participants will work directly with volunteers from DGASPC Sector 6 and volunteers from Școala de Valori, putting into practice the facilitation and leadership skills acquired throughout the week.
Felix, the project coordinator, emphasized the importance of this event as a moment of practical application of learnings and connection with the local community. The event will take place on November 15, between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, at the National Youth Foundation in the Piața Romană area, and will be open to the public interested in non-formal education and youth work.
The fifth day of the „From Training to Leadership” mobility represented the transition from learning to practical application. Participants finalized preparations for their first real test in facilitating activities in a public context, ready to demonstrate the leadership, communication, and empathy competencies developed throughout the week. The program continues tomorrow with the much-anticipated public event, followed by final evaluation and reflection sessions.
The „From Training to Leadership” project is funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program and takes place between November 10-16, 2025, in Bucharest.
