Paths to Growth: Facilitators’ Journey to Professional Excellence
📍 Băile Govora, Romania | 🗓 2–10 February 2025
From February 2nd to 10th, 2025, we hosted Paths to Growth: Facilitators’ Journey to Professional Excellence—a transformative 9-day Erasmus+ training course set in the peaceful surroundings of Băile Govora, Romania.
Bringing together trainers, facilitators, and youth workers from across Europe, the program offered a deep dive into the application of Stoic philosophy in the context of youth work and facilitation. Participants explored key concepts like the dichotomy of control, emotional regulation, and resilience, gaining practical tools to navigate diverse educational environments with clarity and purpose.
Throughout the training, participants engaged in experiential activities, peer learning, and reflective practices aimed at strengthening empathy, adaptability, and mindful presence. The serene venue, meaningful connections, and immersive content created a powerful space for growth and transformation.
By the end of the program, each participant walked away with a clearer professional vision, a personalized action plan, and a new sense of community with fellow educators committed to lifelong learning.
Youth Exchange: Critical Thinking in a Digital World
From March 26 to April 6, 2025, the quiet spa town of Băile Govora, Romania, hosted an inspiring Erasmus+ youth exchange titled Critical Thinking in a Digital World. The project brought together 26 participants from five European countries, aiming to equip young people with the tools and mindset needed to navigate the digital world responsibly.
In an era of information overload, fake news, and online manipulation, the exchange focused on strengthening media literacy and critical thinking. Through dynamic workshops, role-playing, debates, and digital content creation, participants learned how to detect misinformation, reflect on their digital footprint, and understand the ethics of online behavior. They also collaborated across cultures and contributed to the creation of a digital toolkit for responsible media engagement.
Organized by the Youth on the Move Association, the exchange empowered youth to become more informed, conscious, and confident digital citizens. The project, part of Erasmus+ KA151-YOU-000217911, also featured intercultural evenings, institutional visits, and hands-on activities that fostered deep learning in a supportive, international environment.
The experience left a lasting impact on everyone involved—an important step toward shaping critical thinkers in the digital age.
Critical Thinking – Skills for Life”
📍 Băile Govora, Romania
📅 June 24 – July 4, 2025
In a world overwhelmed by information, opinions, and digital content, young people needed a strong internal compass to help them navigate the complexity of reality. The Erasmus+ youth exchange “Critical Thinking – Skills for Life”, organized by the Youth on the Move Association, provided a meaningful and hands-on response to this challenge.
🧠 Critical thinking – an essential life skill
The project brought together young participants and group leaders from 4 European countries for a powerful intercultural learning experience in the resort town of Băile Govora. Participants learned how to evaluate sources, identify manipulation in the online space, question assumptions, and make informed decisions — skills that proved valuable both in digital life and everyday situations.
🎯 Objectives of the mobility
- Strengthened independent and critical thinking
- Improved media literacy skills and tackled misinformation
- Explored ethics in the digital world: respect, privacy, consequences
- Fostered intercultural communication and teamwork
- Co-created a Digital Life Skills Toolkit – a practical guide for responsible online behavior
🏡 Location and atmosphere
The event took place in the scenic town of Băile Govora, known for its mineral waters and fresh air. Participants were hosted at Vila Crizantema, a charming hotel with historical significance, located near the town center and surrounded by nature.
📚 Program of activities
Over the course of 11 days, participants engaged in:
- Workshops on critical thinking, argument analysis, and decision-making
- Exercises to detect fake news and analyze algorithmic influence
- Creative sessions focused on storytelling and media production
- Reflections on digital identity and personal responsibility
- Intercultural learning and collaboration in international teams
🌐 An international project with local impact
The project also focused on sharing its outcomes: participants returned to their communities equipped with valuable tools and knowledge, ready to act as multipliers and agents of change. The final result – the Digital Life Skills Toolkit – was made available online and shared across the networks of all partner organizations.