"YOUTHLINK: Youth Participation in the Education System Processes across the Romania-Moldova Border"

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Rep.Moldova

Date of latest update: 2025-10-02

Description

Description (EN):

The project aims to address issues related to youth engagement and participation in Romania and R. Moldova. Common challenges are: limited access to participation opportunities (rural-urban divides, inadequate infrastructure limit access to participation for youth, especially in remote areas; lack of awareness or information about how to engage in civic or decision-making processes prevent stakeholders, including youth, from participating), educational system constraints (schools don’t adequately incorporate opportunities for practical engagement in societal issues of youth, limiting the development of participatory skills and awareness; student councils are either non-existent, inactive, or lack the support and resources needed to effectively engage in meaningful participation), societal and cultural norms – that are adult centric and lean towards the stigmatization of vulnerable groups (from disorganized family background, economically disadvantaged communities, with disabilities, minorities face additional stigma and barriers). The specific objective of the project is to create of cross-border jointly developed models, resources and collaboration ties for strengthening vulnerable youth engagement and participation between Iasi area and the Republic of Moldova "YOUTHLINK" project provides substantial support to public authorities in Romania and Moldova, emphasizing the critical role of cross-border cooperation in enhancing youth participation. Through a series of targeted activities, the project aims to bridge gaps, share best practices, and foster a collaborative environment that benefits both countries' educational landscapes. Support to Authorities is provided through: Capacity Building for School Management: By developing and implementing training programs for teachers, school managers, and counselors, "YOUTHLINK" directly enhances the capabilities of school authorities to engage youth in participatory processes. Training ensures that educational leaders understand the value of youth participation, acquire necessary skills for its implementation, and recognize the importance of including vulnerable youth in decision-making processes. Strategic Development Assistance: The project aids authorities in both countries by facilitating the development of strategies and action plans aimed at promoting youth participation. Through specialized training sessions and expert facilitation, school managers and student council members are equipped to create effective, inclusive strategies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the most vulnerable youth, . Policy Input & Recommendations: The insights gathered from research and the implementation of the inclusive models for youth engagement provide valuable data that can inform policy decisions and recommendations. By identifying barriers and highlighting successful practices, "YOUTHLINK" offers a strong evidence base for authorities to refine educational policies and frameworks to better support youth engagement. Importance of Cross-Border Cooperation: Shared Learning and Practices: Cross-border cooperation facilitated by the project enables the sharing of insights, challenges and practices between Romanian and Moldovan schools. This mutual learning environment helps both countries to adapt and implement strategies fostering innovation in youth participation. Enhanced Cultural Understanding and Solidarity: By organizing exchanges and study visits, "YOUTHLINK" promotes a deeper understanding and solidarity among youth, educators, and authorities on both sides of the border. These interactions strengthen educational cooperation and lay the groundwork for lasting partnerships that transcend the project's lifespan. Joint Action for Common Challenges: The development of a joint cross-border action plan to promote youth participation signifies a unified approach to addressing common challenges. This collaborative effort underscores the recognition that many issues affecting youth participation are shared across borders and that solutions can be more effectively developed and implemented through cooperation. Amplified Impact and Sustainability: Cross-border cooperation amplifies the impact of the project, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond national boundaries and contribute to a broader regional strategy for youth engagement. This collaborative framework enhances the sustainability of project outcomes, as shared commitments and resources support the long-term implementation of youth participation initiatives. In summary, "YOUTHLINK" project significantly supports educational authorities by providing expertise, strategic development assistance, and policy recommendations while highlighting the indispensable role of cross-border cooperation. By fostering shared learning and joint action, the project enhances the capacity of both Romania and Moldova to create more inclusive, participatory educational systems that empower vulnerable youth for active civic engagement.

Expected Achievements (EN): Creation of cross-border models, resources and collaboration ties for strengthening vulnerable youth engagement and participation between Iasi area and the Republic of Moldova

Project outputs: 16 experts participating in joint cross-borders actions: Studies, Development of Training Curricula, Development of Model for Youth Participation(EN)
204 stakeholders (teachers, youth, youth workers, decision-makers etc.) with improved capacity and awareness by opportunities (trainings, events) .(EN)
A joint cross-border strategy and an action plan to promote youth engagement and participation are created(EN)

Thematic information

Education and training Social inclusion and equal opportunities Rural and peripheral development

Priority: (VI-A_Ro-Mo_3a) Cooperation across borders

Priority specific objective: ISO6.2. Enhance efficient public administration by promoting legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens, civil society actors and institutions, in particular with a view to resolving legal and other obstacles in border regions (strands A, C, D and, where appropriate, strand B)

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO6 (ISO1) A better cooperation governance

Type of intervention: 171 Enhancing cooperation with partners both within and outside the Member State

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Asociația Alternative Sociale

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 993015773

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 9425315

Address: Șos. Nicolina, 700733 Iasi, Romania

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.alternativesociale.ro

Total budget: EUR 218 301.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 196 471.26

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 830.14

Centrul Judetean de Resurse si Asistenta Educationala Iasi

Name: Centrul Judetean de Resurse si Asistenta Educationala Iasi

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 948406928

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 27683355

Address: B-dul Socola, 707083 Iasi, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Total budget: EUR 50 022.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 45 020.25

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 5 002.25

Agenția Națională pentru Dezvoltarea Programelor și Activității de Tineret

Name: Agenția Națională pentru Dezvoltarea Programelor și Activității de Tineret

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 878733380

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1022601000020

Address: Stefan cel Mare si Sfant, MD-2004 Chisinau, Moldova

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website (not verified): https://www.tineret.gov.md

Total budget: EUR 106 657.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 95 991.84

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 10 665.76

Asociatia Obsteasca Asociatia pentru Educatie si Dezvoltare AVINT

Name: Asociatia Obsteasca Asociatia pentru Educatie si Dezvoltare AVINT

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 881449283

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1018620001126

Address: Ion Creanga , MD-3606 Ungheni, Moldova

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Total budget: EUR 105 381.09

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 94 842.98

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 10 538.11

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Iasi County Center for Educational Resources and Assistance

"YOUTHLINK: Youth Participation in the Education System Processes across the Romania-Moldova Border"

Partners and Projects info

National Agency for the Development of Programs and Activities for Youth

"YOUTHLINK: Youth Participation in the Education System Processes across the Romania-Moldova Border"

Partners and Projects info

Association for Education and Development AVINT

"YOUTHLINK: Youth Participation in the Education System Processes across the Romania-Moldova Border"

Partners and Projects info

Alternative Sociale Association

"YOUTHLINK: Youth Participation in the Education System Processes across the Romania-Moldova Border"

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): "YOUTHLINK: Youth Participation in the Education System Processes across the Romania-Moldova Border"

Project acronym: YOUTHLINK

Project ID: ROMD00485

Project start date: 2025-05-29

Project end date: 2026-11-28

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

The Sunshine Project (EN) | To create synergy between the current project and The Sunshine Project implemented by the Alternative Social Association and funded by Terres Des Hommes Nederland, we can highlight the following connections and ways in which the two projects complement and mutually amplify their impact:
-Focus on life skills development and resilience - Both projects emphasize improving life skills and building participants' resilience. The Sunshine project focuses on supporting refugee children in coping with challenges through a series of educational and personal development activities. Similarly, the current project aims to empower young people, including the vulnerable ones, through training programs that encourage civic participation and develop social and emotional competencies.
-The Sunshine project specifically focused on refugee children from Ukraine, providing support tailored to their unique needs. On the other hand, the current project will have a broader target group, including young people from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, including youth from local communities and other vulnerable groups.
In conclusion, by drawing parallels between the Sunshine project and the current project, we can identify valuable opportunities to enhance and expand the impact of activities on young people, embracing the diversity of needs and maximizing the potential for development and integration of participants.
(EN), STAR Project - School for Active and Responsible Youth (EN) | Drawing a parallel between the YOUTHLINK project and the STAR project - School for Active and Responsible Youth, funded by the Municipality of Iași and implemented by the Alternative Social Association in partnership with the Technical College "Ioan C. Ștefănescu," we can identify valuable synergies and ways in which the two projects can complement and reinforce each other to maximize impact on the participating youth.
Both projects emphasize the importance of active youth involvement in their own development and in the well-being of the community. The YOUTHLINK project and STAR share the objective of strengthening youth participation in decisions that affect their lives, whether through volunteer activities or training programs that develop civic and social skills.
The YOUTHLINK project can adopt and adapt the methods and approaches that have proven effective within the STAR project to enhance youth participation and involvement. This may include student consultation techniques to identify needs and interests, as well as motivation and career guidance strategies.
The experiences gained in the STAR project, especially in managing challenges and overcoming obstacles encountered in engaging youth from vulnerable groups, can provide valuable perspectives for the current project, contributing to the development of more resilient and adaptable strategies.
Through this strategic synergy, the YOUTHLINK project can expand and deepen the impact of initiatives dedicated to youth, building on the solid foundation of the STAR project and ensuring a continuous and sustainable evolution of efforts to empower and engage young people in their development and the well-being of their communities.
(EN), The Role of CJRAE Specialists in the Educational Environment of Iasi (EN) |
The study conducted by CJRAE Iasi in 2017, "The Role of CJRAE Specialists in the Educational Environment of Iasi," indicates that the duties of the school counselor are extremely diverse, addressing all areas of interest that ensure the optimal functioning of the school. Thus, the school counselor simultaneously fulfills multiple roles in the educational institution where they work: teacher, consultant in education and instruction issues, partner of community actors, facilitator of interpersonal relationships, catalyst for change, mediator of conflicts, and psychologist for students, teachers, and parents.
They are the link of the efficient educational partnership between school and family, with a decisive role in preserving intra-family and intra-school harmony, in multiplying experience, and as a means to increase participation and quality in education. In the same study, respondents (64 counselors and 52 managers from school units in Iasi county) emphasize that the counseling specialist primarily has a role as a facilitator of interpersonal relationships.
Based on these considerations, CJRAE Iasi has implemented projects and programs to develop teams of change in schools, programs to facilitate the inclusion of children/youth from disadvantaged backgrounds through integrated teams of specialists (school counselors, speech therapists, school mediators, class teachers, principals), these interventions having the effects of increasing youth participation in school life and community life. (EN), Key Competences for the Labor Market Project (EN) | By synergizing the YOUTHLINK project with the concluded project "Key Competences for the Labor Market," implemented by the Civic Association for Education and Development "AVÎNT," we can highlight how the current project can leverage and expand on the outcomes and lessons learned from the previous project to maximize its impact and effectiveness.
Both projects aim to develop the skills of young people, whether it's key competences for the labor market or skills that encourage civic and social participation. Both YOUTHLINK and "Key Competences for the Labor Market" focus on supporting young people from vulnerable groups, addressing the specific challenges these young people face.
The current project can integrate some of the successful strategies and approaches from the "Key Competences for the Labor Market" project to provide young people with a more comprehensive preparation, including essential life skills for civic participation, as well as relevant job market competences.
The experience and network of partners built within the "Key Competences for the Labor Market" project can be leveraged to expand the project's impact and provide young people with access to a wider range of development and professional integration opportunities.
Through these synergies, our project not only amplifies its impact but also contributes to a long-term strategy for developing young people's skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the labor market and actively engage in their communities. This collaborative and integrated approach strengthens efforts to provide young people with the tools and resources they need for personal and professional success.
(EN), Romanian National Strategy for Protecting and Forwarding Children's Rights 2023-2027 (EN) | The Romanian National Strategy for Protecting and Forwarding Children's Rights was created in 2021-2023 under the coordination of the Romanian National Authority for the Protection of Children's Rights and UNICEF. Alternative Sociale assumed the role of producing 2 domains of the Strategy and the corresponding Action Plan.
The objectives, measures and actions included in the Action Plan were co-designed with the participation of children's boards of several major NGOs of Romania and the National Students' Council.
Prior to this initiative Alternative Sociale was in charge of evaluating one of the domains of the Romanian National Strategy for Protecting and Forwarding Children's Rights for the period 2014-2020.
Alternative Sociale will build on the experience in producing strategies and action plans, as well as on the experience in child participation in the proposed project. (EN), The project „Victims of Trafficking in Europe: the Issue of Third Country Nationals” (EN) | The project was funded by the EC through the ISEC programme. The programme included transnational research focused on vulnerable individuals as well as the production of a recommendations report. The project will draw from this experience the research and recommendations development approach. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 480 362.59

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 432 326.33

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Study on youth participation in the Republic of Moldova
Study on youth participation in Iasi, Botosani, Vaslui and Galati
4 participations
3 Focus Group
Training curriculum„Children's Rights, Equality and Participation in Democratic Processes for Youth”
Training curriculum „Participation of Youth in Social Innovation”
Training on „Children's Rights, Equality and ... ” and „Participation of Youth in Social Innovation”
40 Youth Romania and Rep. of Moldova have skills needed to participate.
4 participations for the development and piloting of the youth participation program.
A Curriculum Inclusive program for youth participation in school processes
A Report on the implementation of the youth participation program
400 sessions of program for youth engagement and participation delivered in 4 target schools
40 participations
1 Educational Hub
4 participations for the development and piloting of the youth participation program.
A Curriculum for training school staff on facilitating the engagement and participation of youth.
A training for school personnel on facilitating the engagement and participation of youth delivered
20 school staff trained on facilitating the engagement and participation of youth delivered.
4 participations
Training report
A Training in the field of strategy and action plan development delivered
20 participations
Report on the implementation of study visits in Romania
Report on the implementation of study visits in R. Moldova
4 Study visits conducted
20 participants
Transnational Strategy for the promotion of youth engagement and participation in target schools
Transnational Action Plan for the promotion of youth engagement and participation in target schools
Report on the Development Process of the Transnational Strategy and Action Plan
Report on the implementation of public events for the promotion of youth participation in Romania
Report on the implementation of public events for the promotion of youth participation in R. Moldova
Conferences for the promotion of youth participation organized
Workshops for the promotion of youth engagement and participation organized
100 participations
160 stakeholders benefit from the project workshops
Awareness campaign delivery report
2 press releases for the launch of the project
2 press releases for the closure of the project
4 Subpages for the promotion of the project created on the webpages of the partners
1 Project communication report
5 Laptops (3 LP1 and 2 PP3)
1 car (LP1)
4 participations

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

Other The Youth Resolution of Romania 2020-2027
Our project is designed to directly address Objective 2 - "Increasing youth participation in society" within the framework of the Youth Resolution of Romania 2020-2027.
The development of participation among vulnerable youth is at the core of our activities, where we conduct in-depth studies and develop training programs focused on children's rights, equality, and involvement in democratic processes. These initiatives are designed to raise awareness among young people about their active role in society and provide them with the tools needed to become engaged and responsible citizens.
Piloting training programs and activating student councils in target institutions constitute a vital platform for the development of youth leadership and the promotion of active and meaningful participation. By selecting members of student councils and involving them in training programs, we aim to create positive role models among young people and encourage constructive dialogue within school communities.
Training teachers and educational leaders on youth participation is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the project. By enhancing their skills in promoting youth participation, we ensure a school environment that supports and values student.
The promotional events and awareness campaigns we organize play an essential role in highlighting the importance of youth participation at the national and regional levels. These activities also contribute to building a culture of active and responsible participation.
In conclusion, our project is committed to promoting a culture of youth participation through the development and implementation of innovative and inclusive strategies. Our project not only aligns with the objectives of the Youth Resolution of Romania but also creates a sustainable framework for the active involvement of young people in the development of their communities and society as a whole.
Other The National Youth Strategy 2023-2027
Our project directly contributes to achieving General Objective 2: "Facilitating young people's access to quality education and culture, integration, and improvement of various forms of learning" within the National Youth Strategy 2023-2027. Through our activities, we aim to address specifically Specific Objective OS.2.3: "Supporting young people involved in research-development-innovation (RDI) activities," addressing the identified issue of "Weak collaboration between youth organizations and local authorities in establishing consultative councils and organizing consultation procedures."
Our training and mentoring activities encourage the practical integration of theoretical knowledge by involving young people directly in research processes and innovation projects. This hands-on approach facilitates experiential learning and contributes to the development of an innovative spirit among young people.
A key component of our project is improving collaboration between youth organizations and local authorities. We facilitate constructive dialogue and partnership between young people, youth organizations, and representatives of local authorities. These activities are designed to promote the establishment of youth consultative councils and to institute efficient consultation procedures, ensuring that young people's voices are heard and considered in local decision-making processes.
By implementing these activities, our project not only addresses the identified needs in the National Youth Strategy but also establishes a model of best practices for promoting quality education and culture, integrating various forms of learning, and improving collaboration between young people and local authorities. We are committed to building a sustainable framework that supports the continuous development of young people and encourages their active involvement in research, development, and innovation fields.
Other The Youth Sector Development Strategy - YOUTH 2030
Our project is committed to making a significant contribution to achieving General Objective II - "Increasing the level of youth participation and civic engagement" within the Youth Sector Development Strategy - YOUTH 2030 of the Republic of Moldova.
The project places a particular emphasis on empowering vulnerable young people, offering equal opportunities for participation to this category of youth. We are committed to ensuring inclusion and equal access to resources and decision-making processes for all young people, regardless of their socio-economic or geographical background.
Through our training programs, we directly address the need for civic education and the development of youth skills. These programs are designed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to take active roles in their communities and contribute to decision-making processes .
Youth empowerment is another fundamental pillar of our project, where we encourage the personal and professional development of young people.
Through cross-border activities and international collaborations, our project extends the scope of youth civic engagement, promoting the exchange of best practices and experiences between young people from the Republic of Moldova and their partner countries. These initiatives strengthen intercultural ties and contribute to better understanding and regional and international cooperation among young people.
In conclusion, our project closely aligns with the objectives of the YOUTH 2030 Strategy, making a decisive contribution to increasing the level of youth participation and civic engagement in the Republic of Moldova. We are committed to providing young people with the tools, knowledge, and platforms they need to become active and responsible citizens capable of bringing positive change to the society they live in.
Other "Youth 2030 – Working with and for Young People"
Our project actively contributes to achieving the goals set within the "Youth 2030 - UN Youth Strategy," with a specific focus on Priority Four: "Youth and Human Rights." Through our activities, we are committed to protecting and promoting the rights of young people and supporting their civic engagement, directly in line with the United Nations' global vision of creating a favorable environment for youth that encourages active and conscious participation.
Initiating detailed studies to understand the current level of youth participation and the barriers they face in exercising their rights is an essential foundation for the entire project. These studies allow us to identify the specific needs of young people and design targeted interventions to address them directly.
Creating participation mechanisms for vulnerable youth underscores our efforts to ensure that all young people, regardless of their background, have equal access to opportunities for civic involvement. This inclusive model directly contributes to eliminating participation barriers and promotes an egalitarian environment where the rights of all young people are protected and respected.
Empowering educators and educational leaders to promote youth civic and political participation reflects our commitment to supporting youth rights in all aspects of social life. By involving these key actors, our project contributes to creating an educational environment that respects and promotes youth rights, encouraging them to become active and responsible citizens.
In conclusion, our project plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the rights of young people and supporting their civic and political engagement, closely aligning with the goals of the UN's "Youth 2030" strategy. Through our activities, we are committed to building a world where young people are recognized, respected, and empowered to make significant contributions to society's development.
Other European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027
Our project directly contributes to achieving Objective #9, "Space and Participation for All," within the European Union Youth Strategy (2019-2027). It addresses the essential need for young people's involvement in decision-making processes and ensuring their access to spaces that support their personal, cultural, and political development.
Our project places a strong emphasis on the personal and professional development of young people through innovative training programs and mentorship activities. Through programs focused on "Child Rights, Equality, and Participation in Democratic Processes" and "Social Innovation," young people acquire knowledge and skills that enable them to navigate and influence the world around them. This approach encourages young people to become architects of their own lives, providing them with the tools to shape their future, take responsibility for their decisions, and actively contribute to society.
Furthermore, involving student council members in piloting training programs strengthens their sense of responsibility and initiative. These activities encourage them to take on leadership roles and actively participate in the development and implementation of initiatives that directly affect them. By developing an inclusive participation model, the project directly addresses the issue of social exclusion and promotes equal opportunities for all young people, regardless of their socio-economic background. This model is designed to ensure that vulnerable young people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to the resources, information, and support they need.
In conclusion, through its activities, our project responds to the call of the European Union Youth Strategy to provide "Space and Participation for All," encouraging and facilitating the active and meaningful involvement of young people in their communities and decision-making processes that concern them.
Other Institutional Development Project (IDP) and European Development Plan of the Regional Center for Extracurricular Activities in Iasi
The Regional Center for Extracurricular Activities in Iasi has grounded and elaborated its managerial documents based on the programmatic documents of educational policy at both national and European levels. The Institutional Development Project (IDP) and the European Development Plan of the Regional Center for Extracurricular Activities in Iasi offer a perspective on the institution's development and encompass targets such as the development of partnerships with similar institutions at the international level, the establishment of partnerships at the local level in the field of education and counseling, the training of teaching staff for international cooperation, as well as ensuring equal opportunities and increasing participation in education.
Initiating and implementing psychopedagogical intervention programs for beneficiaries at high risk, such as students with parents working abroad, students from socio-economically disadvantaged areas and/or rural areas, schools with high absenteeism and dropout rates, promoting inclusive education through specific educational services, and providing support services for young people in rural areas, are among the goals of the project. Based on these considerations, the project contributes to achieving the proposed targets, taking into account the following: the target group structure of the project (young people belonging to vulnerable groups), the proposed activities (study on the participation of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, training activities for young people to participate in processes and decisions, training activities for teaching staff on youth participation, piloting an inclusive model to encourage youth participation, etc.).

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 085 - Participations in joint actions across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Rep.Moldova

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-10-02

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

83 / 83 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

214 / 214 (100%)

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"YOUTHLINK: Youth Participation in the Education System Processes across the Romania-Moldova Border"

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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