„Youth, Rights & Europe: Empowering Youth Work through EU Fundamental Rights”
We are delighted to share with you this info pack for the training course, which will bring together youth workers, educators, and youth leaders from across Europe for a unique learning experience. Taking place in Struga, North Macedonia, from 25 to 30 August 2025, this course is designed to strengthen your understanding of EU fundamental rights and explore how these values can be applied in youth work practice. Through a rich program of non-formal education, collaboration, and exchange, we aim to inspire active citizenship, foster inclusion, and equip participants with practical tools to empower young people in their communities.
Course Overview
What role do fundamental rights play in the daily lives of young people? How can youth workers and educators use the values of the European Union to promote inclusion, participation, and equality in their communities?
“Youth, Rights & Europe: Empowering Youth Work through EU Fundamental Rights” training course is designed for youth workers, educators, youth leaders, and NGO professionals who want to better understand the core values of the EU, such as dignity, equality, justice, freedom, and participation, and apply them in their work with young people.
About the Programme and Objectives
Over the course of 6 days, participants will explore how fundamental rights are not just abstract principles but practical tools that can guide and strengthen youth work. Through engaging workshops, discussions, and group activities, we’ll unpack key concepts like non-discrimination, youth participation, and inclusion, and connect them to the real challenges faced by young people today.
Together, we will:
- Discover how the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights shapes policy and daily life in Europe
- Reflect on how to promote and protect rights in youth work settings
- Learn about the EU Youth Strategy and European Youth Goals
- Share experiences and best practices from different countries
- Create practical tools and educational materials to bring back to your organizations
Methodology
The course uses non-formal education methods, with an emphasis on peer learning, creative approaches, and hands-on activities. There will be a balance of short presentations, group work, role plays, and collaborative creation of new tools and resources.
Project Results
This training course aims to produce tangible and transferable results that will strengthen youth work practices across Europe and promote the integration of EU fundamental rights into local, national, and international youth initiatives. At the end of the training, participants will gain a solid understanding of EU fundamental rights and take home practical tools and ideas they can immediately apply in their youth work.
All participants will receive access to preparatory resources before the training and post-course materials afterward, including useful readings, links, and examples of best practice.
Upon successful completion of the training, each participant will also receive a detailed Youthpass certificate, documenting their learning outcomes and competences developed during the course, in accordance with the Key Competences for Lifelong Learning.
About the Organizers
This training course is organized under the Erasmus+ Youth Accreditation, with support from the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme.
The European Institute Foundation (EIF – Fundacja Instytut Europejski) is the coordinator of this initiative. With 20 years of experience, EIF is a well-established organization committed to strengthening civic engagement, youth participation, and European integration. EIF’s origins date back to the Polish Youth Council (2003–2005), the first attempt in Poland to create a collaborative forum for youth and student organizations.
Today, EIF promotes non-formal education, active citizenship, intercultural dialogue, and democratic values by organizing youth exchanges, training courses, public debates, and educational programs. The Foundation also supports volunteering, internships, and teacher training, and plays an active role in managing international cooperation projects across Europe.
As the project coordinator, EIF is responsible for the overall design and implementation of the training, including partner coordination, educational content development, and dissemination.
For more information, visit: www.instytuteuropejski.pl
The European Institute Foundation is pleased to collaborate with its partner AMPERSAND, based in Skopje, North Macedonia. AMPERSAND is a center for the development of skills and competences, dedicated to advancing non-formal education for both youth and adults.
The organization works to empower individuals through innovative, learner-centered approaches, aiming to bridge the gap between formal education and practical, hands-on learning. AMPERSAND engages in partnerships with public institutions and VET providers, and promotes inclusive, accessible learning opportunities that foster personal growth and social transformation.
For more information, visit: www.ampersand.mk
Course Facilitator
The course will be facilitated by Luiza Czajkowska, a highly experienced non-formal education trainer and facilitator. She works with universities, NGOs, businesses, and independent professionals to design and deliver tailored, human-centered educational experiences.
With over two decades of experience in the education and training sector, Luiza has developed a strong reputation for creating meaningful learning environments that foster dialogue, critical thinking, and personal growth. Her approach is grounded in connection and empathy, focusing on practical impact rather than theory alone.
Luiza has implemented over a hundred educational projects at both national and international levels and has been involved in various civil society networks. She previously served as President and board member of the European Co-operation Centre in Krakow, where she coordinated international partnerships and public engagement initiatives.
Her international experience includes research and fieldwork in West Africa and South America, participation in the International Human Rights Training Program in Montreal (in collaboration with Equitas and McGill University), and project delivery across nearly all European countries, as well as Canada and Israel.
Luiza holds a Master’s degree in Political, Regional and Cultural Studies from the Jagiellonian University and served for five years as an external expert for the British Council, reviewing Erasmus+ applications in the UK. Since 2015, she has led Creative Training Design, a consultancy focused on innovation in non-formal education, entrepreneurship, and intercultural learning
Resource Person
Piotr Uhma is the Co-founder and President of the European Institute Foundation and an experienced expert in international law, human rights, and civic education. He holds a doctorate in law from the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, where he also completed postgraduate studies in company law at the University of Warsaw.
Dr. Uhma is a legal advisor, a member of the District Chamber of Legal Advisors, and a lecturer in international law at the Institute of Law and Economics of the Pedagogical University of the National Education Commission in Krakow. Between 2015 and 2019, he also lectured at the Krakow Academy of Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski.
With several years of experience in project management and leadership in non-governmental organizations, Dr. Uhma has coordinated educational and training initiatives for professionals and youth across the European Union, the Eastern Partnership region, and beyond.
Before his academic career, he served as Chief Good-Governance Specialist for the OSCE Mission in Skopje and Chief Human Rights Specialist for the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. He also worked as Director of the Corporate Communication Office at PSE Operator SA, the Polish national electricity company.
He has been invited as a speaker, expert, and consultant at numerous international conferences in cities such as Prague, Sydney, Jakarta, Strasbourg, Vienna, Amman, Nairobi, Denver, Seoul, and Granada, among others.
Project Manager
Zofia Dźwigała is a Project Specialist with a strong background in European Studies, having graduated from the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Warsaw. She has participated in multiple Erasmus+ training courses and brings both academic insight and hands-on experience in international project work.
Zofia specializes in securing EU funding for research, development, and innovation projects, including programs such as Horizon Europe, the Cohesion Fund, and the European Regional Development Fund. In her current role, she analyzes EU and national regulations on state aid and funding procedures, and collaborates with research institutions, scientists, and NGOs to support their application and implementation processes.
Her academic interests align closely with her professional work; her bachelor’s thesis focused on the impact of the Erasmus+ program on personal and professional development. Passionate about European integration and mobility, Zofia aspires to further her career within European institutions, promoting cross-border cooperation and innovation
About Struga, North Macedonia
Struga is a picturesque town located in the southwest of North Macedonia, nestled on the shores of the renowned Lake Ohrid—one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is bisected by the Black Drim River, which flows directly through its center and into the lake, giving Struga its unique charm and tranquil atmosphere.
Known for its multicultural heritage, scenic beauty, and cultural vibrancy, Struga is a peaceful destination perfect for learning, reflection, and connection. The town offers visitors a blend of historic architecture, serene lakeside promenades, and natural landscapes ideal for outdoor activities.
Struga also has a rich tradition in poetry and hosts the Struga Poetry Evenings, an international literary festival that celebrates voices from around the world
Training Venue: Solferino Training Center
The Solferino Training Center is beautifully situated on the shore of Lake Ohrid, surrounded by rare trees and peaceful natural surroundings. It provides a perfect location for learning, networking, and recharging—right by the water.
Accommodation & Facilities
- 20 triple rooms
- 19 twin rooms
- 3 apartments
All rooms offer a lake view, creating a serene and inspiring environment for participants.
The center features:
- A restaurant with modern equipment and air conditioning
- A large conference hall (50 seats) and a smaller seminar room (30 seats), both equipped with LCD projectors, flipcharts, and wireless internet
- A beautiful summer terrace overlooking the lake
- Private beach access
- On-site sports playground and free parking
Solferino is fully equipped for seminars, business meetings, and training activities, offering comfort and functionality in a relaxing lakeside setting.
How to Get Here
By Plane:
North Macedonia has two international airports:
- Skopje International Airport (SKP) – the main airport with the best international connections.
- Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD) – closer to Struga, but with limited flight availability.
We recommend flying into Skopje Airport, as it offers more frequent and affordable flights.
🚌 Group Transfer – Arrival (25 August 2025):
A bus transfer will be organized for participants from Skopje to Struga.
- Estimated departure time: 16:00 from Skopje.
Please ensure your flight arrives early enough to join the group transfer.
🚌 Group Transfer – Departure (30 August 2025):
A return bus transfer from Struga to Skopje will also be provided.
- Estimated departure time: 07:00, arriving in Skopje by late morning.
Please plan your return flight accordingly.
By Car:
If you’re traveling by car, free parking is available at the hotel venue.
Accommodation & Logistics
All participants will be accommodated in double rooms at the Solferino Training Center, each equipped with a private bathroom and shower. The hotel offers a comfortable and peaceful environment, with all rooms providing a view of Lake Ohrid.
There is free wireless internet available throughout the hotel, including in individual rooms, conference spaces, and common areas.
The hosting organization will provide three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as well as two coffee breaks during the training schedule. Meals will be served in the on-site restaurant, which is fully air-conditioned and equipped to accommodate dietary needs with prior notice.
Training sessions will take place in the fully equipped conference room or, weather permitting, outdoors by the lake to take advantage of the natural surroundings and enhance the learning experience.
Travel & Reimbursement Information
Travel Arrangements
Your international travel costs will be reimbursed via bank transfer after the training course, based on the Erasmus+ distance band rules and submission of all required travel documents.
To calculate the maximum eligible travel amount for your country, please use the official Erasmus+ Distance Calculator:
🔗 Erasmus+ Distance Calculator
Please note:
- Do NOT purchase your tickets before receiving approval from the project coordinator.
- Only public transport is reimbursable.
- Economy class only is allowed for flights.
- Taxi services are not covered.
- Local transport (e.g., buses to/from airports) must be included within the total maximum amount.
We kindly ask you to save all original travel documents, including:
- Tickets and boarding passes
- Invoices or bills clearly showing the price
- Travel receipts
These are mandatory for reimbursement. Documents without pricing or proof of payment may not be accepted.
Participation Fee
There is a participation fee of €40, to be paid in cash upon arrival to the project coordinator. This fee includes a group excursion to the historic city of Ohrid, one of North Macedonia’s most culturally significant and scenic destinations.
Before You Travel – What to Bring
To ensure a smooth and comfortable stay, please make sure you have:
- All required travel documents and tickets
- Travel insurance valid for North Macedonia
- Any medication or personal medical supplies you need
- Comfortable clothing for both warm days and cooler evenings
- Positive energy, openness, and motivation for learning, sharing, and relaxing by the lake!
English 
Polish