At a Glance

Code for Connection brought together 40 youth workers from across Europe for a week of learning on emotional intelligence, communication and conflict management. The goal was to help youth workers prevent conflicts and foster inclusion among young people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• Dates: 8–14 February 2026
• Location: Sfântu Gheorghe, Romania
• Participants: 40 youth workers from across Europe
• Focus: emotional intelligence, communication, conflict management
• Host: Asociatia TDA, coordinating an Erasmus+ project for the first time

Asociatia TDA’s First Erasmus+ Project as Coordinator

The training course was hosted by Asociatia TDA, and Code for Connection marked the organisation’s first Erasmus+ project as a coordinating organisation.

[IDÉZET 1 – kérem Tőled] A coordinatori szerepről, az első projekt élményéről vagy a projekt céljáról, pl. egy szervezői gondolat.

A Welcoming Start: Building the Group

From the very beginning, Code for Connection created a welcoming and supportive environment where participants could connect and collaborate. Through icebreakers, group-building activities and open discussions, participants shared their expectations, experiences and perspectives. This built a strong group dynamic that supported the entire learning process.

What Participants Learned

Emotional Intelligence Through Experience

Participants explored emotional intelligence through non-formal education methods and experiential learning:

• role plays
• theatre-based exercises
• group reflections

These activities helped them understand emotions, develop empathy and improve their communication skills. Special attention was given to recognising emotional reactions and learning how to respond constructively in conflict situations.

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

Conflict resolution and mediation were key elements of the programme. Through simulations and practical exercises, participants practised:

• active listening
• expressing emotions
• guiding constructive dialogue

They gained practical tools that can be applied directly in their daily youth work.

[IDÉZET 2 – kérem Tőled] Egy résztvevői vélemény a konfliktuskezelési vagy érzelmi intelligencia modulról.

Communication in Multicultural Environments

The course also addressed the challenges of communication across cultures. Through discussions and interactive exercises, participants explored how the following factors influence understanding and can sometimes lead to conflict:

• cultural differences
• communication styles
• language barriers

By reflecting on these aspects, they developed strategies for more inclusive and effective communication.

Learning from the Local Community

An important component of Code for Connection was community-based learning. Participants interviewed local residents in Sfântu Gheorghe about:

• youth opportunities
• volunteering
• challenges
• community needs

This activity helped them understand the realities young people face and the importance of adapting youth work practices to local contexts.

Intercultural and Social Programme

Beyond the educational sessions, the project included activities that strengthened connections between participants:

• Intercultural Evening: a space to share traditions, food, music and stories from each country, promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
• Karaoke Night: a relaxed and joyful evening where participants connected through music and shared experiences.
• Study visit to Brașov: a chance to explore the region, reflect and build stronger relationships outside the training environment.

From Learning to Action

As the training progressed, participants focused on turning learning into action. They:

• developed ideas for future Erasmus+ projects
• created workshop concepts
• worked on action plans to apply the methods in their own communities
• learned about Erasmus+ opportunities, including the differences between Training Courses and Youth Exchanges
• explored ways to start future international collaborations

[IDÉZET 3 – kérem Tőled] Egy résztvevői vagy szervezői gondolat arról, hogyan viszik tovább a tanultakat.

Youthpass and a Memorable Closing

The project concluded with the Youthpass ceremony, where all participants received certificates recognising their learning outcomes and the competences they developed. As a symbolic reminder, each participant also received a personalised project mug.

The final evening, on 14 February, brought everyone together for a closing event with a festive dinner, music and informal celebration. It ended with emotional farewells, marking the end of an intensive and meaningful learning journey.

Conclusion

Code for Connection was more than a training course. It was a space for learning, collaboration and intercultural exchange. By focusing on emotional intelligence and communication, the project contributed to building stronger connections between people and promoting more inclusive and resilient communities across Europe.

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