The SkillBoosters DiscoveringEU project was one of the Transylvanian Youth Center's flagship initiatives between 2024 and 2025. The project gave 40 young people from the Gheorgheni (Gyergyószentmiklós) area the opportunity to explore Europe by train over 12 days, travelling in teams of five accompanied by a trained group leader.

The project was built on the belief that disadvantaged young people from rural and minority communities deserve the same opportunities for European mobility as anyone else. Many of the participants had never traveled abroad before; for them, this was a life-changing experience.

Project Structure

40 participants selected from the Gheorgheni area (aged 18+)

8 travelling teams, each with 5 young participants and 1 group leader

12-day journeys by train across Europe

Each team chose a thematic focus for their journey (arts & literature, interethnic relations, architecture & technology, history & culture, etc.)

Pre-departure training sessions to prepare participants

Post-trip experience-sharing events at local community houses

Key Achievements

8 teams completed their European journeys between August 2024 and July 2025

Over 20,000 km traveled across Europe by the first four teams alone

Countries visited include Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Denmark, Spain, Netherlands, and more

Experience-sharing events inspired local youth to dream bigger

The project successfully reached young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, boosting their confidence, skills, and sense of European belonging

The SkillBoosters DiscoveringEU project proved that with the right support, young people from small communities can become global explorers, confident leaders, and active European citizens.