JUNIOR EU: European project that brought together young people from Italy, Poland and Portugal a success in Ventotene.
The KA154 JUNIOR EU project, funded by the Erasmus+ programme and coordinated by the Lighthouse Languages association of Orte, in collaboration with Sójovem dal Saibreiras (Portigal) and the Municipality of Wieliszew (Poland), concluded with great success in Ventotene from August 23 to 29, 2025.
For one week, 24 young participants from Italy, Poland, and Portugal took part in a unique experience on the island that stands as a symbol of a united Europe and the Ventotene Manifesto. They engaged in workshops, simulations, creative activities, cultural visits, and meaningful dialogues with policymakers.
The project offered the young participants a valuable opportunity to reflect on the core values of unity, solidarity, and democracy, while also developing key skills in youth participation, active citizenship, and civic engagement. Highlights of the week included a simulation of the European Council, a Civic Hackathon, a Street Action to raise awareness about the role of youth in Europe, and a series of creative workshops.
Cultural visits were met with great enthusiasm. Participants explored the Bourbon prison of Santo Stefano with expert guide Salvatore Colella, visited the Museum of Migration and the Ornithological Observatory, and met with writer Luca Esposito, who emphasized the importance of storytelling and preserving the memory of places and island life — themes that deeply inspire his novels.
The week concluded with the awarding of the Youthpass certificates, official European recognition of the informal and non-formal learning acquired throughout the project. It was an emotional and memorable moment for both participants and organizers.
Once again, JUNIOR EU proved that Ventotene is a true European laboratory — a place capable of inspiring new generations to become aware, engaged citizens, ready to shape the future of the European Union
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