Between 12–17 May, members of Asociația Nuclee took part in two important European activities organised by DYPALL Network, in cooperation with the Municipality of Braga, Portugal:
the Partnership Building Activity “Building synergies for quality local democracies” and the Study Visit “Youth participation for quality local democracies.”

These parallel events brought together participants from 18 European countries, creating a vibrant space for learning, dialogue, and cooperation around one central theme: strengthening local democracy through meaningful participation.

Exploring European Youth Participation Frameworks

Throughout the week, participants explored European youth policy frameworks, with a strong focus on the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027 and the opportunities offered through the Erasmus+ Programme.

The activities aimed to:

• strengthen cooperation between civil society organisations and local authorities

• encourage active participation in local decision-making

• exchange realities, challenges, and good practices from different European contexts

• support the development of future cooperation projects focused on democratic engagement

For Asociația Nuclee, this experience aligned closely with our mission of fostering participation, collaboration, and sustainable community development.

Learning Through Local Realities: Study Visits in Braga

A key part of the programme was the study visit, which allowed participants to discover how youth participation and social inclusion are implemented at local level in Braga.

🔹 Synergia

Participants visited Synergia, one of the largest organisations in Braga supporting children with disabilities and elderly people. The organisation manages several public spaces and provides leisure, educational, and community-based activities, including a medical space used for diverse social initiatives. This visit highlighted the importance of accessible community infrastructure and inclusive services.

🔹 Dona Radio School

Another inspiring example was Dona Radio School, one of Braga’s largest educational institutions. The school runs an inclusive radio project that makes school breaks more engaging through music and announcements. As part of their inclusion approach, digital screens are also used to display content adapted for deaf students, showing how simple digital tools can foster accessibility and belonging.

🔹 Red Cross Braga

The visit to Red Cross Braga offered valuable insight into community-based integration work. Their programmes support Roma communities in accessing employment, cultural activities, and social participation. At the same time, the organisation actively involves young people through volunteering initiatives, political participation activities, and cooperation with student associations.

These local examples demonstrated how participation, inclusion, and democracy can be built through everyday actions at community level.

Partnership Building for Future Cooperation

Specifically designed for members of the DYPALL Network, the Partnership Building Activity created a strong environment for networking and cooperation. Participants had the opportunity to connect with organisations from across Europe working on youth participation, civic engagement, and democratic development.

The programme encouraged reflection on:

• the current state of democracy at local level

• the role of civil society in shaping inclusive policies

• how Erasmus+ can support participatory initiatives

Through working sessions, group discussions, and informal exchanges, participants explored how to transform ideas into concrete project partnerships.

A Shared European Commitment

The activities were co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union through the Portuguese National Agency and brought together a diverse group of organisations, including:

Local Councils’ Association Malta, Centar E8, Youth Horizon, CARE Caucasus, INEDNET Armenia, Habitat Association, Agenzia per la Promozione dei Giovani APS, Youth for Democracy (Georgia), Asociația Nuclee, Democracy and Law Youth Association, Danish Network of Local Youth Councils, Donum Animus, Rural Development Foundation, disINFORMED Foundation, Nationale Jeugdraad (Dutch National Youth Council), Mitrovica Municipality, Academy of Applied Technical and Preschool Studies, Euro-Med Jugendverband e.V., Berlin Institute of Nonviolent Communication, Level-Up Ukraine, Paris Youth Council, Foundation for Local Democracy and Development, Focus and Youth Center Veles, Movement for a Cooperative Europe.