Training Course "Democracy Lab: Exploring Threats, Initiating Change" in Czechia (Funded)

Are you a young leader interested in democracy, but unsure where to begin? Do you feel overwhelmed by recent social and political events? If so, then this is an excellent Opportunity 4U to attend the Training course "Democracy Lab: Exploring Threats, Initiating Change" which takes place in Prague, Czech Republic from 13th to 18th of April 2026. The training course is organised by the "International Young Naturefriends" organisation and funded by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe and the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission.

About the training course

Democracy Lab: Exploring Threats, Initiating Change is a training course that offers a unique learning opportunity to gain relevant knowledge from expert trainers from FARN, who specialise in education for nature conservation, prevention of radicalization and anti-extremism. By exploring anti-democratic movements, you will gain a better understanding of today’s state and how best to approach these threats. Workshops will be conducted through diverse non-formal educational practices, which centre you as an active participant in the learning process. 

Then it is time to act, in an immersive campaign-making process, and become a proactive democratic citizen! You will engage with fellow youth to create a social media campaign to advocate for the best democratic practices. This training will provide you with skills to identify themes in current political and social events and to act in your own community.  

During this engaging week, you will:   

Analyze democracy’s most current and pressing threats and why youth are particularly affected   

Examine the social mechanisms that enable anti-democratic forces

Co-create an effective social media campaign to instill democratic values and practices   

Eligibility | Who can apply?

- This training course is open to young people passionate about democracy from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Finland, Austria, Greece, Latvia, Poland, North Macedonia, Germany, and Turkiye.

- Participants should be aged  between 16 and 30  (with some limited spots for people over 30)

- Applicants should be involved in youth organisations and activism, and/or motivated to participate in democratic processes, social justice, and youth empowerment.

- Have a good understanding of English.

Expenses and Benefits

- There is a participation fee of 50 EUR for members/ 75 EUR for non-members (please contact the organisers if this is an economic constraint)

- The project offers plant-based meals a day with snacks

- Accommodation (shared rooms with 2-4 people per room) 

- A five-day itinerary packed with workshops and activities

- Travel reimbursements (please note that participation in the whole training is required for travel reimbursements)

- Your international travel expenses will be reimbursed according to the distance between your home and the project venue in Hannover, according to the following limits:

• from 10 – 99 km - 28 EUR (Green Travel)/ 28 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
• from 100 – 499 km - 255 EUR (Green Travel)/ 180 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
• from 500 – 1999 km - 390 EUR (Green Travel)/ 280 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
• from 2000 – 2999 km - 505 EUR (Green Travel)/ 365 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
• from 3000 - 3999 km - 755 EUR (Green Travel)/ 550 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
• Calculate your budget from HERE

- Participation in this activity requires sustainable travel modes (Green travel) such as trains and buses. Exceptions can only be made if travelling from remote locations, where there are no green travel modes available, and only if approved beforehand by the IYNF team. 

Timeline

Application deadline: 1st of February 2026, 23:59 

Start date: 13th of April 2026

End date: 18th of April 2026

How to apply?

To apply, kindly fill out this application form in English no later than 1st of January 2026.

More Details

For more details, check the opportunity page on the IYNF organisation website from HERE

Apply Now⇗

Opportunity Website⇗

By applying to this training course, you take on the responsibility and risks. Inform yourself about the regulation and potential risks. "Opportunity 4U" can't be held liable for any of the potential risks, and this post is only for informative and popularising purposes.