From 19 to 22 October 2026, more than 40 educators and youth workers from across the Republic of Moldova are gathering in Holercani for the Compass training course “Human Rights Education for Youth Participation”. Building on previous training courses held in Moldova in 2025 and 2026, the initiative aims to strengthen human rights education practices and support the active participation of young people in democratic life.
The training course seeks to enhance participants’ understanding of human rights education and their ability to apply its principles and methodologies in educational settings and youth work. Using Compass, Manual for Human Rights Education with Young People, the Council of Europe’s flagship educational resource, participants explore and practise interactive and experiential learning methods that can be adapted to their organisations and local communities.
The programme addresses the role of human rights education in fostering democratic participation, mutual understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Discussions also focus on contemporary challenges affecting young people, including disinformation and the realisation of social rights.
Opening the event, Vadim Smîntînă, Deputy director at the National Youth Agency, underlined the importance of cooperation with the Council of Europe and highlighted Compass as a catalyst for participation and dialogue across Moldovan communities.
Human rights education is central to the Council of Europe’s commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Beyond imparting knowledge, it develops the attitudes, values and skills people need to exercise their rights, respect the rights of others and engage meaningfully in democratic processes.
By equipping educators and youth workers to act as multipliers, the course contributes to improving the quality and reach of human rights education in Moldova and to implementing the Council of Europe Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education.
The training course is organised by the National Youth Agency and the Ministry of Education and Research, in cooperation with the Council of Europe Youth Department, within the framework of the Youth for Democracy programme.
