The first session of Solvers Next Gen at Liceo Artistico Basile opened the door for students to explore how European institutions work and how EU-funded programmes shape opportunities for young people. During the introductory part of the day, we discussed the structure of the European Union, its decision-making process, and the role of European funds in supporting education, culture and youth initiatives across member states.
Students were introduced to European opportunities for young people, including Erasmus+ mobility, DiscoverEU, and the European Solidarity Corps. Many of them realised for the first time how accessible these programmes can be.
After this first theoretical block, the session shifted to a more participatory format. Students were invited to take part in a practical workshop where they experimented with writing short journalistic pieces linked to a European theme of their choice. This activity helped them develop critical thinking, communication and teamwork – key transversal skills highlighted in the project’s methodology. The energy in the room reflected curiosity and enthusiasm, creating the perfect starting point for the rest of the Solvers Next Gen learning experience.