“Civic Shapers” is a civic education program dedicated to young people in rural areas and small towns, implemented by community foundations under the coordination of the Romanian Federation of Community Foundations (FFCR). In the first three-year stage, the program includes a common national design, investments in community foundation capacity-building, and two rounds of local projects implemented initially by five, and later by ten, community foundations.
CONTEXT
International studies and recent data show low civic competencies among young people in Romania. In the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) 2022, Romanian 14-year-old students ranked 16th out of 20 participating countries, and only 15% of young people aged 16 to 29 verify online information (Eurostat, 2024). Additionally, 41% believe an authoritarian leader would be beneficial for the country (Study Opinions, fears and aspirations of young people in an unequal Romania, FES Romania, 2024) – a clear signal of the need to develop critical thinking and democratic understanding.
At the same time, young people in small communities have limited access to meaningful civic activities, and opportunities for local involvement are scarce. Civic Shapers addresses this gap by offering practical, accessible, community-based programs.
STRATEGY
The program functions across three interconnected levels:
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National level: FFCR coordinates the methodology, provides support to community foundations, and manages two funding rounds: initially five participating foundations, followed by an expansion to ten.
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Local level: Community foundations carry out context-adapted activities: needs assessments, consultations with local stakeholders, developing and engaging young leaders, launching local calls for civic projects, selecting beneficiary groups, and supporting project implementation.
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Community level: At least 60 local organizations, schools, and initiative groups will run civic education projects for youth aged 14–25, promoting democratic participation, community involvement, and understanding of public institutions.
EXPECTED RESULTS
- 6,200 young people participate in civic education activities
- 150 young leaders trained and involved in local civic projects
- At least 50% of young leaders form or join groups that initiate civic actions in their communities