National Youth Foundation

National Youth Foundation

Empowering Romania's Youth for a Vibrant Future

Fundația Națională pentru Tineret (FNT) stands as Romania’s foremost youth organisation, dedicated to empowering young people across the nation through active participation, learning, and social integration. Recognised by Romanian legislation as the sole national youth federation with designated legal standing, FNT uniquely advocates for youth rights and develops sustainable infrastructures that benefit young people.

As a full member of the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA) and now a proud member of Trans Europe Halles, FNT integrates European standards of youth empowerment, counseling, and cultural engagement into its operations, enhancing access to essential information, support, and community involvement.

A National Network with Local Impact

Serving as a national umbrella organisation, FNT connects 19 regional youth foundations to address the diverse needs of Romania's youth. Through strategic programs and partnerships, FNT actively collaborates with policymakers, local governments, and international organisations to advocate for youth issues and support the development of youth-friendly policies and spaces. Whether securing EU-backed funding to renovate community centers or initiating projects that bridge cultural divides, FNT's reach and dedication have made it a pioneer in youth development with a wide-reaching impact.

Innovative Projects and Programs

FNT's programming encompasses a broad spectrum of themes, reflecting its holistic approach to youth development:

• "EU inFORM – Young Voters": This initiative strengthens youth engagement in the democratic process by educating first-time voters about the European Union's structure and the significance of the European Parliament. In collaboration with partners from nine European countries, the project combats misinformation through digital campaigns, interactive workshops, and multimedia hubs.
• "Empowering Youth for a Stronger European Democracy": Focused on the 2024 EU elections, this project elevates young people's understanding of democratic values through debates, interactive events, and social media campaigns, inspiring active citizenship and participation.
• "Imagine Bucharest": Rooted in creative expression, this initiative empowers Bucharest's youth to explore photography and visual storytelling. Through workshops and exhibitions, it shifts public perception by highlighting youth contributions to community life, culminating in events on International Human Rights Day.

Social Inclusion and Support for Displaced Youth

FNT has been at the forefront of supporting young people affected by the crisis in Ukraine:

• "Youth Friendly Spaces for People Fleeing War": Establishing safe environments for Ukrainian youth in Romanian cities, this project offers psychological support, language courses, counseling, and community-building activities to facilitate social integration.
• "Inclusion through Art – 'Razom'": This arts initiative forms an autonomous, youth-led theater troupe for young Ukrainians. "Razom" fosters unity and empowerment, allowing participants to share their stories and build connections within Romanian society through performances that emphasize resilience and cultural identity.

Community Building and Capacity Strengthening

A core strategy of FNT is fostering sustainable youth spaces and resources:

• Revitalizing Youth Infrastructure: By revitalizing historical youth spaces, FNT provides well-equipped centers for learning, leisure, and engagement across Romania. Partnerships with local governments enhance these spaces, creating new facilities for youth activities.
• Capacity Building: FNT invests in continuous professional development for its staff, hosting "train-the-trainer" sessions to equip youth workers with expertise in community engagement, program management, and counseling. This ensures impactful and sustainable services for youth nationwide.
• "Reporter pentru Tineret": Encouraging community journalism among youth in Tulcea, this project develops writing skills and critical thinking through workshops led by journalism experts, providing a platform for young voices in societal discourse.