A creative photography workshop invited local young people to explore their community through the lens of a camera, encouraging them to reflect on civic engagement and express their perspectives visually. The activity aimed to spark a sense of initiative and demonstrate how photography can be a meaningful form of active citizenship.

The day started with a basic introduction to photography, where participants learned essential techniques such as camera handling, composition, lighting, and visual storytelling. Alongside the technical training, they discussed the concept of citizenship and how powerful images can raise awareness, inspire action, and give visibility to overlooked stories or issues.

Participants were then divided into small groups and given space to approach the task creatively. One group launched a “Humans of Ciuc” photo series, capturing portraits of people in the city and collecting their stories, thoughts, and reflections. Another group created a “Photovoice” series, focusing on problems they identified in Miercurea Ciuc — from social concerns to urban challenges.

As they moved through the city, the young photographers didn’t just take pictures — they talked to people, listened to different viewpoints, and explored their surroundings with fresh curiosity.

Later, everyone came together to view all the photos and reflect on the experience. The results were powerful: a collection of authentic portraits, honest visual storytelling, and socially engaged images that highlighted both the beauty and the challenges of local life — and the potential of youth as active, thoughtful citizens.

This campaign proved that photography can be much more than just a creative hobby.This campaign proved that photography can be much more than just a creative hobby.This campaign proved that photography can be much more than just a creative hobby. The young participants didn’t just learn how to handle a camera — they learned how to observe, how to listen, and how to tell stories that matter. They became more aware of their local realities, the challenges people face, and the role they can play in shaping a better future.

Some of the cool things we did during this workshop.

One of my dearest childhood memories from the countryside, at my grandparents’ house, in a village in northern Moldova, was the winter holiday season.

On Christmas Eve, we, “the ones from the valley” (of the village and the Siret River), would gather and go caroling. On the last day of the year (December 31st), we would go with the plugușor (a traditional New Year’s Eve chant), and on the morning of January 1st, we, the same little children, would go sowing, filling our neighbors’ homes with wheat grains.

Such beautiful times! And how happy we were to receive walnuts, apples, pretzels, and small coins!

I took my high school graduation exam, but then I failed to get into university. So, I started working with some restorers in Bucharest, and after I saved up some money, I decided to move there. When I told my parents, ‘I’m leaving for Bucharest tomorrow,’ they were very shocked and asked me why, how, and where I was planning to go. My mother told me that in Bucharest, ‘dogs don’t walk around with pretzels on their tails’ (meaning life isn’t easy there), but I didn’t believe her. However, when I arrived, I realized she was right—I had no home, no food, nothing. Luckily, the friends I made at work helped me with everything. They let me stay with them, gave me food, and I appreciated that so much. I ended up staying there for ten years, and I have the most beautiful memories. And it was there that I also discovered my passion: restoration.

I come from a village, but I found my path in life here, in Miercurea-Ciuc. My greatest achievement is overcoming my background and building a life for myself in the city. Miercurea-Ciuc will always hold a special place in my heart.

I agreed to share my story because my daughter has also participated in Erasmus projects.

In Bucharest, a group of participants collected portraits and stories from strangers, capturing not just faces but fragments of everyday joy. They went to the streets of Bucharest, collected portraits from strangers, and attached to each portrait their answer to the question “What makes you happy?” The responses were as diverse as the people themselves. Each photograph became a small window into someone’s world, creating a colorful mosaic of happiness that reflected the spirit of the city and the universal nature of human connection.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.