Play for Democracy Camp
Play for Democracy Camp
Empowering youth through civic engagement and game development
September 2023
Play for Democracy is a youth participation project aiming to empower young people (18-25 years old) while developing a mobile video game that advocates for active participation and voting.
The project facilitates access to democratic concepts, explained in a non-formal way, and encourages young people’s active participation while creating a video game.
The Play for Democracy Camp marked a significant milestone in our ongoing initiative to empower young people through civic engagement and game development. Over the course of seven days, 16 participants from Romania immersed themselves in a dynamic program designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and active citizenship. As we reflect on the success of the camp, here are some of the insights.
The camp featured a diverse range of activities, including workshops on topics such as: ideation, game design, project management, UX, mentor-led discussions and hiking. Participants worked collaboratively in teams under the guidance of experienced mentors from the game development industry, honing their technical skills and deepening their understanding of democratic principles.
Here are some key highlights of the Play for Democracy Camp:
Youth Empowerment: The camp provided a unique platform for young people to explore the intersection of democracy and technology. Through hands-on workshops and mentorship sessions, participants gained valuable skills in game development while also deepening their understanding of civic responsibility.
Expert Mentorship: A highlight of the camp was the mentorship provided by industry professionals such as Ionut-Gabriel Solomon, Gabriel Stancu, Alexandru Padure, Ionuț Schmidt Eda Mologani, along with workshops on civic education led by Enache Flori Ramona. Their guidance and expertise were instrumental in shaping the participants’ projects and fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration.
Collaborative Learning: Participants worked in teams to develop game concepts that addressed pressing social issues and promoted active participation, while the collaborative nature of the projects encouraged creativity and teamwork.
Community Building: Beyond the development of games, the camp served as a platform for community building and networking. Participants formed lasting connections with their peers and mentors, creating a supportive ecosystem that will continue to thrive beyond the camp.
Keep an eye out on their journey, they’re not just the future of game development; they’re the future of active, engaged communities:
Andrei-Cristian Boaje
Ana-Catalina Constantinescu
Creciunescu Bogdan
Stefania Cristiana Dinu
Mihnea Dorobat
Cosmin-Alexandru Epure
Cosmin Ezariu
Andrei Bogdan Gherasim
Teodor-Cristian Lutoiu
Denisa Luțic
Sorin Preda
Răzvan-Andrei Renghea
Amalia-Mădălina Rusu
Denisa Terchescu
Andrei Trifu
Andrei-Florian Toma
The Play for Democracy camp was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of all involved. As we look to the future, we remain committed to empowering young people and promoting civic engagement through innovative initiatives like this. Together, we build a more inclusive and participatory society for all.
The Play for Democracy project is designed and implemented by Arden, with the support of its partners:Romanian Game Developers Association, Funky Citizens, Amber, AMC Ro Studio, Bucharest Gaming Week , and is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Program.
*** The project is funded by the European Union through the ERASMUS+ Program. The views and opinions expressed belong solely to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the National Agency for Community Programs in the Field of Education and Vocational Training. Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible for them.
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