The mobility is based on non-formal education and learning-by-doing. Instead of lectures, participants will learn through experience, collaboration and reflection. You can expect a mix of:

• story circles and guided reflection spaces, where participants share experiences in a safe and respectful environment;
• thematic workshops on advocacy, youth participation and media literacy;
• creative labs (audio, video, text, visual storytelling) focused on real topics chosen by the group;
• meetings or visits with local organisations and initiatives from Cluj-Napoca;
• teamwork on simple awareness or advocacy ideas that can be continued at local level;
• moments to discover the city, connect informally and build an international community of young storytellers.

The exact schedule may change depending on the needs of the group, but the goal is always the same: to help participants understand how their stories can become tools for change.

By the end of the mobility, participants are expected to:

• understand storytelling as a tool for civic engagement, inclusion and digital advocacy;
• have developed at least one personal or collective story linked to a social issue;
• feel more confident to speak in public and to express opinions in front of different audiences;
• know basic steps for planning small campaigns or community actions around their stories;
• improve key competences such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and intercultural understanding;
• become part of the wider STORY-ACT network and contribute to the project’s digital storytelling campaign (podcasts, videos, blog posts, social media content).

The skills and experiences gained in Cluj-Napoca can be used later in school, volunteering, youth projects, work or everyday life.

Participants are selected by the four partner organisations of STORY-ACT:

• ANGA – Austria
• Asociația pentru Relații Culturale (ARC) – Romania
• Deneyimsel Eğitim Merkezi – Türkiye
• Asociación Deportiva y Cultural Entrejuegos – Spain

Calls for participants, application forms and deadlines will be published on the partners’ websites and social media channels. Selection will be based on motivation, relevance to the topic and the aim to create a diverse, balanced group.

After the mobility in Cluj-Napoca, participants are encouraged to:
• organise small storytelling or discussion sessions in their communities;
• stay connected with other participants and support each other’s initiatives;
• contribute stories and reflections to the STORY-ACT digital campaign, helping more young people across Europe to be seen and heard.

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Accommodation in Cluj-Napoca 🏡
Strada Colonia Borhanci 2, Cluj-Napoca

The accommodation in Cluj-Napoca will be a comfortable, home-like base for all participants during the mobility. The house is located on Strada Colonia Borhanci 2 and is organised on three levels, offering a good balance between privacy and community life.

Rooms & facilities

• Bedrooms are organised in shared rooms of two people, supporting team-building while still offering enough space for rest and privacy.

• The house has several bathrooms, so facilities are shared only within small groups.

• There are two fully equipped kitchens (cooker, fridge, basic utensils and cookware) that can be used by participants to prepare meals.

• Common areas provide space for informal meetings, reflection, games or simply relaxing after the daily programme.

Meals & shared cooking
Breakfast and dinner will be prepared in the accommodation by the participants themselves, using a common food budget provided to each national group. This is not only a practical arrangement, but also:

• a chance to cooperate in small teams and practise everyday life skills;

• an opportunity for cultural exchange, as participants can propose simple recipes from their countries and cook together;

• a relaxed moment to continue conversations and get to know each other beyond workshop hours.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant near the youth centre, so that everyone can enjoy a warm meal in the middle of the day and experience Romanian cuisine in a comfortable setting.

Dietary preferences & special needs
In the application form, participants will be able to indicate any dietary preferences or restrictions (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, no pork, allergies). This information will be used to plan meals and shopping lists so that everyone feels included and has suitable options.
If you need something specific in the accommodation (for medical, cultural or personal reasons), you can inform the organisers in advance and we will do our best to find a suitable solution.

Venue & Transport 🚍

All workshop activities in the city centre will take place at a youth centre located on Strada Iuliu Maniu, in the Old Town of Cluj-Napoca. The venue is a central, welcoming space used for non-formal education, youth meetings and community events. It offers:

• workshop rooms suitable for group work and creative activities;

• basic technical equipment for presentations and digital storytelling;

• easy access to cafés, cultural spaces and historical streets, so that participants can also experience the city’s atmosphere during breaks.

Getting from the accommodation to the venue
The distance between the accommodation (Strada Colonia Borhanci 2) and the youth centre on Strada Iuliu Maniu will be covered by public transport. Participants will travel using bus line 32, which offers a direct connection between the two areas. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

During the first days, organisers will guide participants on how to use the bus and where to get off, so that everyone feels comfortable with the daily route. More detailed practical information (meeting points, bus stops, timetables and tickets) will be provided in the infopack sent to selected participants before the mobility.

Participants should pack essentials to stay comfortable and fully engaged throughout the mobility. In January, Cluj-Napoca is in the middle of winter. Average temperatures usually range from around –5°C to 3°C, and some days can feel colder, especially in the evenings or if there is wind or snow. Warm clothing is therefore highly recommended so that you can enjoy both the indoor activities and any short walks or city visits.

Unlike the festive December period, January in Cluj is a bit quieter, but the winter atmosphere is still very present: crisp air, possible snowy streets and cosy cafés where people meet to talk, read or work. This creates a nice contrast with the often milder winters in parts of Spain or some regions of Türkiye, and it will be a chance for everyone to experience Transylvania’s winter charm together.

Essential items for participants:
• Warm layers (winter jacket, sweaters, hoodies, thermal tops if you have them)
• Accessories for the cold: scarf, hat, gloves
• Comfortable, waterproof shoes or boots for walking on wet or possibly icy streets
• Indoor clothes in which you feel comfortable spending full workshop days
• Personal toiletries
• Any personal medications you may need (in original packaging, if possible)

Digital and practical items:
• Laptop or tablet, if possible – many workshop materials and collaborative projects will be developed digitally, so having your own device will help you participate actively
• Charger(s) and, if needed, a plug adapter compatible with Romanian sockets (Type F, 230V)
• A small notebook and pen for quick notes, ideas and reflections

Bringing these items will help you stay warm, focused and ready to make the most of the Storytelling in Action mobility in Cluj-Napoca.

Cluj-Napoca, often called the “Heart of Transylvania,” is not only rich in culture and history but also vibrant and youthful, thanks to its significant student population. Here are some insights and tips that participants might find helpful:

• Local Phrases:

  • “Bună!” – Hello

  • “Mulțumesc!” – Thank you

  • “Cu plăcere!” – You're welcome

  • “Cât costă?” – How much does it cost?

  • “Scuzați-mă” – Excuse me / Pardon

• Must-Visit Places:

  • Unirii Square (Piața Unirii): The city’s central hub surrounded by stunning architecture, with St. Michael's Church as a centerpiece.

  • Cluj-Napoca Botanical Garden: Perfect for a peaceful stroll and observing a diverse collection of plants.

  • Central Park (Parcul Central Simion Bărnuțiu): An excellent spot for relaxation, walks, and mingling with locals.

  • Cluj-Napoca Art Museum: Located in the Banffy Palace, offering a view into Romanian art and history.

  • Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania: Showcasing traditional Romanian culture and artifacts.

  • Hoia Forest: Known for its unique atmosphere and mysterious tales, it’s a short distance from the city center and great for nature lovers.

• Culinary Must-Trys:

  • Papanași: A traditional Romanian dessert made from fried dough, topped with sour cream and blueberry jam.

  • Ciorbă de burtă: A hearty, traditional tripe soup known for its unique flavor.

  • Sarmale: Cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat, typically served with a side of polenta.

• Key Tips for Visitors:

  • Local Transportation: Cluj has an efficient public transportation system, and Google Maps is highly reliable for navigating routes.

  • Currency: The Romanian Leu (RON) is the local currency. It's a good idea to carry some cash, as not all places may accept cards.

  • Safety: Cluj is generally safe, but like any city, staying aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure is wise.

  • Weather: December can be quite cold, with temperatures averaging between -2°C and 5°C. Participants should pack warm clothing and prepare for potential snowfall.

• Don't Miss Out On:

  • Cluj Christmas Market: A magical experience filled with local crafts, delicious seasonal food, and festive music in Unirii Square. Perfect for capturing the spirit of Romanian holiday traditions.