Cleopatra ARDELEAN     Anastasia VRADELI
         Marija BRKIC           Gabriela CIOLPAN
                          Elena BORCEA

                RICARDO TAKES ACTION

                          INEU, 2025

               ISBN 978-973-0-41852-1

“A united Europe was not achieved and we had war. Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity”.

                                Robert Schuman, 

                                 Paris, 9 May 1950

Table of Contents

1. CMV Ineu,  Ricardo learns about Democracy                              ............... 4

2. CMV Ineu,  Ricardo learns about Human Dignity                      ................ 6

3.CMV Ineu,   Ricardo on Youth Democracy                                    ................ 8

4.    4th Senior High School of Xanthi,  

'Ricardo on a European Youth Programme'                                     ............... 10

 5.  High school Konjščina, Ricardo learns about Fredom            ...............12

6. CMV Ineu, Ricardo learns about Fairness                                   ............... 14  

7.  CMV Ineu, 'Ricardo's Awakening'                                                 ............... 16

8. Liceul Tehnologic “ Lazar Edeleanu” Navodari 

       Liceul “Pontus Euxinus” Lumina      

Ricardo learns about Inclusion                                                        ................. 18

9. CMV Ineu Ricardo learns about equality                                  .................. 20

10.  Photo Gallery                                                                                 ................. 22

Introduction

'Ricardo takes Action' is a sequel to the story created by our team last year within the project 'Vote4Democracy Ambassadors'.

This year, within the project 'EPASsionates', Ricardo takes part in different participatory democratic activities in the European Union because he intends to become an active citizen of the European Union.

Chapter 1. Ricardo learns about Democracy

                            - Democracy - 

This year, Ricardo joined a school exchange program that focused on understanding democracy in everyday life. Students from different countries came together to discuss freedom, rights, and responsibilities.

At first, Ricardo thought democracy was only about voting in elections. But as he listened to others and shared his views, he discovered it was much more. He heard stories of young people standing up for change, joining debates, and participating in their communities. Some ideas were very different from his own, and sometimes debates became intense. But Ricardo stayed open-minded and respectful.

He realized that democracy is not about everyone thinking the same – it’s about everyone having the chance to be heard.

Back in his own town, Ricardo started a student council at his school. He encouraged his classmates to speak up about issues that mattered to them – from school lunches to the environment. It wasn’t always easy, and not everyone agreed, but they learned to listen, vote, and make fair decisions together.

Through this experience, Ricardo understood that democracy is not just a system – it’s a way of life. It means taking part, speaking up, and respecting others. And as an active citizen, he knew it was his duty to help democracy grow by living it every day.

Ionuț PUȘCAȘ, 'Colegiul Mihai Viteazul' Ineu

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Chapter 2. Ricardo learns about Human Dignity

                          - Human Dignity -

This year, Ricardo joined a European youth program where he met a lot of different people from other countries and talked about equality and diversity.

Although Ricardo felt nervous on the first day, he eventually got more confident in his approach. He made some really deep bonds with some of the participants when they exchanged some personal details. Ricardo learned about self-loathing and how this emotion was really detrimental to a person's mentality. These actions really made Ricardo's emotions stir. He decided that people should know the fact that that they aren't a mistake and are worth living. 

So, when he returned to his home country, he decided to create a small event in his hometown for people who are depressed. Ricardo tried to show these people that they aren't mistakes and are, in fact, good at many things.

Through this experience, Ricardo learned about human worth and, as an active European citizen, he should at least try to make people see that life is a great virtue.

Marius IERCAN, Colegiul 'Mihai Viteazul' Ineu

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Chapter 4. Ricardo on Youth Democracy

                            - Solidarity -

This year Ricardo was interested in learning about civic engagement, so he joined a democratic project for young people. At first, he didn't think that his voice would matter, but soon he realised that even small ideas can lead to big changes.

in a mock town council, Ricardo suggested creating more green spaces. Working with others he saw that participatory democracy brought about solidarity in everyone and 

helped shape the local community.

Back home he organized a youth social media where young people could share ideas for a better future.

Ricardo learned that being active, listening and speaking up are all part of making democracy work.

Daria STANCIU, Colegiul 'Mihai Viteazul' Ineu

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Chapter 4. Ricardo on a European Youth 

Programme                        - Tolerance-

This year, Ricardo joined a European youth programme that brought together young people from across the EU to talk about diversity and respect. 

At first, Ricardo found it hard to connect with others who had different cultures, beliefs, and opinions. Some discussions got tense. But instead of turning away, Ricardochose to listen and learn. He realized that tolerance doesn't mean agreeing with everyone - it means respecting their right to be different.

Back home, he organized a small event in 

his town where people from different 

backgrounds could share their stories. The conversations were honest and sometimes difficult - but also full of understanding.

Through this experience, Ricardo saw that tolerance is a powerful tool for peace and unity. And as an active European citizen, he knew it was his job to keep choosing it every day. 

Myrto and Chryssa, 4th Senior High School of Xanthi

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Chapter 5. Ricardo's Discovery of Freedom                                        - Freedom-

Ricardo thought freedom was simply his to have. Then, at a local gathering, he saw a street artist being told to stop expressing his views through his art. The official cited regulations, but Ricardo saw only stifled creativity.

That evening, Ricardo pondered the artist's silenced voice. He researched fundamental rights, realizing freedom wasn't just personal liberty but the right to express oneself without undue constraint. The artist's struggle felt like a small crack in a larger ideal.

The next day, Ricardo spoke with others who had witnessed the incident. He helped organize a small, respectful gathering in support of the artist's right to expression. They didn't break any rules but simply stood as a silent testament to the importance of artistic freedom.

Ricardo began to understand that freedom wasn't a quiet possession but something that needed to be actively valued and, at times, voiced, even in small ways. The artist's renewed expression, after their quiet support, resonated deeply within him.

Dorotea LOINA, High school Konjščina

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