Youth Haferland
Youth Haferland is an educational and cultural initiative dedicated to young participants in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Romania, organised in partnership with the M&V Schmidt Foundation as part of the Haferland Week festival – the largest event promoting Transylvanian Saxon culture.
For several days, young people from across the country come together in a picturesque corner of Romania – in the Saxon villages of Transylvania – to take part in an intensive programme of experiential learning, civic engagement, cultural exploration, and personal development.
2024 Edition
The first edition took place in the summer of 2024, bringing together 20 participants from the Award community, who experienced a rich and diverse programme. They took part in festival organisation activities, craft and traditional dance workshops, inspirational meetings with locals of all ages, hikes along the Via Transilvanica, interviews with TVR, the Haferland treasure hunt, visits to fortified churches, and moments of genuine connection with each other and with nature.
For some, it was their first time leaving an urban area; for others, it was the start of friendships that continue to this day. The experience could be counted towards either the Adventure section or the Residential Project, depending on each participant’s level in the Award.
It was an intense, authentic experience with long-term impact.
It was a transformative experience. Having lived all my life in Bucharest, it’s easy to forget to enjoy the simple things. For example, I rediscovered the stars. Every evening, I looked at them in awe. I also met children from the village who came to help us with the tents. I was struck by how open and warm they were. I’m seriously considering taking part again next year
Chițea Arwen Anamaria Gabriela, 16, Bucharest, Bronze level participant
For me, Youth Haferland was something I will never forget. From the fun challenges – like when the girls served food and the boys served drinks at the ball – to the long nights talking until 3 a.m. with new friends. Everything was honest, authentic, unmasked. We saw each other as we really are: tired, freezing, but very united.
Matei Cosmin, 17, Bucharest, Bronze level participant
The days spent in Criț were some of the most beautiful of my life. I truly felt part of a community. The friendships formed there continue to this day.
Ochișor Xenia, 16, Constanța, Bronze level participant
What’s Next in 2025
The second edition of Youth Haferland will take place from 30 July – 4 August 2025 and will be held in the heart of the Saxon community: Criț, Viscri, Rupea, Bunești, Saschiz, and the surrounding areas.
This year will focus on intergenerational exchange and exploring European identity through the lens of local heritage. Young participants will have the opportunity to complete either the full Bronze-level Adventure section or the Gold-level Residential Project.
Participants will be selected from among the active youth in the Award community, who will have the chance to carry forward the stories of the villages while creating their own experiences through:
- Authentic interactions with the local community
- Traditional crafts and dance workshops
- Experiencing rural traditions such as hay gathering and cow milking
- Contributing to festival organisation
- Treasure hunts in the heart of Transylvania
- Hiking sections of the Via Transilvanica
- Creative challenges, including videos and reels
In a short but intensive period, Youth Haferland becomes a living learning space where young people discover what it means to take an active role in a community – whether local or global.
It is a place where non-formal education comes alive through history, culture, and people.
be #WORLDREADY