Changemakers School: First Steps to Youth Empowerment — Bulgaria

ERASMUS+, Key action 1: training course

Venue: Bansko, Bulgaria

Please read the info-pack.

Hosting organisation: Europe in Your Hand

Training Course

Changemakers school: first steps to youth empowerment
23rd August – 31st August 2025

Bansko, Bulgaria

Amongst our aims are:

Promotion of active European citizenship and non-formal education among young people.
Promotion of European values and the benefits of European integration.
Stimulating intercultural dialogue and providing a platform for young leaders from different countries to perform.
Promotion of education through sports and outdoor activities.
Encouraging the participation of young people in society, and supporting social integration and personal fulfillment.
Supporting and promoting European practices in the field of sustainable development and ecology.
Stimulating the development of culture, music and art among young people.
Stimulating innovation in the youth sector.
Promotion and work on the creation and implementation of initiatives in the economic, social, cultural, ecological and civil aspects related to the development of the regions in Bulgaria.
Assisting central, local and regional authorities, non-governmental organizations and businesses to define socially beneficial project ideas.

Information regarding the Training Course

What is the main goal of the project?

The project „ Changemakers school: first steps to youth empowerment”

Increasing the quality of the youth work implemented by the organizations through innovative educational products and virtual initiatives.

The aim is to conduct quality trainings on current topics and meetings for the exchange of experience of youth workers, through which “Europe in your hand” can increase their knowledge and skills for working with young people and thus increase the capacity of the Association and partner organizations and the quality of the offered youth activities and services.

Youth workers must follow new trends in the sector, train and qualify in order to learn new methods and skills for working with young people. An important highlight of the results of the activities under this goal is the sharing and exchange of good practices in search of the new – the educational dynamics dictated by the technological needs of young people, thereby contributing to the technological development of the EU. By realizing this goal, “Europe in your hand” will meet the need for updating methods of working with youth.

When will the project take place?

Participants’ Arrival day: 23^th of August 2025 in Sofia

Start of the program: 24^th of August 2025 in Bansko

End of the program: 31^th of August 2025

Departure day: 31^st of August 2025 going back to Sofia

Project report:

From 24th to 31st August 2025, the youth exchange Changemakers School: First Steps to Youth Empowerment took place in Bansko, Bulgaria. The project, hosted by the Bulgarian NGO Europe in Your Hand, gathered young participants from Bulgaria, Czechia, Italy and North Macedonia.

The main aim of the exchange was to increase the quality of youth work through innovative educational activities and to empower young people to become active citizens and changemakers in their own communities. The programme focused on sharing good practices, developing new skills and competences, and fostering intercultural dialogue among young Europeans. Throughout the week, participants were involved in workshops, interactive games, discussions and group projects that encouraged them to reflect on the challenges facing today’s youth and to explore creative approaches to solving them. These activities were designed in the spirit of non-formal education and offered many opportunities to strengthen leadership, communication and teamwork.

An important part of the exchange were intercultural evenings, during which participants presented their countries and cultures in creative and interactive ways. This contributed to building mutual understanding, respect and solidarity across borders. Outdoor activities and excursions also played a role in creating a strong group spirit, allowing participants to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Bansko and to experience Bulgarian culture and hospitality first-hand.

The project objectives were achieved thanks to a combination of high-quality educational content, active participation and a collaborative atmosphere. Peer-to-peer learning, creative teamwork and guided reflection ensured that everyone contributed to the outcomes and left with practical ideas on how to apply the principles of empowerment and active citizenship at home.

As a result of the exchange, participants not only improved their competences in communication, intercultural dialogue and teamwork, but also deepened their knowledge of non-formal education methods and gained practical experience in designing and implementing group initiatives. At the same time, the project motivated them to engage more actively in their communities and strengthened their sense of belonging to a wider European network of young people.

The Changemakers School proved to be a truly inspiring and enriching experience. It showed how youth exchanges can empower young people to become more confident, creative and socially responsible, while at the same time building friendships and connections that go far beyond the project itself. The impact of this exchange will continue to resonate in the personal lives of the participants as well as in their future contributions to society.

Alice Ch.

II.

From the moment we arrived in the charming town of Bansko, this Erasmus Training Course became more than just a project – it turned into a shared journey of learning, creativity, and connection.

On 23.08 and 24.08, participants from across Europe started to arrive. These days were filled with excitement, first introductions, and the anticipation of what was about to begin. We got to know each other, settled into our surroundings, and built the first bridges of friendship that would grow stronger in the days ahead.

On 25.08, our program officially began with energy and purpose. We kicked things off with a decision-making process in action. Each of us had to raise our voices, defend our opinions, and listen to perspectives different from our own. Through lively discussions and thoughtful reflections, we discovered new ways of seeing important topics, while learning how diverse communities approach the same challenges.

On 26.08, we continued to climb the ladder of empowerment. By looking at examples of youth initiatives, activities, and organisations, we brainstormed together how they could be transformed and improved. We reflected on the idea that empowerment comes with participation, and participation requires giving people Rights, Means, Space, Opportunities, and Support. This day set a strong foundation for understanding how change can happen in practice.

The 27.08 was a day of both celebration and knowledge. We marked the birthday of Alice, our wonderful Czech participant, which brought joy and togetherness to the group. At the same time, we deepened our understanding of European institutions by exploring the differences between the Council of the EU, the European Council, and the Council of Europe. This knowledge led us into the Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life – a key tool for shaping youth involvement. Later, we took a peaceful Socrates walk in nature, reflecting on what “empowerment” means to each of us and identifying the people who had empowered us in our changemaker journeys. The day ended with a cultural evening full of exchange, where we learned about each other’s countries and enjoyed international cuisine together.

On 28.08, we focused on the 5 Ws of empowerment – What, Why, When, Where, and Who. By answering these questions, we gained a clearer understanding of how empowerment works in both personal and social contexts. We also explored how activism can be a tool for empowerment, giving us strength to stand for ourselves and inspire others.

On 29.08, creativity and activism merged into what we called (Cre)Activism. Through art, storytelling, theatre, and video-making, we expressed our voices in unique and powerful ways. The highlight of the day was the Bansko Activism Film Festival, where we presented short videos asking important questions about youth empowerment. This was a space of expression, courage, and innovation. The day closed with sharing our strategies for the future – practical steps we want to take back home to empower young people in our own communities.

After such an intense and transformative week, 30.08 was dedicated to relaxation and culture. We visited the magnificent Rila Monastery, immersing ourselves in its history and spiritual atmosphere. Later, we enjoyed the thermal waters in Banya, recharging both body and mind. It was the perfect way to reflect on everything we had experienced and learned.

Finally, on 31.08, it was time to say goodbye. Though we left Bansko physically, we carried with us much more than just knowledge – we took home friendships, unforgettable memories, a renewed sense of purpose, and the inspiration to keep empowering young people in our own countries.

This Training Course was not just about learning, it was about living empowerment, experiencing diversity, and co-creating strategies for a brighter, more participatory future. Bansko became our classroom, our meeting point, and our source of inspiration.

Europe in Your Hand