We are excited to announce the successful completion of the Youth for Democracy Youth Exchange held from May 22 to May 28 in Varna, Bulgaria. The project aimed to engage and empower young people to be active citizens and through their actions to promote the common EU values, foster youth participation in Europe’s democratic life and engage other young people to support the idea of a sustainable and inclusive Europe.
The project successfully equipped 25 young people from Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Moldova with the skills and knowledge required to participate in their communities’ civic life by critically analyzing their peers’ needs and contributing to fulfilling these needs. During the project, the participants engaged in multiple group activities, explored the functions of the EU (and the legislations in the field of youth), organized two exciting intercultural evenings and had the chance to explore the city of Varna together.
On the first day of the project, the participants got to know each other by using an ice-breaking method, were introduced to the European Union, its history and values, learned more about the Youthpass certificate, presented their sending organizations and engaged in outdoor games and activities to help them socialize.
The second day of the youth exchange started with another group activity to help the participants learn more about themselves – their background, interests and hobbies. Then they brainstormed on group definitions describing democracy. After being introduced to the traditional and alternative participatory tools such as voting, petitions, complaints, boycotting, procotting, and social media campaigns, the participants had to come up with ideas on how to promote active citizenship among the representatives of their local communities (with an emphasize on youth). The day finished with an artistic activity – divided into groups the participants had to present the European Youth Goals – Connecting EU with Youth, Inclusive Societies, Space and Participation for all by using pantomime or by filming a short video.
Day 4th was marked by the Varna Adventure Activity – after they created posters to promote the significance of youth participation, democracy and EU values, participants visited the city of Varna and explored the local culture and the most recognizable landmarks. The final day of the project was focused on the Erasmus+ Programme – its objectives, priorities and key actions. The final session motivated the young people included in the project to create sample projects reflecting what they’ve learned about the Erasmus+ Programme. This activity was followed by a group reflection and a Youthpass award ceremony.
Venue: Varna, Bulgaria
Duration: 22-28 May 2024
Countries Represented: Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Slovakia
Participants: Young people (18-30) from 4 European countries
The project is funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ program.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.