On the sunny morning of July 26, Smolyan buzzed with youthful energy and anticipation. The city welcomed 20 young participants for a local seminar and workshop organized by the Young Improvers for Youth Development (YIYD). These bright individuals, including youth from rural areas and those with fewer opportunities, convened to learn the ropes of running and managing successful youth clubs.

The seminar unfolded into an engaging learning experience where participants were guided on various aspects of youth club management, such as governance, resource allocation, activity planning, and volunteer management. Alongside, they were also enlightened on how to foster an environment that motivates young people to participate actively and meaningfully in the club activities.

By the end of the workshop, participants walked away with a comprehensive understanding of how to run a youth club successfully. Empowered with new skills and brimming with fresh ideas, they were ready to implement their learnings in their respective youth clubs and centres. The participants felt more confident in their ability to manage and engage the youth effectively, a testament to the success of the seminar.

The local workshop in Smolyan was an inspiring success, illuminating the path for young individuals and representatives from various youth-focused organizations towards successful youth club management. As these empowered individuals take their knowledge back to their respective communities, they will undoubtedly create more engaging and vibrant youth spaces, thereby echoing the positive impact of YIYD’s initiative across the region.

This unprecedented roundtable was attended by a wide range of participants – representatives of local municipalities, policy makers, officers of public institutions, managers of youth work bodies, youth workers, and most importantly, young people. A particular emphasis was placed on the inclusion of young people from rural areas and those with fewer opportunities. Fostering Dialogue and Collaboration: The roundtable event was conceived with the mission to foster dialogue and collaboration. It served as an interactive platform for young individuals to communicate their ideas and challenges directly to the decision-makers. Simultaneously, it offered the policymakers a valuable opportunity to understand the needs and aspirations of today’s youth better.

The discussions at the roundtable revealed some compelling statistics. An alarming 40% of participating youth from rural areas felt underrepresented in community decisions, while nearly 60% of all participants felt that the youth had limited access to opportunities for personal and professional development. These numbers spotlighted the importance of such dialogue-focused events in addressing these gaps. Impactful Outcomes: As a result of the roundtable, policy makers pledged to work on more inclusive and youth-friendly policies. There was a consensus to conduct similar roundtables more frequently, aiming to foster a more collaborative relationship between the youth and the decision-makers. Additionally, a commitment was made to allocate more resources to youth clubs, particularly in rural areas, providing young people with better opportunities for development.

This successful roundtable in Smolyan was a resounding testament to the potential of open dialogue and collaboration. The YIYD’s initiative marks a significant stride towards fostering a shared understanding between the youth and policy makers, aiming to bridge the gap between these crucial segments of society. As the voice of youth continues to echo in the halls of the Regional Government building, the ripple effects of this roundtable promise a more inclusive and vibrant future for Smolyan’s youth.

Smolyan, tucked away in the breathtaking Rhodope Mountains, has become the incubator for this transformative journey. Through a series of strategically planned webinars and courses, the YIYD team has been equipping local young people with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to create and run youth clubs successfully.

Courses: Translating Knowledge into Action

 Once the theoretical knowledge was laid down, it was time to transform these concepts into tangible skills. This was achieved through a series of local courses or workshops conducted in Smolyan. Each two-day course involved an intensive training program delivered to 25 participants. These interactive sessions, complete with group activities, case analysis, and creative tasks, ensured that the participants not only understood the theory but were also capable of applying it practically.

 The Ripple Effect: Empowering the Community

 The impact of these webinars and courses has been nothing short of phenomenal. Empowered with new skills and perspectives, the young individuals are now making their mark in their local communities. Their newly formed youth clubs have become a positive force in the local neighborhoods, fostering a sense of belonging and facilitating the active participation of more young people.

 These clubs have also catalyzed several community service projects, from environmental initiatives to social inclusion programs, further accentuating the positive ripple effect of the initiative. The Smolyan community, which actively participated in and supported the webinars and courses, is now reaping the benefits as they witness their young people step up as community leaders.

 Indeed, the “Youth Waves Surfers: Multiplier effect for Youth Clubs” project is a testament to the power of youth when equipped with the right skills and opportunities. As we continue to unfold this exciting journey in Smolyan, we invite you to join us in celebrating and supporting the remarkable transformation that is taking place.

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