In the period between 25 March and 1 April 2026, representatives of Young Improvers for Youth Development (YIYD) took part in the international Erasmus+ Training Course “Voices of Change”, held in Granada, Spain. The project brought together youth workers from eight European countries with a shared commitment to strengthening inclusive and equitable youth work practices.
Co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme, the training focused on equipping participants with practical tools, knowledge and methodologies to promote gender equality and social inclusion in their local communities. Through a carefully designed non-formal education approach, the course combined experiential learning, intercultural dialogue and peer exchange.
Participants engaged in a variety of activities, including simulations, role plays, group discussions and reflective sessions, all aimed at exploring the complexities of gender roles, stereotypes and discrimination. The international dimension of the project provided a valuable platform for comparing national realities, sharing good practices and building sustainable partnerships across Europe.
A key outcome of the training was the development of concrete action plans tailored to the needs of each participant’s local context. These plans will be implemented in the coming months, ensuring that the impact of the project extends beyond the training itself and contributes to long-term community development.
For YIYD, participation in Voices of Change represents another important step in strengthening the capacity of youth workers in the Smolyan region and enhancing the quality of youth work initiatives. The knowledge and experience gained will be further disseminated through local workshops, events and youth engagement activities, reaching a wider audience and multiplying the project’s impact.
This project once again highlights the significant role of the Erasmus+ Programme in fostering active citizenship, intercultural understanding and social responsibility among young people and youth workers across Europe.
Disclaimer:
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Erasmus+ Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.