From 5th to 12th November 2024, the town of Bansko became the home of civic transformation as 24 young changemakers from across Southwest Bulgaria gathered for an intensive training course for Youth Active Ambassadors under the project “Don’t Escape Your Rights.” The week-long training brought together high school students with leadership potential and a passion for civic engagement, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to become multipliers of democratic values in their communities.
The training kicked off with high energy and enthusiasm. Participants started with team-building games and icebreakers, creating a foundation of trust and collaboration. Early sessions explored the fundamentals of democracy and youth participation, using case studies, discussions, and interactive exercises to highlight the role of young people in shaping democratic systems.
Day 3 shifted focus toward civic rights and responsibilities. Through fun and educational formats like Kahoot quizzes, the group deepened their understanding of the structures and values behind civic life. A key highlight was exploring the “Ladder of Participation”, which helped participants reflect on their current levels of engagement and map out their journey toward more meaningful involvement. Role-playing activities and simulations of political decision-making allowed them to step into the shoes of decision-makers, while guest speakers from local, national, and EU institutions inspired them with real-world stories of youth influence in public life.
Midweek, the focus turned to advocacy and peer education. Participants explored creative and accessible ways to engage their peers, including digital storytelling, interactive methods, and one tool that quickly became a favorite—the Escape Room Methodology. Designed to make civic learning fun and immersive, this method was unpacked in detail, with participants brainstorming how they could use it to teach complex civic themes in school settings.
The energy rose as the Ambassadors began to design their own civic-themed escape rooms in small groups. From scenario writing to puzzle development, these sessions combined creativity with purpose, helping the youth turn theory into practical tools they would later use back in their schools. With guidance from mentors, each group refined their designs, preparing for real-world implementation.
The final days of the training were all about mobilization and action planning. Through World Café discussions, campaign simulations, and hands-on sessions on digital activism, participants explored how to organize civic initiatives and mobilize their peers both offline and online. They also took the lead in planning their own follow-up activities, mapping out concrete actions to take as Youth Ambassadors in their communities.
A special moment was the Human Library session, where local activists and NGO members shared personal stories that gave participants powerful insights into real-life advocacy. Discussions on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Council of Europe’s Charter on Youth Participation further deepened their understanding of the frameworks that protect and empower youth.
The training concluded with a reflective evaluation using creative tools like Dixit cards, followed by a closing ceremony where participants received certificates recognizing their achievements. Many expressed how the experience had not only taught them new skills but transformed their sense of agency and purpose.
Since the training, 10 participants have already joined ProVision International as active volunteers, supporting ongoing youth initiatives and planning civic events in their communities. The impact is already spreading—and this is just the beginning.
