Bridges – Eastern European Forum for Dialogue http://bridges-forum.org is joining forces with the National Council of Religious Communities in Bulgaria (NCROB) https://ncrcb-bg.org to organize the next youth interfaith seminar at the foot of the Sredna Gora Mountains, in Starosel – a place that combines the ancient spirituality of Thracian traditions with the inspiring atmosphere of contemporary dialogue.
It will be exciting to hold the event at the Starosel complex from 23 to 26 March 2025. The project is realized with the financial support and kind hosting and partnership of the owner of the complex. “Ecology of the Soul in Starosel” is our next interfaith seminar for the youth of Bulgaria, after the successful first one held in the town of Yakoruda, in September 2024.
It is a youth learning forum of an informal nature that shows young people how to change established stereotypes and build pathways for constructive coexistence. The initiatives and projects of the partner organisations are a good example of prevention of future conflicts through intensive work with youth and children from different religious communities. In adolescence, the foundations of an individual’s understanding of the world and outlook are laid. This is the moment to lay the foundations for tolerance and to build knowledge about the religions and cultures of different groups in society. Communicating in neutral environments such as youth camps, weekends and seminars provides an opportunity for informal learning and helps to overcome prejudices.
The forum will bring together a youth group of 40 people, teenagers aged 15-17, led by 3 of Bridges’ youth facilitators, along with religious leaders and representatives from the boards of the two partner organisations. Participants will work in interactive sessions on the themes of interfaith dialogue, environmental justice, aiming to build strong bridges of friendship and partnership across religions and cultures.
Participants are from over 13 different places across Bulgaria, representing 6 religious traditions, selected by a team of partners through a specially designed form for the occasion.
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