From 25 to 31 July 2026, the village of Banya, Razlog Municipality, Bulgaria, became a meeting point for young people from Bulgaria and Ireland as part of the international youth exchange “Young People Shaping Their Communities.”
The exchange brought together young participants with different backgrounds and experiences, creating an opportunity to build new connections, exchange ideas and discover different perspectives on youth participation and community development.
Throughout the week, participants took part in a variety of interactive activities, group discussions, teamwork exercises and intercultural learning sessions. These activities encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones, communicate with others, share their own experiences and develop practical skills that can support their future involvement in their communities.
Empowering young people to take action
A central focus of the exchange was the role that young people can play in creating positive change in their local communities. The programme explored several important topics, including:
- Youth participation and the importance of giving young people a voice in decisions that affect them;
- Volunteering as a way to contribute to society and support local initiatives;
- Active citizenship and taking responsibility for the development of our communities;
- Creative approaches to youth engagement, encouraging young people to find new and innovative ways to get involved locally.
Through non-formal education methods, participants were encouraged not only to gain new knowledge but also to reflect on their own communities and identify opportunities for action. They shared ideas, worked together on challenges and explored how young people can become more confident and active contributors to the places where they live.
Learning through intercultural exchange
An important part of the project was the intercultural dimension. Meeting peers from another country allowed participants to learn more about each other’s cultures, everyday lives and experiences while discovering both similarities and differences between young people in Bulgaria and Ireland.
The exchange created a safe and supportive environment where participants could communicate, collaborate and learn from one another. Beyond the knowledge and skills gained during the activities, the project also helped build friendships, strengthen mutual understanding and encourage a greater sense of European identity and solidarity.
Young people as active members of their communities
“Young People Shaping Their Communities” highlighted an important message: young people are not simply the future of their communities — they are an active part of their present. With the right opportunities, support and space to express their ideas, young people can contribute to meaningful and lasting change.
The bilateral youth exchange was organised by Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services YWI (Ireland), with Association “International Initiatives for Cooperation” from Razlog, Bulgaria, acting as the host organisation. The project was implemented with the financial support of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
The week in Banya was an inspiring opportunity for young people to connect, learn, share and take action — demonstrating once again that meaningful change can begin when young people are given the chance to shape the communities they are part of.
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