The three-day training took place from 2-4 February in the Ritual Hall of the Gabrovo Municipality. It was aimed at the student councils of Gabrovo high schools and the youth parliament. Its aim was to increase the opportunities for impact and self-management of young people, as well as to increase motivation for activity and participation in the life of the city.
Guests at the event were members of the Sofia Student Council who presented their structure, activities and good practices. They talked about their successes and failures, gave examples and encouraged the young people of Gabrovo not to give up on the road to their dreams and to work together. Colleagues from the International Youth Center Pernik helped in the training by explaining the concept of youth participation and engagement, as well as in group work. A representative of the project "Place out!", whose partner is the Municipality of Gabrovo, presented opportunities for trainings and joint work to increase youth activism and leadership in suburban areas.
The participants divided into five groups according to their interests to generate ideas for the areas of the Youth Ideas Funding Programme of the Youth Center - Gabrovo: "Youth Leadership", "Culture and Creativity", "Sports and Activities", "Nature and Ecology", "Health and Well-being".
The last day of presenting the ideas brought excitement to the young people. They will work to implement:
- Festival of flowers in the park "Markotea";
- Techno-fest;
- Designing the space around the Sports Hall;
- Training for project development/description;
- Initiative focused on personal care;
Mrs. Tanya Hristova - Mayor of Gabrovo Municipality, Mr. Kliment Kunev - Chairman of Gabrovo Municipal Council, Mrs. Julia Vlaeva - Director of Gabrovo Regional Directorate of Education and the pedagogical advisors of the Professional Technical High School "Dr. Nikola Vasiliadi" and the Professional High School of Tourism "Pencho Semov" were the special guests before whom the young people from the student councils of Gabrovo high schools and secondary schools and the Youth Parliament presented their ideas.
Guests had the opportunity to share their impressions and advice on the work of the young people and to ask questions related to their proposals. They expressed their approval and encouraged the students not to stop working on their ideas for a more beautiful city.
The young people have already held their first meeting after the event, where they organised themselves in groups to develop the ideas. Expect them soon!
