Youth Activism

From August 2025 till January 2026, the Observatory will lead the initiative “Creative Youth Activism for Democracy and Participation in Small and Big Cities,” implemented in partnership with Chitalishte “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” – Topolovgrad.

The aim is to bring together young people from Sofia and Topolovgrad. Over the six months, 30 students will take part in photo missions, workshops, and two exchange visits, culminating in a youth-led festival in Topolovgrad. By fostering intercity exchange, amplifying youth voices, and creating spaces for civic participation, the initiative contributes to building more inclusive, green, and democratic communities.

This initiative is carried out within the framework of the “Rights and Values” programme and is co-funded by the European Union and the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation (WCIF). #ProEUvaluesBG #ФРГИ #PCO

From Photo Mission to Intercity Exchange

The initiative “Creative Youth Activism for Democracy and Participation in Small and Large Cities” began with a photo mission. Students from Sofia and Topolovgrad had the task of taking photos at their favorite green spaces in the cities they live in.

The photo mission encouraged participants to observe their surroundings more closely and reflect on their relationship with urban space, nature, and community.

These photographs became the foundation for joint creative work and sharing local contexts during two intercity exchanges.

Two Living Labs, One Learning Process

During the initiative “Creative Youth Activism for Democracy and Participation in Small and Large Cities” young people participated in two intercity exchanges, organized as Living Labs and designed as connected learning experiences.

The first Living Lab took place in Sofia (10–12 October 2025) and focused on meeting each other and getting to know one another. Students from the capital and from a smaller town got to exchange perspectives and work together through creative and interactive activities.

The second Living Lab, held in Topolovgrad (22-23 November 2025), built on these already established connections. Activities were more focused on public engagement - sharing ideas with the local community, presenting creative work, and taking part in dialogue with local representatives.

Together, the two exchanges formed one continuous learning process rather than separate events.

Media Training Across Contexts

Media literacy and public communication were explored through two interactive media workshops — one in Sofia and one in Topolovgrad.

In Sofia, students met with a young journalist from a national media outlet. The workshop focused on what happens in front of and behind the camera, how journalists work, and how to express oneself clearly in public situations. Through creative games and exercises, participants practiced speaking in front of others and gained confidence in public expression.

In Topolovgrad, media training continued with an experienced journalist from a local media outlet. Discussions focused on freedom of speech, how to recognize fake news, and the role of media in small towns. Young people shared what would catch their attention in an article and discussed different ways of expressing a civic position.

Art as a Tool for Civic Expression

Creative work played a central role in the initiative.

During the exchange in Sofia, students worked in mixed teams to transform their photographs into visual posters. Each group explored similarities and contrasts between life in a large city and a small town, using art as a shared language.

The creative process continued beyond the workshop space. Final artworks were later presented as a public exhibition in Topolovgrad, turning personal perspectives into collective messages and opening space for discussion with a wider audience.

Exploring Cities and Communities

Getting to know each other’s cities was an essential part of the initiative “Creative Youth Activism for Democracy and Participation in Small and Large Cities.”

In Sofia, participants took part in a guided city walk, discovering key landmarks and green spaces and experiencing the atmosphere of the capital city.
In Topolovgrad, students explored local history and identity through a visit to the Municipal History Museum. They met with a history teacher and the museum director, learned about local traditions, and saw a Thracian treasure discovered in the region in 2024.

These experiences helped participants learn more about each other’s cities and reflect on how place and local context shape everyday life.

Discussion on Civic Engagement

Meeting active citizens and decision-makers allowed students get insights what are examples of real civic engagement.

In Sofia, participants met young civic activists, including a volunteer from the Bulgarian Red Cross Youth, a theatre artist engaged in social topics, and an environmental activist. They shared personal experiences related to volunteering, culture, and environmental action.

In Topolovgrad, students were greeted by representatives of the local municipality. They also had a separate meeting with the mayor of the city, who shared his personal experience in humanitarian volunteering and gave an example of civic responsibility through action.

Youth Festival and Public Sharing

The initiative concluded with a youth-led festival in Topolovgrad.

As part of the programme, participants learned more about the initiative’s local partner - the community cultural centre (chitalishte). They watched a documentary film about its history and role in local cultural life. The festival included cultural performances such as majorette dances, folk dances, and youth theatre, as well as the public exhibition of student-created artworks.

Young people, families, and community members gathered together to share experiences and celebrate the outcomes of the exchange. The festival marked a moment when learning and collaboration became visible to the wider community, highlighting the importance of youth voices in local dialogue.