20-08-2020 11:21
In addition to the support of programmes and projects under the EEA and Norway Grants, the Donor Countries – Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein have established a Youth Employment Fund to help tackle challenges with joint initiatives across Europe. With a total budget of 60 million Euro, the fund supports 27 projects implemented by organisations from 25 European Countries. Bulgaria, being among the most active, takes part in 18 projects one of which is the so called “Raise Youth” Project. It’s a large scale initiative that joins ideas and efforts of entities in 4 countries – Croatia (leading organization), Spain, Romania and Bulgaria.
The Bulgarian partner is the Center for Sustainable Communities Development – an organization with 25 years of experience. A youth center is to be established In each of the 4 participating countries. The one in Bulgaria was officially opened in July 2020 in Breznik – a small city in the District of Pernik. It has been selected due to the good transportation links with the neighboring cities and the very good cooperation with the local authorities.
We are visiting Breznik during the final day of one of the many important courses organized at the Youth Center – a course of embroidery. For a whole week young unemployed people from the region are acquainted with the art and craft and testing their dexterity skills. The training concludes with the distribution of certificates for attendance, but this is only the first part of the road. The mentors and teachers at the center are aware that skills alone are not enough for a successful career. Follow-ups are planned to teach business planning and online trade. An online shop will be launched by the end of the year and provide a marketplace for the crafts. Additional trainings will be held on themes such as bio agriculture, tourism development, mountain guides and others. An application will be developed to serve as a guide for tourist routes in order to boost the economic growth of the region.
Another important topic of discussion are the young people. How and why are they joining the project? A crucial role play the so called “Ambassadors” – regional coordinators who help the information reach the specific target groups. These are various youth organisations, municipalities, labor offices, NGOs, etc. Upcoming initiatives include visits to the other 3 youth centers as well as receiving guests from Spain, Croatia and Romania.
The project will conclude at the end of 2021 and we cannot but ask the question – what’s next? Sustainability is crucial for such initiatives either through a new project or with the support of the municipalities. We firmly believe that good ideas will always find their way and we wish all the best to the team.