The participants in the innovative youth camp “Change Begins with Me” took part in several initiatives under the project “Young People of Bulgaria – Opportunities for Creative Development,” implemented by the Association “Youth Guard Units” with financial support from the Erasmus+ Program, project No. 2024-3-BG01-KA154-YOU-000288013.
The day for the boys and girls began with the traditional morning exercise and continued with a discussion on green and social entrepreneurship. The youth were introduced to real-world examples and deliberated on the importance of “business with a cause.” Each of them presented a brief concept for an inspiring idea worthy of support from socially responsible businesses.
The proposals included a “Small Town” for children with special needs, where they can practice their dream profession, charity events by the motorcycle community in our country, ecology education in schools, autonomous waste collection for a cleaner country by special robots, and more.
The highlight of the intense day was a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Tanya Mihaylova, and the Bulgarian national basketball players, Yordan Minchev and Nikolay Mihaylov. The special guests shared their stories and the challenges they faced on the path to their successes with the students from the youth guard squads. Prompted by questions, Minchev reminisced about the great victory of the “Lions” over Germany, while Mihaylov emphasized the balance between personal and professional life. They both discussed what’s ahead for the “Tricolors,” whose World Cup qualifiers begin in August.
Deputy Minister Mihaylova responded to all inquiries from active young people regarding the functioning of sports schools, the idea of the subject “Virtues and Religions,” and the proposal for mandatory mathematics exams after the 12th grade. She discussed the opportunities available through the “Erasmus+” program, which is administered in Bulgaria by the Human Resources Center.
“The Erasmus+ program opens unprecedented opportunities for Bulgarian pupils, students, and teachers for education, internships, and exchange of best practices with leading European institutions. Participation in this program is not just traveling abroad—it’s an investment in personal development, broadening of horizons, and building valuable partnerships. I am convinced that through international exchange, young people gain skills and experience that make them competitive and prepared for the challenges of the modern world,” she said.
After the discussion, the campers played sports together with the national basketball players. The winner of the football match between the two teams was decided in the most dramatic way possible – through penalty kicks.
The event is implemented as part of the project “Youth of Bulgaria – Opportunities for Creative Development,” carried out by the Association “Youth Guard Squads,” with financial support from the Erasmus+ Programme, project № 2024-3-BG01-KA154-YOU-000288013. The main goal of the initiative is to promote the personal and creative development of young people through innovative approaches, non-formal education, active teamwork, and inspiring meetings with figures from public, cultural, and sports life.
