As part of the youth exchange in the Republic of Cyprus, participants from the “Youth Guard Detachments” association took part in a series of training sessions and practical modules held at the C.D.A. College in Nicosia—a partner organization in the exchange and a long-term ally in the development of international youth initiatives.
The official Bulgarian delegation supporting the institutional visits of the exchange participants includes:
– Rositsa Kirova – Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Committee for Direct Citizen Participation
• Petar Mladenov – Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports
– Tanya Mikhaylova – Head of the Minister of Education and Science’s Office
– Monika Yanakieva – Director of the “Selection, Contracting and Reporting” Directorate at the Human Resource Development Center
– Col. Petar Kindalov – Commander of the National Guard Unit
– Colonel Iliya Milushev – Advisor to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
• Mariana Shoteva – Chair of the Administrative Court – Plovdiv
• Giuseppe De Francesco – Honorary Consul of Italy in Plovdiv
• Iliana Andonova – Representative of the Embassy of Cyprus in Bulgaria.
Participants from Bulgaria and Cyprus were welcomed by Dr. Pavlos Panayi, the chief director of the college’s academic administration, who presented the institution’s mission, structure, and academic programs. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and expressed readiness to include Bulgarian universities and organizations in future joint projects aimed at education, innovation, and social engagement.
The “C.D.A.” College is one of the leading higher education institutions in Cyprus, with campuses in Nicosia, Larnaca, and Paphos. It offers 41 accredited programs and numerous international courses. Dr. Panayi emphasizes the practical focus of the education, the encouragement of entrepreneurial spirit, and research related to sustainable development.
Within the program, there were conducted trainings and interactive sessions dedicated to:
• The role of innovation and artificial intelligence in education,
• ecological and social projects,
• good practices under the “Erasmus+” program,
• Opportunities for joint research and student mobility.
During the training, participants also met with Mr. Andreas Tofaris, director of the “Aristotle” research center associated with the college. He presented innovative eco-projects, including EcoBean Shield—a sunscreen made from recycled coffee and carob—demonstrating the synergy between science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
In the afternoon sessions, Bulgarian and Cypriot participants collaborated on real cases related to education, digitalization, and green innovations. The young people formulated ideas for future joint projects and exchange programs aimed at integrating technology and social responsibility into education.
The exchange continues with ongoing training sessions, visits, and workshops that will deepen the partnership between the “Youth Guard Units” association, “C.D.A.” college, and other educational institutions from both countries.
The “Youth Guard Squads” Association holds accreditation № 2025-1-BG01-KA151-YOU-000297794 under the “Erasmus+” program, which ensures sustainability and long-term development of projects in the areas of youth policies, leadership, and civic education.
The organization actively develops partnerships with educational institutions in Europe, promoting youth participation, innovation, and intercultural dialogue.
Photos by: Milen Torbev
