At the invitation of the commander, Colonel Mateo Epifani, a program was organized for the young participants with the involvement of specialists from Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.
The young people from the units in Rudozem and Peshtera—girls and boys with a strong interest in their own development—had the opportunity to become acquainted with various modern fields such as optics, engineering activities, GPS systems programming, and other technologies that also have applications in civilian life.
Volunteers from Plovdiv, Sofia, Smolyan, and Aytos also joined the initiative, actively supporting the student guards’ activities and contributing to their development.
During the meeting, the participants demonstrated engagement and curiosity by asking questions related not only to defense, but also to international cooperation, politics, and the role of different countries in broader processes.
They also had the opportunity to learn more about the latest technologies, including modern machinery and even the newest military tanks, presented in an accessible and educational way.
Their active participation sets them apart as an example of aware and engaged young citizens who strive for knowledge and development for a better future.
Since the training range is under the command of an Italian commander, and the Italian contingent is the largest, it was only natural for the Honorary Consul of Italy in Plovdiv, Giuseppe de Francesco, to be present with the group as well.
His participation emphasized the importance of international partnership.
The training ground itself became a meeting place for different nations, ideas, and experiences—an example of how dialogue and cooperation can build bridges between countries and promote diplomacy in a multinational environment.
The chairwoman of the organization, Dr. Denislava Angelova, noted that on the same day two initiatives are being held in parallel—one in Novo Selo and one in Sofia—in which young people from the guard units are taking part.
According to her, it is important for young people to have the opportunity to engage with a variety of fields—from technology and science to social and international affairs.
The youth guard units program continues to be active, diverse, and inspiring, creating opportunities for learning, development, and the building of values among young people.
At the end of the visit, all participants on the hosts’ side were warmly greeted with a beautiful Rhodope folk song performed by bagpipers from Rudozem, as well as with a traditional round loaf of bread with honey — a gesture of gratitude for the time devoted and the knowledge shared.
Photos: Milen Torbev
