2025-3-DE04-KA154-YOU-000371804
A view on behalf of the Greek participants
In August 2026, we had the opportunity to participate in the Democracy Camp, an Erasmus+ programme held in Bulgaria, focusing on citizen participation, media literacy, inclusion, and Europe. More than 70 young people from 8 countries gathered to discuss and exchange ideas. The project had taken place in two venues, Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo, the new and old capital of the Bulgarian state, respectively.
Throughout the programme, we took part in interactive activities, discussions and group work, exploring topics related to democracy, human rights, diversity, youth participation and the different ways in which young people can actively contribute to society. Our visit in Sofia included discovering democracy-related sites, and most importantly the Bulgarian Parliament. Walking and being guided through historical rooms of the Communistic era was a unique experience that not many young people are able to experience.
While in Veliko Tarnovo, we participated in several workshops in groups, where we discussed topics regarding the participation of young people in their local communities among the participating countries, as well as democratic tools used for the dissemination of information through the media. Other than that, we took part in participants’ workshops, where we transmitted ideas, values, and we got closer with each other, each by sharing his own thoughts. It was also a nice opportunity to feel closer and more connected with other nations, while realising that most of us included similar aspects and ideas on the discussed topics. Talking about our country’s current political situation, the ways we can each participate in some way in the political scene and then learning whether other countries were the same or differed was a very interesting and valuable experience. It helped broaden our perception of the world and gave us new ideas for our further political participation and involvement in our own country. The cultural night was also a beautiful experience. We had the chance to present our country via PowerPoint and interactive quizzes while having the most fun. Dancing all together like one nation was something that left us with a warm feeling in our hearts. Tasting traditional foods and sweets from the other countries was also very spiritually enriching. For once more we understood that more things connect us rather than divide us.
A really nice activity that we did while in the city of Veliko Tarnovo was the history hunt. We split in groups and then we strolled and walked around the city searching for historical monuments or landmarks that defined the city of Veliko Tarnovo. It was a really fun activity, where we got more connected with each other, and at the same time learned more about the historical old capital of Bulgaria. The weather was perfect, and we all had a really good time.
One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was meeting young people from different countries and cultural backgrounds, exchanging ideas and experiences, and working together on common issues. Through these activities, we developed our communication, teamwork and collaboration skills while broadening our understanding of democratic participation.
The Democracy Camp was a meaningful and inspiring experience that gave us the opportunity not only to learn more about democracy, but also to reflect on our own role as young and active citizens and on how we can contribute positively to our communities.
Democracy Camp 2026 Participants
