In July 2025, youth workers from across Europe gathered in Varna’s Golden Sands for the Erasmus+ training “Music for Human Rights and Inclusion.” This innovative programme explored the power of music as a tool for promoting equality, social inclusion, and intercultural dialogue. Organised in a vibrant seaside setting, the project combined artistic creation with participatory methods, giving participants practical skills to use in their work with young people—especially those from vulnerable or marginalised backgrounds. For International Connection, a Bulgarian organisation dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding, the training was both timely and deeply relevant.
In Bulgaria, communities are rich with cultural diversity, yet this diversity often faces challenges. Many young people, particularly from minority groups, encounter barriers in education, employment, and public life. Discrimination, social exclusion, and lack of representation still affect their ability to participate fully in society. While policies for inclusion exist, they are not always effectively implemented at the local level, leaving some communities disconnected from opportunities for growth and integration. Before the training, International Connection had already been working on cultural exchange and social engagement projects, but there was a growing recognition that music—universally understood and emotionally resonant—could play a stronger role in breaking down these barriers and fostering understanding.
The training in Varna provided a space to explore this idea in depth. Throughout the week, participants engaged in a variety of workshops that blended artistic practice with human rights education. Songwriting, drumming circles, and collaborative jam sessions became more than creative exercises—they were opportunities to express messages of tolerance, unity, and mutual respect. What stood out most was the way music naturally bridged linguistic and cultural divides. Participants who spoke different languages could still connect through rhythm and melody, creating an atmosphere of trust and shared purpose.
Equally important were the sessions that linked artistic activities to international human rights frameworks. Through role-plays and discussions, the group examined how non-discrimination, equality, and diversity could be embedded into creative projects. This approach encouraged a deeper understanding that music can inspire change not only by bringing people together but also by challenging unjust systems and attitudes.
A highlight of the training was the public performance on the Golden Sands promenade. As the sun set over the Black Sea, participants performed a mix of songs, rhythms, and dances from their home countries, drawing in a curious and diverse audience. The event became a living example of how art can create inclusive spaces in public life. After the performance, reflection sessions allowed participants to evaluate what worked, what could be improved, and how such initiatives could be adapted to their own local contexts.
Upon returning home, International Connection launched the “Voices of Equality” initiative, directly inspired by the training. This project invited young people from different backgrounds—Bulgarian, Roma, migrant, and others—to participate in weekly music workshops. These sessions combined learning musical skills with guided conversations about rights, diversity, and inclusion. The goal was not only to teach music but to create a safe environment where young people could express themselves and listen to each other’s perspectives.
The project culminated in community concerts held in cultural centres and open-air venues. These events were more than artistic showcases; they were opportunities for dialogue between communities that often had little contact. Audience members were encouraged to engage with the performers, ask questions, and share their own experiences. The combination of performance and conversation helped shift perceptions and opened space for empathy and cooperation.
The impact of “Voices of Equality” has been significant. Young participants developed greater confidence, not only in their artistic abilities but also in their capacity to speak about social issues. Several have since taken on leadership roles in their communities, organising their own cultural events and advocating for inclusive policies at the local level. For the wider community, the concerts and workshops created a sense of shared identity, highlighting that diversity can be a source of strength rather than division.
On an organisational level, International Connection strengthened partnerships with schools, youth centres, and cultural institutions. The networks built during the Varna training also led to collaborative projects with other European organisations, extending the reach and influence of the work. The experience demonstrated that music-based initiatives, when combined with structured human rights education, can be powerful tools for long-term social change.
Looking ahead, International Connection plans to expand “Voices of Equality” to more regions of Bulgaria, incorporating other art forms such as visual arts and theatre to reach a wider audience. The ultimate aim is to build a sustainable platform where creative expression and social justice go hand in hand, empowering young people to become advocates for equality in every aspect of their lives.
The training in Varna reaffirmed a simple yet profound truth: music has the power to unite people across differences. When used intentionally, it can open conversations about human rights, challenge prejudice, and inspire communities to work together toward a more inclusive future. In Bulgaria, this message is already taking root, carried forward in the voices, rhythms, and harmonies of a new generation determined to make their society more just and compassionate.