In November 2024, youth workers from across Europe gathered in Benalmádena, Spain, for the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Workers for LGBT Rights and Inclusion. The program was designed to strengthen youth workers’ ability to promote equality, inclusion, and respect for human rights through their everyday work with young people. Among the participants was a youth worker representing Mladezhda, a Bulgarian NGO that focuses on youth empowerment, education, and social inclusion. For this participant, the experience became a transformative journey—both personally and professionally—toward understanding how inclusive education and youth work can build safer and more accepting communities.
The training course took place under the Erasmus+ framework, which encourages cross-cultural exchange and lifelong learning across Europe. Its purpose was to provide participants with practical tools and strategies to support LGBT youth and create inclusive environments. Through interactive workshops, discussions, and real-life case studies, the project helped participants deepen their understanding of diversity and equality. It also offered a platform for youth workers to share experiences, learn from one another, and explore how small actions can make a big difference in promoting respect and understanding within their communities.
The Local Context in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, social attitudes toward the LGBT community have been slowly evolving, but challenges still remain. Before this Erasmus+ project, many young people in Bulgaria faced difficulties expressing their identity freely, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Prejudice, misunderstanding, and lack of proper education on diversity often led to discrimination and social exclusion. Although some organizations, including Mladezhda, had already been working on human rights and equality, there was still a significant need for professional training and support for youth workers.
Youth workers in Bulgaria often play a central role in shaping the attitudes of young people. However, before the project, many of them lacked the specific knowledge and skills needed to address sensitive topics like sexual orientation and gender identity in an inclusive way. Schools and community centers frequently avoided these discussions altogether, leaving young people without the guidance they needed. The training in Benalmádena came at a crucial time, offering new perspectives and practical approaches to make youth work more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all individuals, regardless of identity or background.
Mladezhda saw participation in the project as an opportunity to improve its capacity to support vulnerable youth and to share new methods with local educators and volunteers back home. The goal was clear—to help build a culture of understanding, empathy, and acceptance among Bulgarian youth.
The Training Experience in Benalmádena
The week in Benalmádena was filled with meaningful learning, open discussions, and mutual inspiration. Participants from different countries shared their experiences and the realities of their communities. The diverse group created a safe and respectful space where everyone could speak honestly about challenges, fears, and hopes.
The sessions were based on non-formal education methods, making the experience both engaging and personal. Trainers used role plays, simulations, and group activities to help participants understand the psychological and social impact of discrimination. Through these exercises, the youth worker from Mladezhda gained a new perspective on how inclusion is not just about tolerance—it is about active participation and empathy.
One of the most eye-opening parts of the training was a workshop focused on creating safe spaces for LGBT youth. The facilitators demonstrated how even small changes—such as inclusive language, open communication, and respectful listening—can transform a youth center into a place of trust and acceptance. The group also learned about good practices from Spain, where several local organizations successfully worked with schools to promote diversity through education, art, and storytelling. Seeing how these initiatives were received by local communities gave participants hope that similar approaches could also work in their own countries.
The cultural exchange between participants made the experience even more powerful. In informal conversations, many shared stories of personal challenges and success in promoting inclusion. It became clear that while every country has its own cultural context, the core values of respect and human dignity are universal. The atmosphere in Benalmádena was one of solidarity and support, showing that change is possible when people work together.
Post-Project Action in Bulgaria
After returning to Bulgaria, the participant from Mladezhda felt inspired to apply the lessons learned in the training. The organization launched a new initiative called Youth for Equality, a series of workshops designed to raise awareness about diversity, inclusion, and human rights among young people and youth workers.
The project focused on providing practical knowledge and creating open spaces for dialogue. During the sessions, participants explored themes such as empathy, respect, and understanding differences. Using techniques learned in Benalmádena, the trainers encouraged interactive participation rather than traditional lectures. The workshops also included storytelling exercises where young people could express their experiences and thoughts about inclusion in a safe environment.
Mladezhda also partnered with local schools and community centers to bring these discussions to new audiences. Teachers and youth leaders were invited to take part in the training sessions, helping them learn how to address sensitive topics in a constructive and age-appropriate way. The initiative received positive feedback and gradually built a network of young advocates for equality who were eager to share their message with others.
The Impact on Youth and the Community
The Youth for Equality project had a significant impact on the local community. Young people who attended the workshops reported feeling more confident and aware of the importance of inclusion. Many expressed that it was the first time they had openly discussed these topics in a supportive environment. The sessions also helped reduce misunderstandings and stereotypes, replacing them with empathy and curiosity.
For the youth workers involved, the project provided valuable tools for creating inclusive spaces in their own organizations. They learned how to recognize subtle forms of discrimination and how to respond effectively. The discussions also encouraged local educators to rethink their teaching methods and integrate human rights education into their daily work.
Beyond the direct participants, the initiative inspired others in the community to reflect on their attitudes and behaviors. Small but meaningful changes started to appear—more inclusive language in youth clubs, more openness to diversity in classrooms, and greater support for young people who felt marginalized.
Mladezhda became recognized as a local leader in promoting inclusion, and the organization continued building partnerships with other NGOs in Bulgaria and abroad. The project showed that inclusion is not just a policy—it is a daily practice that requires understanding, effort, and compassion.
Reflection and Future Vision
Looking back, the Empowering Youth Workers for LGBT Rights and Inclusion training in Spain was not only an educational experience—it was a moment of transformation. It reminded participants that every young person deserves to feel accepted and valued for who they are. For the participant from Mladezhda, it strengthened the belief that change starts with dialogue, education, and empathy.
The experience in Benalmádena proved that inclusion is possible even in societies where it may seem difficult. When youth workers are given the right tools and knowledge, they can become powerful agents of change. Mladezhda now plans to expand Youth for Equality to reach rural areas and to create online resources that make inclusion education accessible to more young people.
The story of this Erasmus+ project is a testament to the power of connection and understanding. When youth workers learn to lead with compassion and courage, they can inspire generations to build communities where everyone—regardless of gender, background, or identity—feels at home.