In November 2024, youth workers from different European countries gathered in Benalmádena, Spain, to take part in the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Workers for Gender Equality and Mental Health Awareness. The program brought together passionate professionals who share a common goal — to create inclusive, empathetic, and supportive spaces for young people. Representing International Connection, a Bulgarian NGO devoted to youth development and social inclusion, one participant joined the training eager to explore how gender equality and mental health are linked in the daily work of youth organizations. The experience turned out to be not just an educational journey but a deeply human one — filled with reflection, learning, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Erasmus+ program provided a valuable opportunity for youth workers to strengthen their professional skills while gaining a broader European perspective. The training focused on two themes that are increasingly urgent today — equality and well-being. It offered practical tools for participants to address gender stereotypes, support mental health, and promote social inclusion in their communities. The project’s international setting encouraged collaboration and understanding between people of different backgrounds, reminding everyone that empathy and equality are universal values.
The Local Context in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, discussions around gender equality and mental health have become more visible in recent years, yet many challenges remain. The country still faces social stereotypes that limit both men and women in different ways. Traditional expectations often shape how people express themselves — men are encouraged to hide emotions, while women are expected to prioritize care and family over personal ambitions. These patterns can create invisible pressure, affecting emotional well-being and leading to mental health struggles that often go unspoken.
Before the Erasmus+ project, International Connection had observed that many young people in Bulgaria were struggling with anxiety, self-esteem issues, and lack of emotional support. Schools and youth centers often lacked resources or training to deal with such topics effectively. Conversations about gender roles and mental health were either avoided or treated as separate issues, even though they are deeply connected. The organization saw the need for a more holistic approach — one that combines education, empathy, and equality to empower youth and reduce stigma.
The training in Benalmádena came at an important time for Bulgaria’s youth sector. It was a chance to learn new approaches from other European countries and to see how inclusive and open conversations about mental health can make a difference in communities.
The Training Experience in Benalmádena
The week in Benalmádena was full of inspiration and discovery. The training combined theory with creative, hands-on learning. Through interactive workshops, discussions, and role-playing activities, participants explored how gender expectations shape daily interactions and emotional health. Each day brought new insights — about how small changes in language, attitude, or group dynamics can create safer, more inclusive spaces for young people.
One of the most powerful sessions invited participants to reflect on their own experiences with gender stereotypes and how these influenced their perceptions of others. The exercise was emotional but enlightening. It helped everyone realize that understanding begins with self-awareness. Another key moment was when participants learned practical strategies to support mental health in youth work — such as mindful communication, stress-reducing activities, and ways to recognize early signs of emotional struggle.
The visit to local community centers in Benalmádena added another dimension to the experience. The group met Spanish youth workers who shared their own initiatives — from art therapy projects to campaigns raising awareness about gender-based violence. Seeing how these programs used creativity and collaboration to promote equality was inspiring. The participants from Bulgaria found these examples particularly relevant and began thinking of ways to adapt them for their own context.
The diversity of the group also made the training unique. People from different countries, cultures, and professional backgrounds shared personal stories and challenges. These exchanges helped everyone see how universal the topics of equality and mental health truly are. By the end of the week, participants not only gained new skills but also built a strong sense of community — one that extended beyond borders.
Post-Project Action in Bulgaria
Returning home, the representative of International Connection felt inspired to put the lessons from Benalmádena into practice. Together with the team, they launched a new local initiative called “Equal Minds.” The project aimed to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and mental health among Bulgarian youth.
The “Equal Minds” initiative started with workshops in local schools and youth centers. These sessions encouraged young people to talk openly about emotions, stereotypes, and personal boundaries. Using non-formal education tools learned during the Erasmus+ training — such as group reflection, storytelling, and creative expression — participants were invited to explore what equality means to them and how they can take care of their mental well-being.
An important part of the initiative focused on training teachers and youth workers. Many of them had never received formal preparation in mental health awareness or inclusive communication. The workshops gave them practical methods to create supportive environments where every student feels safe and respected. The approach was holistic — combining emotional education with discussions about fairness, gender balance, and healthy relationships.
The project also collaborated with psychologists and local NGOs to organize public talks and community campaigns. Posters, short videos, and social media challenges invited young people to share messages of equality and kindness. The goal was to make the conversation visible, positive, and accessible to everyone.
Impact on Youth and the Community
The “Equal Minds” initiative quickly began to make an impact. In schools where the workshops took place, teachers reported improved communication between students and a more respectful atmosphere. Young participants said they felt more confident to talk about their emotions and less afraid to challenge stereotypes. Some even created peer-support groups to continue the dialogue after the sessions ended.
The project also strengthened cooperation between schools, local institutions, and civil society. The municipality supported the idea by including it in their youth development plan for the following year. This recognition showed that small, community-driven projects can influence broader policies when they are built with empathy and consistency.
For International Connection, the training in Spain had long-lasting effects. It expanded the organization’s capacity to address sensitive social issues and inspired a shift in its strategy. Equality and mental health became central themes in future projects, ensuring that the values learned in Benalmádena continue to shape its work.
Reflection and Vision for the Future
Looking back, the Erasmus+ training Empowering Youth Workers for Gender Equality and Mental Health Awareness was more than just a professional experience. It was a transformative journey that connected knowledge, empathy, and action. For the participant from International Connection, it reinforced the idea that real change begins with understanding and compassion.
The project demonstrated that youth workers can play a vital role in promoting both equality and well-being. By learning to recognize and challenge stereotypes, they can help young people grow into confident, open-minded individuals who care for themselves and others. The experience also highlighted how international cooperation can inspire local innovation — proving that when people from different backgrounds share ideas, they can create meaningful solutions for their communities.
The long-term vision of International Connection is to continue building bridges between equality and mental health education in Bulgaria. The organization plans to expand “Equal Minds” into a national campaign, connecting schools, municipalities, and youth organizations. The message is clear: equality and emotional well-being are not separate goals but two sides of the same mission — creating a society where everyone has the freedom to feel, express, and belong.