In August 2023, youth workers from across Europe came together in Barcelos, Portugal, for an Erasmus+ project called “From NEET to Compete – A Holistic Approach to Youth Employability.” This training was more than just a workshop—it was a powerful international experience aimed at improving how youth workers can support young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The course addressed one of the most serious social challenges in Europe today: helping young people who feel disconnected from society and have limited opportunities for a better future.
The training brought together different cultures, ideas, and realities, with a focus on building practical tools to support NEET youth. Participants explored new methods for engaging vulnerable young people, building their confidence, and creating opportunities for personal and professional development. The program's combination of psychological, social, educational, and experiential methods gave participants a full picture of what is needed to create real, long-term change.
In Bulgaria, and especially in smaller towns like Sevlievo, the problem of youth disengagement is deeply rooted. During May 2023, youth workers from Sevlievo Municipality noted a serious increase in the number of young people leaving school early and not continuing into work or further education. Many of these young people came from underprivileged families or rural areas where support services are limited. A large number had lost motivation and trust in the system, seeing no value in education or chances for success. Local employers were also reporting a lack of soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, among young job seekers. These problems created a cycle of isolation, poverty, and low self-esteem, especially among those already facing economic or social disadvantages.
The project in Barcelos opened new perspectives. For the Bulgarian participants, one of the most eye-opening moments was learning about Portugal’s use of sport and physical activity to promote employability and team building. This method was not common in their own community but proved to be an effective and accessible way to work with NEET youth. Through workshops and peer exchanges, participants from Sevlievo saw how these tools helped young people reconnect with their peers, learn to trust adults again, and develop critical soft skills. They were also inspired by how other countries included youth voices in local decisions and policies, especially when it came to employment and education.
The Bulgarian team also had a chance to learn about various holistic methods, combining mental health support with educational and career guidance. Discussions with other youth workers highlighted the importance of combining practical training with emotional support to build long-term motivation in young people. The power of experiential learning—doing rather than just listening—was emphasized again and again. This made a strong impact on the participants from Sevlievo, who had previously focused more on formal workshops and classroom-based approaches.
After returning home, the team from Sevlievo Municipality developed a new local program called “Move Forward,” focusing on inclusion, sport, and personal development. It was designed specifically for NEET youth aged 16 to 25 and combined weekly physical activities with mentoring sessions and skill-building workshops. The program followed many of the key ideas learned in Portugal, including teamwork through sport, problem-solving games, and self-reflection exercises. Each month, local professionals and volunteers were invited to speak to the group, creating a bridge between young people and the working world. Importantly, the youth were also invited to help shape the program—choosing activities, providing feedback, and even co-leading sessions.
This initiative quickly gained attention in the local community. Many of the participants who joined the first cycles of “Move Forward” reported improved motivation and confidence. Several continued into vocational education programs, while others found internships through the local job center. Families also became more engaged, seeing their children develop new routines and goals. The municipality began to see “Move Forward” as a model that could be adapted for other vulnerable groups. Teachers and social workers in the area started collaborating more closely with youth workers, leading to a more unified local strategy on youth inclusion.
Over time, the project inspired discussions at the municipal level about how to include experiential and sport-based learning into formal youth support policies. While change takes time, a small group of young participants from “Move Forward” were even invited to speak at a local council meeting—something that would have been unthinkable just a year before. The project also led to stronger cooperation between the youth center and local NGOs, who were now more interested in developing programs with a focus on real youth needs and voices.
Looking ahead, this experience showed the Bulgarian youth workers that change begins with trust, empathy, and real connection. The Erasmus+ training did not just offer tools—it offered hope. It reminded everyone involved that youth have the power to build something new when they are seen, heard, and supported. Long-term change is not only possible—it is already happening in places like Sevlievo.
Young people are not problems to be solved—they are solutions waiting to be activated. With the right approach and commitment from local communities, youth workers, and institutions, NEET youth can become the leaders of tomorrow. The journey from NEET to compete is not easy, but with vision, partnership, and heart, it becomes a path full of possibilities.