We are thrilled to share news of the highly successful completion of our Level 1: Democracy Enthusiasts training program, held in the vibrant city of Vidin, Bulgaria, from June 26th to 30th, 2023. This intensive five-day course provided participants with a foundational understanding of democratic principles, empowering them to become active and informed citizens, and equipping them with the tools to engage meaningfully in their communities.
The program blended theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering critical thinking, collaborative engagement, and a deep sense of community among participants. The carefully designed curriculum combined presentations, discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging real-world exercises, ensuring a dynamic and enriching learning experience. Participants consistently expressed their appreciation for the balance between theoretical learning and practical application, which allowed them to directly apply what they learned to their own lives and communities.
A Detailed Look at the Training Schedule:
Day 1: Introduction to Democracy and Citizenship: This foundational day established a common understanding of democratic principles and the significance of active citizenship. Participants explored core concepts, historical context, and the essential rights and responsibilities of citizens through presentations, facilitated discussions, and interactive icebreaker activities.
Day 2: Local Governance and Community Involvement: Participants gained insights into the structures and processes of local governance. Through a community mapping exercise, they identified pressing local issues and assets, learning to recognize the opportunities and challenges within their immediate environment. This practical approach was enhanced by a panel discussion with local community members who shared their experiences, illustrating the relevance of democratic engagement on a local level.
Day 3: Building Essential Civic Skills: The focus shifted towards developing the key practical skills essential for effective civic participation. Through dynamic role-playing exercises that simulated realistic community engagement scenarios, participants practiced their communication, leadership, and advocacy skills. This hands-on approach allowed for immediate feedback and the development of personalized strategies. The day concluded with participants creating basic plans for engaging with a chosen community issue.
Day 4: Action Planning and Youth Empowerment: This day moved towards concrete action. Participants delved into the process of designing and planning community-focused initiatives, working collaboratively to identify potential projects that address the needs of their community. Interactive sessions helped participants learn how to access and leverage available resources and community networks effectively. The day culminated in teams drafting detailed initial project proposals, which were then reviewed by their peers.
Day 5: Taking Action and Celebrating Achievements: The final day of the training focused on refining action plans, and solidifying participants’ commitment to becoming active citizens. Each team presented their refined project proposals to the group as a whole, sparking discussions and generating valuable feedback. This was followed by a session dedicated to developing strategies for ongoing engagement and building plans for future initiatives. The program concluded with a celebratory closing ceremony that recognized participants’ achievements and celebrated their dedication to community betterment.
Learner Achievements and Feedback:
Participants consistently demonstrated significant progress in their understanding of democratic principles and the skills needed for active citizenship. Many reported increased confidence in their ability to communicate effectively, advocate for their views, and work collaboratively towards achieving shared goals. Their feedback highlighted the value of the interactive and experiential nature of the program, emphasizing the positive impact it had on their ability to engage meaningfully with their community. Several participants mentioned the role-playing exercises and community mapping as particularly helpful in developing practical skills.
The anonymous post-training survey revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback. Participants consistently praised the engaging and supportive learning environment, the relevance of the content, and the effective use of interactive methods. Many also expressed an increased awareness of their own agency and their ability to influence positive change within their community.
We are incredibly proud of the participants’ enthusiasm, commitment, and the progress they made throughout the training. Their dedication to becoming active and responsible citizens is truly inspiring, and we are excited to witness the positive impact they will have on their community. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming Level 2: Participation Wizards training, as well as details on the continuing progress of our youth councils!
