A central element of the ECO ART INclusion training course was the belief that creativity can become a powerful bridge between people. Through artistic expression, participants explored new ways of communication that do not depend solely on spoken language, allowing everyone to contribute according to their own abilities and strengths.
During creative workshops, youth workers and young people with SEN worked together with natural materials, creating artworks that reflected their imagination and personal experiences. The activities encouraged cooperation, patience and mutual understanding, while demonstrating how art can support confidence-building and emotional expression.
Participants also explored theatre as a tool for inclusion. By creating masks, costumes, stage designs and short theatrical performances, they discovered how role play and improvisation can help people overcome hesitation, express emotions and reveal their individual potential.
For young people with special educational needs, such activities provide more than a creative experience. They create opportunities to participate actively, make choices, communicate with others and experience the sense of achievement that comes from creating something together.
The Power of Music and Sound
Sound therapy was another important component of the programme. Under the guidance of sound therapist Mihaela Mihaylova – Or'Fa, participants explored different musical instruments, experimented with sounds and rhythms, and took part in individual and group musical improvisations.
The sessions showed how music can support relaxation, emotional balance and connection between people. Without the pressure of performance or evaluation, participants were encouraged to listen, respond and express themselves freely.
Together with Mihail Dimov and Zlatina Toleva from Theatre of the Senses – Sofia, participants also took part in music improvisation activities focused on self-expression and creative interaction.
The approach reflected one of the key messages of the project: inclusion is created through shared experiences where every person has the opportunity to be heard and valued.
Learning Through Nature and Community
The training programme extended beyond the workshop spaces and into the surrounding natural environment. Participants visited Polska Skakavitsa Waterfall, one of the region’s remarkable natural landmarks, and took part in activities aimed at connecting environmental awareness with artistic expression.
As part of a community initiative, participants enhanced the eco-trail near Dolni Rakovets by creating artistic elements from natural materials. They also transformed the area around the village’s mineral-water lake into an open-air creative space, demonstrating how public places can become environments for learning, interaction and inclusion.
These activities strengthened the connection between sustainability, creativity and social responsibility — three themes at the heart of the ECO ART INclusion project.
Inclusion in Action: Working Together with Young People with SEN
The practical impact of the training became especially visible on 29 June, when 15 young people with special needs from Caritas Sofia joined the project activities.
Together with their support workers and the international participants, they took part in an eco-art workshop led by Aneliya Kirilova from the social enterprise Made with Love in Pernik. Using natural materials, they created colourful eco-art panels while sharing ideas, working collaboratively and discovering new ways to express themselves.
The workshop was not only a creative activity but also an opportunity for meaningful social interaction. It showed how inclusive environments can bring together people with different backgrounds and abilities around a shared experience.
A Celebration of Talent and Possibility
The closing event of the project took place on 30 June in Bachinovo Park, Blagoevgrad, with the support of the Municipality of Blagoevgrad. Nearly 50 participants joined the event, including young people with special educational needs, their families, social workers and professionals from day-care centres, supported housing services and family-type residential centres for young people with disabilities.
The event brought together all the elements explored throughout the training: art, music, nature and human connection. Participants created eco-art panels from natural materials, experimented with musical instruments and experienced sound therapy as a tool for creativity, communication and emotional wellbeing.
One of the most inspiring moments of the day was the collective musical improvisation led by Mihaela Mihaylova – Or'Fa and Mihail Todorov, a young artist with special educational needs whose story reflects the transformative power of support and opportunity.
Mihail has published two poetry collections, composes music and has founded his own music label, Sunrise Dreamers. Through his artistic work, he demonstrates that disability does not define a person's potential — access to opportunities, encouragement and inclusive environments can help talents flourish.
Mihail is currently preparing a new large-scale creative project involving different artists, including established performers, continuing his journey as an advocate for creativity and inclusion.