A few days ago, the fourth project of the year by the Blagoevgrad-based “For Tomorrow” Foundation – “G.A.M.E. for Inclusion” – funded under the “Erasmus+” programme, came to a close. The project has become the organisation’s largest initiative to date in terms of the number of participants and the active involvement of people with special needs.

But behind the figures lie more than just events held and new skills learnt. Behind them lie encounters, friendships, laughter, anxieties overcome and, above all, the experience of being part of a community where everyone has their place.

The main focus of the international youth exchange was play as a tool for non-formal education and as an effective means of social inclusion for young people with learning difficulties. Through sport, team challenges, group games in the great outdoors and interactive games, the participants had the opportunity not only to have fun, but also to develop skills in communication, cooperation, coordination, following instructions and teamwork.

The project was carried out jointly by young people from Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey – the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation, the Plovdiv-based ‘Parallel World’ Association, the Croatian organisation ‘Eutopia’ and the Turkish organisation ‘Back to Nature’, which are developing a sustainable partnership under the ‘Erasmus+’ programme in support of young people with special needs. The Municipality of Radomir was also a key partner in the implementation of the activities.

The youth exchange took place in the village of Dolni Rakovets, near Radomir, whilst individual initiatives were organised in Radomir and at the Kremikovski Monastery. The choice of different locations enabled the project to reach a wider audience and involve more children, young people and people with special needs from the region.

Sixteen young people and three group leaders took part directly in the international mobility. Representatives from the three countries exchanged traditional cultural games, cooperative games and activities aimed at fostering collaboration and team-building.

The participants also learnt about the principles of ‘gamification’ – the creation and adaptation of games to suit the capabilities and needs of different target groups, so that people with different abilities and skills can take part.

The knowledge gained was not confined to the international exchange alone. During the project, the young people developed and adapted traditional, cultural and interactive games from their own countries and presented them to a wide range of children and young people with special needs from the region.

Play as a bridge between people

Among those directly involved in the project activities were children, young people and adults from social services in Blagoevgrad and Radomir, as well as their families. From Blagoevgrad, the following organisations took part: the ‘St John of Rila’ Family-Style Accommodation Centre for Children and Young People with Disabilities, the ‘Struma’ Sheltered Home for People with Intellectual Disabilities, and the ‘Sunny Home’ Sheltered Home for People with Intellectual Disabilities. From Radomir, representatives from the Community Support Centre, the Centre for Social Services for Children and Young People with Disabilities, and the “Vurba” Day Centre took part, with the support of resource teachers and volunteers from the “Buchaloto” Association.

On 7 August, a special event for children aged between 7 and 13 took place at the Kremikovski Monastery, attended by 40 children, including those with special needs. They were quickly welcomed by their peers and took part alongside them in sports relays, games exploring group dynamics, cooperation and teamwork, as well as activities designed to develop coordination and the ability to follow instructions.

The event demonstrated, in the most natural way, the power of a play-based approach – the children quickly shook off their shyness, joined in the group activities and turned their differences not into a barrier, but into part of the shared experience.

Nature, exercise and culture

The project also included a range of ‘green activities’ that linked social inclusion with caring for nature. The participants made bird feeders and signs bearing motivational environmental messages, which were placed in Dolni Rakovets and along the Eco Trail near the village – an area developed and maintained by young people who had taken part in previous projects run by the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation.

The programme also included an excursion to the Polska Skakavitsa waterfall, as well as water games and fun at the swimming pool in Sapareva Banya.

An equally important part of the exchange was intercultural learning. During the cultural evenings, the participants learnt about the history, traditions and contemporary life of Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey. They played ‘Kahuut’, sampled traditional dishes, listened to music and danced together. In this way, the cultural exchange became not merely a presentation of facts, but a vivid, shared experience.

“Let’s Play Together” – the project finale

The final and largest event of the project took place on 8 August at the “Europe” Youth Cultural and Information Centre in Radomir under the motto “Let’s Play Together”.

With the support of Radomir Municipality, the event brought together more than 50 children and young people with special needs from Blagoevgrad, Radomir and Plovdiv, who, together with their parents and representatives of various social services from the region, spent several hours playing games, being active and having fun.

The programme offered a variety of sporting challenges, outdoor games and team competitions. All activities were tailored to the participants’ abilities and focused on socialising, cooperation, teamwork and shared experiences.

Through play, the participants practised and developed skills such as coordination, following instructions, sportsmanship and teamwork. But the most important outcome was simple and clear for everyone to see – children and young people with different abilities played side by side, supported one another, laughed and shared the success of being part of a team.

“One of our main goals is to create an inclusive environment and encourage cooperation between young people with different abilities. In this way, we not only help to develop the potential of children with special educational needs, but also create an informal network of active citizens from the participating countries, who are then ready and able to bring about positive change in their communities,” explained Borislav Slavchov, coordinator and trainer at the “For Tomorrow” Foundation.

Throughout the ‘Games for Social Inclusion’ project, the international participants experienced genuine joy in interacting with the children and said that the exchange had radically changed their views on working with children and young people with special needs. Many of the young people from Turkey and Croatia expressed a desire for further training in play-based methodology and provided feedback that the events at the Kremikovski Monastery and in Radomir had developed their skills in entrepreneurship, event planning and adapting their activities to the group of participants.

This is precisely one of the project’s long-term objectives – for young people not merely to acquire new knowledge and tools, but to become agents of change within their own communities. The exchange of play-based methods from the three countries, including traditional outdoor games, enabled participants to see how a simple tool such as play can break down barriers, build trust and bring people closer together.

The ‘Games for Social Inclusion’ project builds on and expands the series of initiatives by the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, aimed at the social inclusion of young people with special needs and at changing public attitudes towards them.

Because inclusion doesn’t start with grand words. Sometimes it starts with an invitation to play.

About the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation

The ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation in Blagoevgrad works to improve the quality of life for people with special needs and to ensure their full participation in society. The organisation promotes the exchange of knowledge, best practice and mutual support between specialists and families, whilst supporting the development and social integration of children and young people with special needs.

PHOTOS  /   VIDEO

The event was organised by the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation with the support of Radomir Municipality and transformed the centre into a space for games, socialising, new encounters and shared experiences.

Children and young people, accompanied by their parents, took part in the initiative, as did representatives of social services from Blagoevgrad and Radomir. From Blagoevgrad, participants included the ‘St John of Rila’ Family-Style Accommodation Centre for Children and Young People with Disabilities, the ‘Struma’ Sheltered Home for People with Intellectual Disabilities, and the ‘Sunny Home’ Sheltered Home for People with Intellectual Disabilities. From Radomir, representatives from the Community Support Centre, the Centre for Social Services for Children and Young People with Disabilities, and the “Vurba” Day Centre took part, with the support of resource teachers and volunteers from the “Buchaloto” Association.

The games were organised and run by young people from the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation and the project’s international partners – the Croatian organisation EUTOPIA and the Turkish organisation Back to Nature.

The initiative was part of the international youth exchange ‘G.A.M.E. for Inclusion’, funded under the ‘Erasmus+’ programme. As part of the exchange, the young people developed and adapted traditional, cultural and interactive games, which they presented to the participants in Radomir.

The programme offered a variety of sporting challenges, fun outdoor games and team competitions. The activities were tailored to the participants’ abilities and focused on communication, cooperation, teamwork and shared experiences.

Through play, the participants had the opportunity to develop and practise skills such as coordination, following instructions, sportsmanship and teamwork.

“We wanted to show that when we create a suitable and welcoming environment, every young person can get involved, interact and demonstrate their abilities. The young people from the three organisations didn’t just take part in the preparations – they led the games themselves and were active participants in the event. In this way, together we experienced the idea that play is a universal language that brings people together,” said Dimitar Urdev, chair of the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation.

According to Petya Petrova, a psychologist and trainer at the foundation, the play-based approach creates a natural and positive environment for learning and development. “Through play, young people don’t just have fun – they socialise, learn to work together, gain confidence and develop skills. That’s why we want these approaches to reach more organisations, professionals and families,” she pointed out.

For parents and professionals who support people with special needs, such initiatives are valuable because they create opportunities for socialising, making new connections and actively participating in community life. They give young people the space to be accepted for who they are, to demonstrate their abilities and to gain confidence.

At the same time, parents, carers and professionals gain new ideas and practical approaches to promoting the socialisation and inclusion of people with special needs in various community activities.

‘Let’s Play Together’ has shown that social inclusion begins with something simple – the opportunity to be part of the community, to participate, to interact and to be accepted. It is precisely such gatherings that enable young people to realise their potential, build confidence and develop the skills needed to participate fully in public life.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to all participants with special needs – aged between 5 and 50. They also received gifts from Radomir Municipality and friends of the initiative.

About the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation

The ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation in Blagoevgrad works to improve the quality of life for people with special needs and to ensure their full participation in society. The organisation promotes the exchange of knowledge, best practice and mutual support between specialists and families, whilst supporting the development and social integration of children and young people with special needs.

MORE PHOTOS - HERE

The event will bring together young people from Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey, who will present interactive outdoor games and activities designed to foster inclusion, communication and active participation. More than 15 young people with special needs from Radomir, Blagoevgrad and Sofia will also take part in the demonstrations, and all visitors will be able to join in the games and experience together the idea that play is a universal language that brings people together.

The initiative is part of the international youth exchange ‘G.A.M.E. for Inclusion’, implemented under the ‘Erasmus+’ programme. The project brings together young people from the three countries to exchange best practices and develop game-based methods to promote social inclusion and the personal development of young people with special needs. The international youth exchange promotes the use of games, sport and outdoor activities as an effective tool for inclusion and for creating a more welcoming environment for young people with special needs.

The organisers invite young people with special needs and their families, as well as representatives of educational, social and civil society organisations, to take part in the event.

Admission to the event is free.

Date: 8 August 2026 (Saturday)

Start time: 4.00 pm

Venue: the courtyard of the ‘Europe’ Youth Cultural and Information Centre, Radomir.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday, Day 5, was spent on a group walk to the Skakavitsa Waterfall, followed by games and fun at the swimming pool in Sapareva Banya. 

On the walk, we were accompanied by a young man with special needs from Blagoevgrad, who acted as the group’s guide. Together, we agreed on a rule to move at the pace of the slowest person in the group, and in this way we successfully worked on developing and strengthening the team.  

At the swimming pool, we played volleyball together, went for a swim and, of course, held a swimming competition.  

Finally, we rounded off our trip to Sapareva Banya with a lovely dinner at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant.

On Day 4, the Croatian team introduced the project participants to cooperative games, outdoor games and other traditional Croatian games. These had been adapted for the purposes of the youth exchange, and all the young people took part on an equal footing. The team-building activities strengthened the bonds that had been formed and improved communication and cooperation.

The evening concluded with a Croatian cultural evening, during which the young people presented their country, its history, traditions and interesting facts about modern life. Everyone listened to Croatian music and danced together.

Yesterday’s activities of the project involved games, especially designed to explore group dynamics, cooperation and teamwork.

The second activity of the day 3 was ‘Ana the Hermit’s Island’, where participants had to work together to gather “different resources and complete tasks in teams.  

In the afternoon we painted signs with ecological appeals for the village Dolni Rakovets and acted as eco-activists, thinking about what else the village might need and where.

We also made bird feeders for the area of the thermal lake out of orange peel and created land art from natural materials on the theme ‘We Are All One’.

In the evening, we had the evening to ourselves, so we played Mafia, sang songs from our countries.

@EUTOPIA @Back to Nature

Day two of the project began early in the morning with Hristo Zhelev, who explained to the young people the principles of ‘gamification’ – the creation and adaptation of games to suit the target groups of participants.At the start of the day, Hristo Zhelev introduced the participants to the principles of gamification – the creation and adaptation of games in which people of all abilities and skills can take part. Following the lecture and information session, there was a session on creative thinking and learning to play various musical instruments. 

In the afternoon, together with young people with special needs – guests of the project from the special needs services in Blagoevgrad – we ran various sensory games. The young people attended alongside their parents and took part with enthusiasm and interest in the adapted games and activities. 

Afterwards, the project team split into four groups, each of which was given the task of devising their own games by the end of the project, suitable for the inclusion of people with special needs. The teams began with a brainstorming session. The sessions concluded with an inclusive relay race, in which everyone took part.

In the evening, a Bulgarian cultural evening was held in the hall of Dom OM, where participants from Turkey and Croatia sampled traditional Bulgarian food – moussaka, shopski salad, pitka, banitsa, sujuk, and sweets. The evening concluded with an ambient concert featuring Hristo Zhelev and Simeon Granitski – multidisciplinary artists.Euttopia Back to Nature

The morning of the first day of the project began with an icebreaker involving interactive games – where everyone was from, what they did, and a presentation of each young person’s interests and abilities.This was followed by a session on the participants’ expectations and attitudes: what each person could contribute to the project, and what they hoped to learn and achieve.Group rules were established, followed by a presentation of each of the four organisations – the For Tomorrow, Foundation, the ‘Parallel World’ Association, EUTOPIA Croatia and Back to Nature, Turkey. 

Exploring the village – the young people took a walk to the mineral springs at Dolni Rakovets and along the forest eco-trail – the participants saw what had been achieved so far in previous projects and collected forest materials for the coming days, which they will use to make various items.

The youth exchange is being organised under the ‘Erasmus+’ programme and will take place from 1 August to 9 August in the village of Dolni Rakovets, near Radomir. Sixteen young people and three group leaders from the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation, the Croatian organisation EUTOPIA and the Turkish organisation Back to Nature Sport Club – all of whom are developing a sustainable partnership under the Erasmus+ programme in support of young people with special needs – will take part directly in the mobility. In addition to these participants, young people from the local community – from the village of Dolni Rakovets and the town of Radomir – as well as young people with special needs from Blagoevgrad, Sofia and Radomir will also be involved in the activities. The aim is for the project participants to demonstrate non-formal educational methods based on a play-based approach in public, and for these to be disseminated and scaled up amongst a wider range of stakeholders.

“One of our main aims is to create an inclusive environment and to encourage cooperation between young people with different abilities. In this way, we not only help to develop the potential of children with special educational needs, but also create an informal network of active citizens from the participating countries, who are then ready and able to bring about positive change in their communities,” explained Borislav Slavchov, coordinator and trainer at the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation.

Over the course of ten days, the participants – young people aged between 18 and 30 with an interest in inclusive education, psychology and nature – will have the opportunity to interact with peers from different cultures and with different abilities. Participants will share knowledge and skills, as well as learn new methods for non-formal education, social inclusion and support for young people with special needs. As part of the programme, play-based methods from the three countries will be exchanged, including traditional outdoor games from each of the partner countries. In addition, participants will be taught the ‘gamification’ method, i.e. how to create games themselves and adapt them to the needs of people with special needs. Through working in small groups alongside young people with specific needs, participants will develop practical skills for using play-based methods in educational and social activities.

As part of the project programme, a public event entitled ‘Let’s Play Together’ will take place on 8 August at 3.00 pm in the courtyard of the Youth Cultural and Information Centre in Radomir, in partnership with Radomir Municipality. At the event, project participants will demonstrate what they have learnt and present various types of games, involving over 15 young people with special needs. The event is open to residents and visitors to Radomir, and young people with special needs and their parents are invited to take part.

The project builds on a series of activities organised by the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation, co-funded by the ERASMUS+ programme, aimed at supporting the social inclusion of young people with special needs and changing public attitudes towards them.

“The impact of such youth exchanges is extremely beneficial for young people with special needs,” said Petya Petrova, a psychologist and trainer at the ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation. “Here they find a welcoming environment in which they can realise their potential, communicate freely and acquire many new skills that will enable them to integrate more successfully into society.”

The ‘For Tomorrow’ Foundation in Blagoevgrad works to improve the quality of life for people with special needs and to enable their full participation in society. The organisation promotes the exchange of knowledge, good practices and mutual support between professionals and families, whilst supporting the development and social integration of children and young people with special needs.

The activities under the ‘G.A.M.E. for Inclusion’ project form part of a youth mobility programme under project No. 2025-1-BG01-KA151-YOU-000299745 – LM-EXCH-P-4, funded by the European Union under the ‘Erasmus+’ programme.

"The effect of these activities is extremely positive for young people with special needs. They have a strong need to communicate, develop their abilities and be accepted as they are," shared professionals from social services in Blagoevgrad who took part in the closing event.

They highlighted that creative activities, combined with supportive environments and meaningful interaction, help young people develop confidence, discover new strengths and build relationships with others. Following the success of the initiative, professionals from social services in Blagoevgrad and their colleagues from Caritas Sofia have already started discussing future joint activities within upcoming projects of the For Tomorrow Foundation.

According to Petya Petrova, psychologist and trainer at the For Tomorrow Foundation, the project achieved its main objective by providing youth workers with practical methods that combine environmental awareness, artistic expression and sound therapy.

"Through interactive learning and hands-on activities, youth workers acquired innovative approaches that can support the motivation, confidence and emotional wellbeing of young people with special educational needs. These tools can be adapted and used in different communities to create more inclusive opportunities for young people," said Petya Petrova.

She added that every new project confirms the importance of non-formal education models based on practical experience, shared living and active cooperation between people from different countries and backgrounds.

"Projects like ECO ART INclusion show that inclusion is not only a principle — it is a practice. When people have the opportunity to learn from one another, create together and recognise each other's strengths, lasting change becomes possible," she said.

The project demonstrated that the combination of ecological awareness, artistic methods and inclusive education can provide youth workers with effective tools to support young people with SEN while also strengthening cooperation between organisations across Europe.

By bringing together international youth workers, young people with special educational needs, families and professionals, ECO ART INclusion created a space where diversity was not simply acknowledged but celebrated — proving that creativity, empathy and collaboration can open new pathways towards a more inclusive society.

About the Project

NEWSLETTER OF THE PROJECT - ACTIVITIES, PARTICIPANTS, RESULTS, FEEDBACK, PICTURES AND MORE...

ECO ART INclusion – Ecological and Artistic Tools for the Employment and Social Inclusion of Young People with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is an international training course implemented under the Erasmus+ Programme.

The project aims to equip youth workers with innovative non-formal education methods that combine eco-art, creative practices, theatre, music and sound therapy to support the social inclusion, personal development and employability of young people with special educational needs.

The training brought together youth workers from Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Poland, Spain and Türkiye, creating opportunities for intercultural exchange, professional development and the sharing of good practices.

Through experiential learning and direct interaction with young people with SEN, participants explored practical approaches that can be transferred to their local communities and organisations.

About For Tomorrow Foundation

For Tomorrow Foundation is a Bulgarian non-governmental organisation based in Blagoevgrad, working to create opportunities for personal development, social inclusion and active participation of young people.

Through educational programmes, international partnerships and community initiatives, the foundation develops innovative approaches that support young people, youth workers and vulnerable groups.

The organisation is committed to building more inclusive communities by promoting non-formal education, intercultural dialogue, creativity and equal opportunities for all young people.

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.

For ten days, the quiet village of Dolni Rakovets in western Bulgaria became a vibrant international learning space where youth workers and young people with special educational needs (SEN) learned, created and lived together. Organised by the For Tomorrow Foundation under the Erasmus+ Programme, the training course ECO ART INclusion introduced participants to innovative educational approaches that combine eco-art, theatre, music and sound therapy to promote inclusion, wellbeing and employability.

Rather than learning about inclusion in a classroom, participants experienced it first-hand. 

Youth workers from Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Poland, Spain and Turkey worked side by side with young people with SEN, exchanging ideas, challenging stereotypes and discovering practical methods that can be transferred to their own organisations and communities.

Throughout the programme, nature became both a classroom and a source of inspiration.

Participants experimented with clay, wool, recycled paper and natural materials, transformed everyday objects into works of art and discovered how creative activities can strengthen communication, confidence and emotional wellbeing. Theatre workshops encouraged self-expression through masks, costumes and improvisation, while sound therapy sessions demonstrated how music and the human voice can help participants connect beyond words.

One of the most memorable moments of the programme was the celebration of Enyovden, one of Bulgaria's oldest summer traditions. Participants welcomed the sunrise, learned about the symbolic ritual of collecting "silent water", gathered medicinal herbs and discovered traditional techniques for producing natural herbal essences. The experience offered international participants not only a glimpse into Bulgarian cultural heritage but also another example of how nature can become an educational resource for inclusion and wellbeing.

"Inclusion cannot be taught only through theory. It must be experienced," says Dimitar Urdev, Chair of the For Tomorrow Foundation. "When youth workers and young people with special educational needs live, create and learn together, barriers disappear naturally. This is the kind of experience that changes attitudes long after the project has ended."

Young people from eight countries - Bulgaria, Albania, Moldova, Spain, Turkey, Croatia, Poland, and North Macedonia - will gather in the village of Dolni Rakovets. Over the course of 10 days, they will live together, work, and acquire skills in the areas of intercultural communication and the social and labor inclusion of youth with special educational needs. Among the project participants will be people with various special needs. The project’s goal is for participants to learn ecological and artistic techniques through interactive training sessions and hands-on activities; when combined with sound therapy, these techniques help boost the motivation, self-confidence, and well-being of people with special educational needs.

Volunteers with an interest in and knowledge of non-formal education, the arts, and nature will gain new knowledge and skills that they will use as tools for meaningful communication with people with special needs and for their successful social inclusion. “Our efforts are focused on people with special educational needs and their effective socialization. We are working hard with young people from different countries to turn them into ‘agents’ of positive change and to improve the social climate for achieving the employment and social inclusion of people with special educational needs,” said Dimitar Urdev, Chairman of the “For Tomorrow” Foundation.  

The goal of the Blagoevgrad-based “For Tomorrow” Foundation is to create and test new models of non-formal education based on practical work and the shared living experience between volunteers from different countries and their peers with special educational needs. As part of the project, the youth workers in training will organize public events to present and put into practice what they have learned, and to have the opportunity to interact with more young people with SEN and their families.

The youth exchange “ECO ART Inclusion - Ecological and Artistic Tools for the Labor and Social Inclusion of Youth with Special Educational Needs” will demonstrate in practice how various art forms and contact with nature support emotional expression, the development of social and cognitive skills, reduce stress, encourage the development of inner potential, personal qualities, and talents, boost motivation, and make the social inclusion of people with special educational needs achievable.

The volunteers in the project will work with clay and recycled materials, receive training in dance, sound and music, set design, and acting skills, visit some social service facilities in Blagoevgrad, and have the opportunity to communicate and interact with young people with special educational needs. “Through this exchange of experience and information, we aim to strengthen the unique network of nongovernmental organizations and volunteers that we have been building for several years now, in order to promote positive environmental and social changes that support the employment and social inclusion of people with special educational needs,” said Borislav Slavchov, coordinator and trainer for the “For Tomorrow” Foundation’s projects. “All interested social service organizations in Blagoevgrad, as well as families with children with special educational needs in the region, are invited to see the results of our project. Our hope is that more people will become familiar with the non-formal education models we are creating to engage with young people with SEN, so that we can disseminate them and make the social inclusion of these young people more accessible and successful,” Slavchov added.

The work of the team at the “For Tomorrow” Foundation in Blagoevgrad is focused on improving the quality of life for people with special educational needs and integrating them into society as equal members. The “For Tomorrow” Foundation promotes the exchange of information, best practices, experience, awareness, and support for families so that they can foster their child’s development despite the medical and social challenges the child faces.

The activities under the Youth Worker Training Program – Eco Art Inclusion, organized by the “For Tomorrow” Foundation in Blagoevgrad, are part of a youth mobility initiative

under Project No. 2025-1-BG01-KA151-YOU-000299745 - SM-PDA-T-3, funded by the EU under the Erasmus+ program.

From May 23 to June 1, 2026, the village of Dolni Rakovets hosted the international youth exchange “Green Skills,” organized by the “Za Utre” Foundation in Blagoevgrad. Sixteen young people from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Serbia participated in the project, including seven young people with intellectual disabilities. The initiative was implemented with the support of the Erasmus+ program and aimed to develop practical green skills, promote volunteering, and create opportunities for social and labor inclusion.

For ten days, the participants lived, learned, and worked together, acquiring knowledge and skills in the fields of sustainable agriculture, permaculture, and eco-construction. The young people participated in hands-on activities such as building a composting system, creating a permaculture garden, producing eco-friendly bricks from natural materials, and constructing a miniature model of a treehouse.

The project was implemented in partnership with the organizations “Zelena Doba” from Serbia and “Natural Perspective” from North Macedonia. The collaboration between the partners demonstrated that international youth exchanges can successfully combine environmental education and social inclusion. The main goal of our youth exchanges is to develop and test models for the social and labor market inclusion of young people with special educational needs, which can subsequently be used by other organizations as well,” said Borislav Slavchov, an organizer and trainer with the “For Tomorrow” Foundation.

In addition to practical skills, participants gained valuable experience in teamwork, intercultural communication, and mutual support. Volunteers from the three countries worked side by side with young people with special educational needs and had the opportunity to overcome stereotypes and prejudices through direct communication and collaboration.

As part of the program, the young people also took part in a volunteer initiative at the Institute for Ecological Construction in Dolni Rakovets. They worked on landscaping the area, creating compost, designing a permaculture garden, and building demonstration ecological facilities.

Among the highlights of the project were the cultural evenings of the three partner countries, which gave participants the opportunity to learn about the traditions, history, and culture of their neighbors. To mark May 24, the young people carved Glagolitic letters from wood and learned more about the work of Saints Cyril and Methodius and the significance of the Bulgarian alphabet for the Slavic people. “The young people with special educational needs demonstrated their potential and proved that they can successfully work, learn, and develop alongside their peers. The practical skills they have acquired will be useful for their future social and labor market integration,” added Borislav Slavchev.

The “Green Skills” project was implemented with the support of the Radomir Municipality and the mayor’s office of the village of Dolni Rakovets. The initiative is part of the “For Tomorrow” Foundation’s long-term mission to create sustainable models for non-formal education, volunteering, and social inclusion of young people with special educational needs.

The “Za Utre” Foundation – Blagoevgrad works to improve the quality of life for people with special educational needs and to ensure their full participation in public life. The organization promotes the exchange of best practices, supports families, and creates opportunities for the development and fulfillment of young people.

From March 20^th to 31^st , 2026, the “For Tomorrow” Foundation held its first project of the year - “Mindful Sound” - in the village of Dolni Rakovets, Bulgaria. Sixteen youth workers from nine countries - Turkey, North Macedonia, Lithuania, Spain, Croatia, Norway, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria (including two young people with intellectual disabilities) - were trained in diverse and innovative techniques aimed at the social and professional inclusion of young people with special educational needs.

The participating NGOs were: Bungai Asociacion, Spain; Creatorium, Norway; Back to Nature, Turkey; Prirodna Perspectiva, Macedonia; Eutopia, Croatia; Tavoeuropa, Lithuania; Łódzki Dom Kultury, Poland; True Health, Romania and For Tomorrow Foundation, Bulgaria was the host organization.

The training course was attended by professionals with extensive experience working with young people with special educational needs, and the lead trainer was Mihaela Stoykova—Bulgaria’s first certified sound therapist. She guided the volunteers through the secrets of using various vibrations, musical instruments, sounds, and movements to achieve relaxation, emotional regulation, and sensory balance. The young people worked and lived alongside their peers with special intellectual needs and had the opportunity to put what they had learned into practice. The volunteers applied their new knowledge during their visits to the Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration for Children and Youth with Disabilities in Sofia, part of the Caritas Bulgaria network, and the "St. John of Rila" Center for Social Services in Blagoevgrad.

On March 30, at the City Art Gallery in Blagoevgrad, the project participants held an open demonstration of Sound therapy. The hands-on workshop showcased interactive methods and allowed young people with autism and various special needs to interact with musical instruments and experience the beneficial effects of sound, music, and movement. The sound techniques they learned were warmly welcomed by the youth with special needs and their parents, who shared that sound therapy truly provides emotional and psychological support for more active social inclusion and self-expression among children and youth with intellectual challenges.

Here is what else was included in the training program of the “Mindful Sound” project:

- March 22 – Topic: “Connection with Nature – Sound and Autism. An Introduction to Sound as a Universal Human Language and Its Impact on the Nervous System.” By the lake in the village, participants engaged in voice-opening exercises, visited the church in the village of Dolni Rakovets, and explored the acoustic resonance within it. Participants were introduced to the basic principles of rhythm, vibration, and the predictability of sound when working with people with autism.

- March 23 – Sound practice in nature – in the forest near the village, the volunteers dedicated the day to an experience with their eyes closed, focusing on mindfulness and connection with nature; This was followed by a sound journey with singing bowls, a gong, and other instruments, engaging all the senses, and in the evening there was a cultural evening featuring Turkey and Romania.

- March 24 – During the visit to the Caritas Center in Sofia, workshops were held on clay modeling, dough kneading and baking sweets, and painting cardboard Easter eggs; at the “Orfea” Center, the young people participated in a group activity on telling a musical story, and the afternoon concluded with a sensory tour of Sofia led by professionals from the Sensory Theater, Sofia.

- March 25 – The young people learned how to control their voices and sing together, explored the subtle tones of the chakras, and in the evening enjoyed traditional food, music, and dance from Croatia and Spain during a cultural evening featuring of both countries.

- March 26 – The day began with a grounding practice by the lake and listening to singing bowls filled with thermal water from the lake. Mihaela Stoykova demonstrated an interesting device that can capture and play back the impulses and energy of plants in the form of music. The day concluded with a cultural evening dedicated to Lithuania.

- March 27 – A training session was held to present and discuss methods for social inclusion and unlocking the potential of youth with special educational needs; A variety of techniques were demonstrated that can be applied in sound interventions and work with youth with special educational needs. The day was dedicated to Poland, Norway, and Macedonia, which presented their history, national cuisine, music, and traditions.

- March 28 – Bulgaria’s cultural evening was held at the village hall in Dolni Rakovets. The villagers actively participated in the celebration by bringing homemade local specialties, and the group “Kemindzhi” – featuring Mihaela Stoykova on vocals and Stefka Raicheva on percussion – performed Bulgarian folk songs and invited the young people to join in a traditional dance.

- March 29 – Final discussions, sharing and reviewing what was learned, an evening with representatives of the Sensory Theater – an improvised performance using neon lights

- March 30 – a visit to the “St. John of Rila” Center for Social and Professional Rehabilitation, Blagoevgrad, and an off-site presentation at the City Art Gallery in Blagoevgrad of a sound story—a demonstration of sound therapy that helps reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and enhance communication skills. Young people with special educational needs who experience sensory overload or difficulties expressing emotions experienced firsthand the calming effect of sound therapy, which, through a gentle and nonverbal approach, maintains emotional balance and creates a sense of safety.

As part of the “Mindful Sound” project, the youth volunteers learned how to use the new tools in their work with people with special educational needs, how to promote their development through creative and sensory activities, how to support their independence, and how to help them express themselves more freely, build confidence, strengthen their motivation, and reach their full potential. They improved their skills and capacity for working with youth with intellectual disabilities. 

We will combine methods like music, painting, sensory theater, handcrafting, clay work, etc. afterwards, we will practice how to apply these tools to support individuals with special needs, helping them strenghten their motivation, confidence and sense of well-being. Throughout the project, youth workers will have the opportunity to practice the techniques with direct individual and group work with youths with special needs, who will be participants of the project.

Participants Profile:

• older than 21 years and with no age limit,
• with or without special educational needs;
• motivated to actively take part in all activities;
• motivated to cooperate with people with special educational needs;
• ready to contribute to the program with its own input.

Activities:

• TRAINING SESSIONS AND WORKSHOPS
• NON-FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES AND GAMES
• ECOLOGICAL AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
• SUSTAINABLE ART TECHNIQUES - HANDCRAFTING, CLAY WORK, RECYCLED ART
• LOCAL FESTIVAL WITH THE COMMUNITY - MUSIC, DANCE, THEATHER
• MINDFULL ART AND SOUND HEALING IN NATURE
• ON-SITE VISIT OF ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH SPECIAL NEEDS PEOPLE
• PRACTICAL WORK WITH YOUTHS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
• CROSS-CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE

APPLY HERE until 20.04.2026.

The “Green Skills” project explores how organic gardening and permaculture can promote social inclusion, community building, and cooperation among people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. A key focus is working with youth with special educational needs (SEN), using nature and gardening as tools for learning, connection, and personal development.

Interaction with nature and gardening activities support mental health, reduce stress, and create a supportive environment for developing skills and confidence. The project provides a safe and inclusive space where youth with SEN actively participate in all activities.

Participants will learn:

• the basic principles of permaculture;
• how to build a compost bin, a treehouse, and a permaculture garden;
• how green skills support the social and labor market inclusion of people with SEN;
• how to engage in intercultural exchange and teamwork;
• how to be active drivers of social and environmental change;
• how to apply and disseminate the successful practices learned during the project.

Participant Profile:

• Young people with or without SEN aged between 18 and 30
• With an interest in psychology, education, and nature-based activities
• Motivated to work with people with special educational needs 
• Willing to contribute to the activities and share their knowledge and skills
• Willing to disseminate and build on what they have learned

APPLY HERE until 1.03.2026