First Stakeholder Meeting Held in Svishtov
On the historically significant date of November 1, celebrated in Bulgaria as the Day of National Revival Leaders, the Municipality of Svishtov hosted their first regional stakeholder meeting. This date holds deep cultural and societal significance in the Bulgarian context, as it honors figures who have played a pioneering role in awakening national consciousness and fostering the development of their communities. In contemporary terms, and within the framework of the European Union, this spirit of "revival" has evolved to reflect modern methods of civic engagement, particularly through volunteerism.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including 19 leaders of educational institutions and 28 youth workers from five European countries. These participants were simultaneously engaged in an exchange of best practices related to the sustainable transformation of public infrastructure for the benefit of young people. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Gencho Genchev, Mayor of Svishtov, who highlighted the critical role of such initiatives in empowering youth and fostering regional development. In his address, Dr. Genchev emphasised that the municipality's commitment to youth engagement aligns with broader European objectives for inclusivity and innovation in addressing societal challenges.
A key component of the meeting was a presentation by Ahmed Kuytov, who outlined the main objectives and planned activities of the YESVolunteer project. Kuytov detailed the project's timeline, emphasizing its alignment with both local and European priorities for fostering civic participation and professional development among young people. He also extended an invitation to the attendees to express their interest in joining the project's stakeholder’s working group, thereby creating opportunities for broader engagement and collaboration. This initiative set the stage for the formation of a dynamic network of stakeholders committed to enhancing youth volunteering in the region.
To maximise the meeting's impact, the organisers facilitated a structured networking activity designed to foster connections between the attending leaders of educational organisations and youth workers. This activity aimed to encourage the collaborative planning of volunteer initiatives, leveraging the unique strengths and expertise of the diverse participants. The outcomes of this engagement were both immediate and forward-looking, as attendees began to lay the groundwork for initiatives that would address key challenges faced by young people in the region.
As a direct result of this meeting, and following the significant interest expressed by participants, the Mayor of Svishtov issued an official decree on November 15, 2024, establishing the composition of the project's working group. The organisations included in this group reflect a diverse and robust network of educational institutions, professional schools, and civil society organisations. These include:
- D. A. Tsenov, Academy of Economics
- Professional High School of Economics and Management "Dimitar Hadzhivasilev" (PDTG)
- Svishtov Vocational School "Aleko Konstantinov"
- Secondary schools "Dimitar Blagoev", "Nikolay Katranov", and "Tsvetan Radoslavov"
- Primary schools "Saints Cyril and Methodius" from the villages of Ovcha Mogila and Morava
- Associations "Institute Perspectives" specialising in youth work, and "Folklore Spring" focusing on preserving and promoting local cultural heritage
These organisations significantly enhance the capacity of the working group, ensuring a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to youth engagement in volunteering and the job market.
In conclusion, the first regional stakeholder meeting in Svishtov successfully set the stage for a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young people in the Municipality of Svishtov. By fostering collaboration among educational institutions, youth organisations, and civil society, the project not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the foundation for long-term societal benefits. This stakeholders meeting exemplifies the spirit of modern "enlightenment," where civic engagement and volunteerism serve as powerful tools for personal and community development.