As part of our ongoing Inclusion Lab project, our participants had the inspiring opportunity to take a study trip to the picturesque town of Smolyan. The highlight of this visit was the Youth Hub run by Young Improvers for Youth Development (YIYD) – one of the few youth centers in Bulgaria managed entirely by young people.
Nestled in the heart of Smolyan and spread over two vibrant floors, the Youth Hub is a shining example of youth empowerment in action. The space offers a wide range of opportunities for young people to gather, connect, and create. From a fully-equipped, free-of-charge gym to a bio garden that involves local youth in sustainable, hands-on projects, the Hub is a living example of what youth-led innovation can look like.
During our visit, the team at YIYD warmly welcomed us and generously shared their experience with Placemaking – a participatory approach to transforming public spaces into community assets. Their practical insights and success stories showed how local youth can play a key role in building inclusive and engaging environments that reflect the needs and aspirations of their peers.
This visit not only enriched our knowledge but also inspired us to bring these ideas back to our own communities. We’re now more motivated than ever to start implementing our own placemaking projects as part of Inclusion Lab.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible hosts from Young Improvers for Youth Development Smolyan for the hospitality and inspiration. We can’t wait to share what comes next – stay tuned for more updates on our journey!
The current visit was part of project Inclusion lab funded by European Youth Foundation of CoE.
