In March 2025, we took part in the Erasmus+ training course “Courageous Conversations” in
Dobrinishte, Bulgaria – a small mountain town surrounded by the Pirin, Rila, and Rhodope ranges.
Over the course of 7 days, 24 participants from 11 countries came together to reflect, question,
listen, and connect – both with others and with ourselves.
The training was facilitated by VIA CIVIC Association and focused on topics that are often left
unspoken in everyday work with young people: nonviolent communication, discrimination, bias,
privilege, identity, and belonging. While these are not new words to most of us, this project created a space where they became real, personal, and emotionally engaging.

From the very first day, it was clear that this was not going to be a standard training course. Each From the very first day, it was clear that this was not going to be a standard training course. Each session was intentionally designed to lead us into deeper awareness – of our own patterns, our social environments, and the systems we are all part of. We worked with simulation exercises, storytelling, group reflections, theatre, and somatic practices that challenged us to engage not just intellectually, but emotionally and empathetically.

The facilitators, Nikola and Vesy, created a space of safety, trust, and honesty – and it made all the difference. Difficult conversations suddenly became possible. We weren’t just learning how to “talk about diversity”; we were learning how to feel through it – how to see the human behind each story, behind each bias or stereotype, including our own. “Personally, this experience gave me time and space to pause – to examine where I come from, how I see others, and how often unconscious assumptions shape my reactions. It gave me tools I can use not only in youth work but in everyday human connection: how to listen with more intention, how to hold space for discomfort, and how to create belonging – not just talk about it. Professionally, it opened up new perspectives on how to work with inclusion more meaningfully and brought me into a network of like-minded youth workers across Europe who are committed to change.” – Giorgi Gabaidze

“I am deeply thankful to have been part of this journey. In Such a diverse group, among people from different stories, I felt truly seen and accepted for who I am. It was a rare and beautiful experience of bonding and genuine human understanding. The training sessions were thoughtfully organized with a clear timeline and the topics were intentionally selected for specific days to help us become emotionally ready for each activity. It was impressive how the trainers, Vesy and Nikolas, approached each participant with care and attention. In particular, they made me feel like an important and valued part of the group. These activities had a deep impact on me since they helped me uncover hidden aspects of myself that I had not realized before. As I gained new understandings, fresh realizations and insights emerged that continue to stay with me long after training ended.” – Tsitso Robakidze.

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Why Erasmus+ and VIA CIVIC Association Projects Matter

What made this project truly stand out – and why we would recommend Erasmus+ and VIA CIVIC programs to others – are these key elements: – Depth over surface: This wasn’t just another training. It was personal, transformative, and brave in its structure and content. – Quality of facilitation: Nikola and Vesy led with authenticity, allowing vulnerability without forcing it. Project was very clever-designed by Deiana! – Real tools, not just theory: Everything we learned was applicable – in community work, in team settings, and in personal development. – Cross-cultural learning: Sharing a space with people from 11 countries created not just diversity on paper but genuine exchange and mutual inspiration. – Emphasis on inner change: Before changing communities, we looked inward – and that is where real impact begins.

Also, we would like to express our gratitude to each and every participant for choosing to be their authentic selves and allowing their true “selves” to connect with ourselves. This honest presence enabled not only the creation of genuine human bonds but also allowed all of us to learn more deeply and get the most out of this experience. Without that mutual openness, the project would not have become what it did. We are grateful for every House Group for helping us emotionally process and reflect on each day, to every Recap Group for starting our mornings with such creative summaries, and to every Country Group for representing their cultures in original and inspiring ways. We also, deeply appreciate the Music Circle and Movie Night Circle for bringing warmth to our evenings and creating unforgettable memories, and we’re grateful for every late-night conversation that helped us connect beyond the sessions. Finally, a huge thanks to VIA CIVIC Association for designing such a meaningful project, and BITISI for giving us the opportunity to be part of a week that was both magical and deeply impactful. Looking back, We believe this training has planted something long-lasting – an ability to have more courageous conversations, first of all with Ourselves, and then with the world around us. And for that, once again, we’re deeply grateful.