2.2 People-To-People Networking

Тhe main objective of this project is to create an environment for talent development, creative skills and intercultural dialogue among young people from the Vidin-Zajecar cross-border region. The specific objectives are increasing the knowledge, skills and motivation for the creative growth of 120 young people from the cross-border region through the conducting of creative camps; Creation of a Youth Network for Art-Environment supporting and stimulating the development of the creative abilities of young people and their personal growth; Encouraging the mobility of young people from the cross-border region and the exchange of ideas and good practices.

Project activities:

1. Development of a methodology for selection of young people - participants in the "Creative camps“;
2. Conducting of 3 creative camps in music, creative writing and fine art "Creative camps" in Belogradchik with 30 Bulgarian and 30 Serbian youths;
3. Conducting of 3 creative camps in dance, theater and photography „Creative camps“ in Knjazevac with 30 Bulgarian and 30 Serbian youths;
4. Cross-border Discussion Forum "Youth Entrepreneurship in the Field of Culture and Creative Industries" in the town of Belogradchik;
5. Participation of young people from the creative camps at the "International Youth Culture Festival in Knjazevac".

Project results and outputs:

1. Increased knowledge, skills and motivation for creative development of 120 young people from the cross-border region;
2. Created Youth Network for Art-environment;
3. Delivered musical instruments and a sound system for future joint initiatives.

Target Groups: Young people involved with art from the Vidin-Zaicher cross-border region, representatives of cultural institutes, civic organizations and local authorities, which work on youth policy.

Overall objective: Encouraging the cooperation in youth work and youth policy to contribute to integration and socio-economical development in Bulgaria-Serbia cross-border region.

The project envisages: Joint research and analyses of current situation and needs of young people in whole border regions of Bulgaria and Serbia; Selection and preparation of “youth riders” – group of 20 youth activists through joint training; Creation of a Virtual Community of Practice (VCoP) – website platform for collaboration; Creation of cross-border training camp in Serbia (support with training facilities); Implementation of two “Youth Rides” – series of public discussions about youth policy in 10 cities/towns in border area (5 per country); Training sessions for youth leaders and youth workers in Bulgaria and Serbia; Cross-border leader camp in Serbia for additional training, creation of CBC network of youth NGOs and political declaration; Publications, etc.

The planned project results include: Two research report- analyzes about current situation of youth in both border regions produced and published; One website on the concept of “Virtual Community of Practice” created; Min.52 young leaders and workers trained on issues related with youth work and policy; 10 international public discussions implemented in 10 towns/cities in border region between youth and decision makers about youth policy; A data base of min. 60 youth/working with youth NGOs from border region created; A data base of min. 60 successfully implemented projects (best practices) in youth field created; One CBC youth training camp supported with training facilities; One political declaration with recommendations to the public authorities adopted by joint youth summit and disseminated; One Collection with data-base of organizations, best practices and other materials from the project published and distributed, etc.

Project website: www.fyc-vidin.org/yriders