The local training for the SHINE project was organised on 29-30 April 2026 at the “ChameleON” youth space in Varna, Bulgaria. The event brought together 20 participants each day, including high school and university students from Varna and Dobrich, with a focus on creating an inclusive environment for young people. The sessions provided a vibrant space for interactive learning, fostering teamwork and a shared commitment to active citizenship through a learner-centred approach.
The training was implemented as a two-day non-formal education activity designed to bridge the gap between democratic principles and practical application. The first day focused on European values through the “EU values tree” exercise and a creative visioning session titled “The future we all want to live in“, where participants explored themes of social justice and inclusion. On the second day, the focus shifted to the digital landscape with the “Fake me not: surviving the AI illusion” session, where young people used fact-checking tools to navigate the risks of disinformation, followed by an analysis of the “Participation ladder” within their local communities.
A central component of the training was the SHINE board game “Democracy in action“, which served as a primary tool for exploring complex social and political issues. By integrating the game into the program, participants were able to practice public speaking and persuasion in a dynamic environment, encouraging them to articulate different viewpoints and respect diverse perspectives. Through this interactive experience, the young leaders strengthened their critical thinking and expressed a strong motivation to apply these skills in their future civic initiatives.
The SHINE project is co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme.
