S.P.A.C.E. for Youth Project officially launched in Sofia, Bulgaria

The European project S.P.A.C.E. for Youth (Spread Participation, Active Citizenship and Engagement) has officially started with a two-day Kick-Off Meeting held on 3 and 4 February in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Hosted by IOA Bulgaria, the meeting brought together representatives from all partner organisations to begin an exciting two-year journey focused on empowering young people across Europe.

Projekti koordineerib Asociación Cazalla Intercultural (Spain) and implemented in partnership with:
• Ballyfermot Youth Service (Ireland)
• Pistes-Solidaires (France)
• Fekete Sereg Youth Association (Hungary)
• DYPALL Network
• IOA Bulgaria (Bulgaria)

Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, S.P.A.C.E.S. for Youth aims to strengthen youth participation in democratic life, improve media literacy and critical thinking, and give young people—especially those from rural areas—the tools and confidence to engage in decision-making processes at both local and European levels.

Building the Foundations Together

During the Kick-Off Meeting, partners worked closely to define the project’s roadmap for the next 24 months. They reviewed shared goals, clarified roles, aligned methodologies for upcoming trainings and local activities, and agreed on quality standards to ensure meaningful youth engagement, inclusion and long-term impact.
Beyond planning and coordination, the meeting was also an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between organisations that share a common commitment to democratic values, inclusion and youth empowerment. Bringing together expertise in media education, rural youth work, digital learning and EU advocacy, the partnership combines diverse strengths to create real opportunities for young people.

What Young People Can Expect

Over the next two years, S.P.A.C.E.S. for Youth will offer young people in six European countries a unique learning journey that combines international mobility, local action and digital tools.

Participants will:
• Take part in three international training courses
• Learn about media literacy, EU decision-making and grassroots activism
• Create and publish podcast episodes on youth participation
• Organise parliamentary simulations and structured dialogues with policymakers
• Design and implement youth-led community campaigns
• Contribute to policy recommendations to be presented at Eurothe pean level

In addition, the project will develop open-access e-learning modules and practical guides, ensuring that the knowledge and tools created can be used by youth organisations across Europe.

Inspired by the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027 (Engage, Connect, Empower) and aligned with Youth Goal 9: “Space and Participation for All,” the project seeks to reduce the participation gap faced by young people, particularly those living in rural communities.

With its official launch in Sofia, S.P.A.C.E.S. for Youth begins a collaborative European effort to create more inclusive spaces where young voices are heard, valued and supported.