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Souvenirs from an International Youth Camp

What kind of activities take place when 16 young people and their youth workers from four different European countries gather at a camp with the goal of exploring participation, solidarity, and advocacy through drama and theatre methods?

ysi_act

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Funded by the European Union | Project No: 101147567

Youth Camp Moments – YSI-ACT Project From Septembe

Youth Camp Moments – YSI-ACT Project
From September 15–19, young people from Spain, Cyprus, Finland, and Bulgaria came together in Barcelona for an inspiring Youth Camp as part of the YSI-ACT project.
Creativity, collaboration, and connection — here’s a glimpse into our shared journey!

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Solidarity #Inclusion #NonFormalEducation #EmpowerYouth #EUProjects #EUcofunded

Looking Back at Our Final Day at Youth Camp 🌟 Alt

Looking Back at Our Final Day at Youth Camp 🌟

Although the camp ended last Friday, we’re still feeling the energy and inspiration from our last day together.

In the morning, we continued our theatre exercises and shared lunch together as a group.
In the afternoon, it was time for the Forum Theatre presentations by the youth.

It was wonderful to have an audience join us — including someone experiencing Forum Theatre for the very first time!

The performances were powerful, the atmosphere inspiring, and the collaboration truly impressive.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants — everyone surely left with new perspectives, ideas, and something to take home.
Special thanks to La Xixa for organizing and supporting this journey. 💛

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Solidarity #Inclusion #NonFormalEducation #EmpowerYouth #EUProjects #EUcofunded #forumtheatre

Co-creating the Forum Theatre pieces 🎭 At the YSI-

Co-creating the Forum Theatre pieces 🎭
At the YSI-ACT Youth Camp, participants worked with Image Theatre and other Forum Theatre methods to explore solidarity and inclusion.

This creative process is leading to Forum Theatre performances fully co-created by the youth, based on their own ideas and needs.

We also visited a cultural center to observe rehearsals of performances from four different countries. Participants from Italy, Germany and Poland joined online, and giving feedback played an important role in shaping the final pieces.

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Solidarity #Inclusion #NonFormalEducation #EmpowerYouth #EUProjects #EUcofunded

Co-creating the Forum Theatre pieces 🎭 At today’s

Co-creating the Forum Theatre pieces 🎭
At today’s YSI-ACT Youth Camp sessions, participants warmed up with mirroring and mind exercises, followed by Image Theatre activities exploring solidarity and inclusion.

✨ Key takeaways:

Mistakes didn’t matter — the world doesn’t collapse from them.

Performing and being in front of others felt intense and exciting.

Reflection rounds were inspiring, offering both perspectives: sharing what the group experienced and what was observed from others.

Discussions about yesterday’s theatre performance brought valuable insights.

The exercises felt approachable, creative and thought-provoking, sparking new ideas.

💬 Participants shared that the atmosphere kept growing stronger — the group became more connected, inspired and confident together.

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Solidarity #Inclusion #NonFormalEducation #EmpowerYouth #EUProjects #EUcofunded

YSI-ACT Youth Camp has started in Barcelona! Teams

YSI-ACT Youth Camp has started in Barcelona!
Teams from La Xixa Teatre (Spain), YEU Cyprus (Cyprus) and Active Bulgarian Society (Bulgaria) started the camp yesterday, while Team Laurea UAS (Finland) spent the day traveling and arrived in Barcelona in the evening.
Today all four country teams were finally together in Barcelona!

Highlights of the day:
🌍 Fun activities to get to know each other better
🤝 Sociometric exercises on solidarity, inclusion & youth participation
🎭 Playback Theatre session
📍 Afternoon visit to RASSIF – Centre Cívic Drassanes, where we watched rehearsals of a theatre group of young people with migration experiences. Their upcoming play will share powerful life stories, raising awareness and promoting empowerment.

💬 Participants shared that although some felt a bit nervous about joining the group later, Anu’s exercises made it easy to connect with others. Many also found it inspiring to hear different opinions and perspectives through the sociometry method.

Afternoon visit to Centre Cívic Drassanes, where we had the opportunity to watch rehearsals of a theatre group of young people with migration experiences. Their upcoming play will share powerful life stories, raising awareness and promoting empowerment.

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Solidarity #Inclusion #NonFormalEducation #EmpowerYouth #EUProjects #eucofunded

On September 10th, 2025, the YSI-ACT Consortium he

On September 10th, 2025, the YSI-ACT Consortium held an online meeting with the young participants who will soon take part in the YSI-ACT Youth Camp in Barcelona 🇪🇸 (September 15–19).

🌍 Young people from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, and Spain came together to connect, share their expectations, and express their hopes (and a few fears!) about this exciting international experience.

🤝 The Youth Camp will bring together participants from 4 countries to explore and discuss key topics:

Solidarity ✨

Inclusion 🌈

Active youth participation 🙌

All with the goal of shaping new solidarity initiatives that will make a real impact in their communities.

💡 Want to know more? Stay tuned and follow us next week for updates from Barcelona!

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Solidarity #Inclusion #NonFormalEducation #EmpowerYouth #EUProjects #eucofunded

A group of young adults gathered at Laurea for a l

A group of young adults gathered at Laurea for a local workshop where solidarity was explored through drama-based methods. The enthusiastic participants expressed their gratitude to the facilitator Niina for the active methods, the warm group spirit, and the engaging overall experience. The session concluded with a presentation about the youth camp in Barcelona, which sparked lively and excited conversations among the participants.

Who knows—maybe the next unforgettable adventure awaits in Barcelona this September! 🛫

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Solidarity #Inclusion #NonFormalEducation #EmpowerYouth #EUProjects #eucofunded

Meet the Bulgarian Team – Active Bulgarian Society

Meet the Bulgarian Team – Active Bulgarian Society
Active Bulgarian Society (ABS) is a youth-led NGO based in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. Since 2013, ABS has empowered young people through international and local projects centered around non-formal education, volunteering, active citizenship, and intercultural learning. The organization acts as a vibrant hub for inclusion, creativity, and youth participation.
🌍 Through initiatives like YSI-ACT, ABS connects young changemakers across Europe and fosters solidarity, growth, and engagement through hands-on learning and collaboration.
💬 In the next slides, meet some of the enthusiastic young voices connected to YSI-ACT through ABS:
✨ Ángel – Curious learner who loves asking questions and working with international volunteers
✨ Nerea – Youth worker passionate about travel and gaining new experiences through EU projects
✨ Mariona – Advocate for empathy, respect, and diversity, excited to stay involved in YSI-ACT
✨ Bogdan – Communication lead creating content on inclusion and youth participation from Barcelona
From Blagoevgrad to Barcelona, their diverse paths show the strength of cross-cultural collaboration and the power of youth-driven change.
#YSIACT #ActiveBulgarianSociety #YouthInAction #Solidarity #Inclusion #NonFormalEducation #EmpowerYouth #EUProjects #BulgariaYouth #EUcofunded

Meet the Cypriot Team – YEU Cyprus YEU Cyprus is a

Meet the Cypriot Team – YEU Cyprus
YEU Cyprus is a non-profit, independent youth NGO based in Nicosia. The organisation empowers young people to shape the societies they want to live in by engaging them through non-formal education both locally and internationally. Their work focuses on active citizenship, human rights, sustainability, inclusion, and intercultural understanding.

🌍 Through projects like YSI-ACT, YEU Cyprus supports youth participation and social transformation by fostering creativity, connection, and community.

💬 In the next slides, get to know the diverse team from Cyprus contributing to YSI-ACT:
✨ Kemal – Project Officer with a passion for peace education and youth work
✨ Angie – Multidisciplinary artist exploring the intersections of tradition and modernity
✨ Eliana – Scout leader and dedicated volunteer building stronger communities
✨ Maria – Youth advocate engaged in peacebuilding and inclusion
✨ Victoria – An energetic young changemaker who is interested in youth work

From civil society to creative expression, each of them brings unique energy and dedication to empowering youth and promoting solidarity.

#YSIACT #YEUCyprus #YouthInAction #Solidarity #Inclusion #NonFormalEducation #EmpowerYouth #EUProjects #CyprusYouth #eucofunded

Meet the Finnish Team – Laurea University of Appli

Meet the Finnish Team – Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Laurea is a University of Applied Sciences located in the Greater Helsinki Region, Finland. With a strong focus on social sciences, business, health, and sports, Laurea is known for its holistic approach to well-being and its innovative use of creative methods like drama and multisensory techniques. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration, Laurea promotes inclusion, participation, and community health.

💬 In the following posts, get to know the passionate people from Finland involved in the YSI-ACT project:
✨ Kaisa – Project Manager and drama enthusiast
✨ Anu – Lecturer in creative client work methods
✨ Tepi – Youth worker supporting young people facing tough challenges
✨ Niina – Advocate for community and inclusion in social work
✨ Laura – Youth instructor with a heart for drama-based methods

Together, they bring creativity, compassion, and commitment to empowering young people through arts and participation. 🎭💙

#YSIACT #LaureaUAS #YouthInAction #Solidarity #Inclusion #DramaMethod #CreativeApproaches #EUProjects #CommunityEngagement #eucofunded

✨ Get to know La Xixa Teatre and the team behind t

✨ Get to know La Xixa Teatre and the team behind the YSI-ACT project!

La Xixa Teatre is a creative force for change based in Barcelona, using theatre and participatory arts to build more inclusive, equitable, and engaged communities. Through non-formal education and co-creation, they address key issues like intercultural dialogue, youth participation, and social justice.

💬 In the following posts, meet the passionate people behind La Xixa’s work in YSI-ACT:
✨ Ana – Artistic Mediator and LGBTIQ+ rights advocate
✨ Francesca – European Project Manager
✨ Mina – Theatre Professor and expert in Theatre of the Oppressed
✨ Taoufik – Actor and dynamic workshop facilitator

Together, they bring creativity, care, and commitment to empowering youth and promoting solidarity across Europe. 🌍💜

#YSIACT #YouthForSolidarity #ActiveCitizenship #InclusionMatters #TogetherForChange #EuropeanValues #NonFormalEducation #eucofunded

🌟 What is solidarity? 🌟 🌟 Solidarity can be descr

🌟 What is solidarity? 🌟

🌟 Solidarity can be described as together - not just in words but also in action. It requires developing an understanding that all struggles are connected; and that supporting one another in challenges creates strength to overcome them together!

🌟 It is one of the core themes of the YSI-ACT: Youth Action for Solidarity and Inclusion project. Through the local workshops and the Youth Camp in Barcelona, young participants will get the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of solidarity!

We also want to hear about your opinion: What does solidarity mean to YOU?

Let us know by leaving a comment, in the comments section below.

📢 Disclaimer: The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

#YSIACT #YouthForSolidarity #ActiveCitizenship #InclusionMatters #TogetherForChange #EuropeanValues #NonFormalEducation #eucofunded

🤩 STAY TUNED for the YSI-ACT Workshops and Youth C

🤩 STAY TUNED for the YSI-ACT Workshops and Youth Camp! 🤩
🌟 As part of the YSI-ACT project, local workshops will be taking place soon in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland and Spain! The workshops are designed for aspiring young changemakers (between 16 & 24) to launch a journey into learning more about themes of solidarity, inclusion and empowerment! 🚀
🌟 The series of workshops will be a great way to build your capacity on becoming an agent of positive social change while connecting with like-minded people! You will get the chance to address topics such as discrimination, stereotypes, prejudices and social action by activating your creativity! 🎭
🌟 Participants selected from the local workshops will then get the chance to level up at our Youth Camp in Barcelona, where you’ll dive deeper into designing and leading solidarity-driven initiatives! 🤿
🤩 Soon we will be opening calls for applications to join the workshops: So, if you are interested in being part of the YSI-ACT adventure, make sure to stay tuned! 🤩
📢 Disclaimer: The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

#YSIACT #YouthForSolidarity #ActiveCitizenship #InclusionMatters #TogetherForChange #EuropeanValues #NonFormalEducation #eucofunded

🌟 YSI-ACT Stakeholder Meeting in Bulgaria: A Step

🌟 YSI-ACT Stakeholder Meeting in Bulgaria: A Step Towards a More Inclusive Future! 🇧🇬✨

On February 13, 2025, we successfully hosted the YSI-ACT Stakeholder Meeting in Blagoevgrad, bringing together youth workers, experts, and stakeholders to reflect on the progress of the YSI-ACT: Youth Action for Solidarity and Inclusion project. 💡🌍

📌 What happened?
✅ We presented the objectives, activities, and results achieved so far.
✅ Participants actively engaged in networking and discussions on strengthening youth participation in solidarity initiatives.
✅ The YSI-ACT Steering Committee and representatives from the International Training for Solidarity Action shared valuable insights and success stories.
✅ A collaborative reflection session highlighted key takeaways and steps forward in fostering inclusion and civic engagement.

💭 Why does this matter?
YSI-ACT is a 24-month initiative uniting organizations from Spain, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Finland under the CERV – Citizens’ Engagement and Participation framework. Through non-formal education, creative methodologies, and youth-led actions, we are empowering young people to be leaders of change and advocates for solidarity and human rights.

🚀 This meeting was more than just a conversation—it was an inspiration for action! The enthusiasm and dedication of participants reaffirmed that youth engagement is key to building a more inclusive and equal society.

🙌 Stay tuned for upcoming activities & be part of the change!

📢 Disclaimer: The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

#YSIACT #YouthForSolidarity #ActiveCitizenship #InclusionMatters #TogetherForChange #EuropeanValues #NonFormalEducation #eucofunded

❤️ YSI-ACT International Training in Bulgaria Come

❤️ YSI-ACT International Training in Bulgaria Comes to an End – Strengthening Inclusion Together! ❤️

This week has been full of insights, new ideas, and inspiring collaborations! Each project partner has been joined by three youth workers to test a toolkit designed to support youth participation and solidarity. The toolkit includes various drama exercises and, for many, a first introduction to Theatre of the Oppressed methods—sparking deep discussions and new perspectives.

Based on feedback and experiences from this training, the toolkit will be further refined before youth workers bring these methods to young people in their own communities.

On this Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the connections built, the shared learning, and the power of solidarity in creating a more inclusive society! ❤️

#YSIACT #YouthInclusion #SolidarityInAction #ValentinesDay #eucofunded

🌍✈️ Exciting times ahead for the YSI-ACT project!

🌍✈️ Exciting times ahead for the YSI-ACT project!

Laurea's YSI-ACT project team has been preparing the international training trip to Bulgaria for some time now, with Finnish youth workers also participating. During the training, they will have the opportunity to test various methods aimed at promoting youth participation and solidarity.

Three professionals working with young people from Finland will join the trip. They recently met with the team at Helsinki’s Oodi Library in a joyful atmosphere. In addition to getting to know each other and finalizing travel arrangements, discussions were held about the project and its goals. Everyone is eagerly looking forward—with a few butterflies in their stomach—to the insights the training will bring and the opportunity to meet youth workers from other project countries.

The project team has also gained support from two students who are completing their internships by participating in this youth solidarity project.

Stay tuned for updates from Bulgaria! 📢✨

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Inclusion #Solidarity #NonFormalEducation #YouthEmpowerment #EuropeanYouth #eucofunded

🌟 Exciting Updates from YSI-ACT! 🌟 After identify

🌟 Exciting Updates from YSI-ACT! 🌟

After identifying the needs of Civil Society Organizations through a focus group held in Cyprus, the YSI-ACT consortium has taken important steps toward empowering youth and promoting social equality, justice, and solidarity. All these activities aim to create a solid foundation for the creation of the YSI-ACT Toolkit, a powerful resource for youth workers and educators. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:

🔹 Guidelines for the YSI-ACT Toolkit
YEU Cyprus prepared comprehensive guidelines for the development of the YSI-ACT Toolkit. These outline its objectives, target groups, structure, and timeline to ensure a clear and effective framework.

🔹 Theoretical Framework and Methodology
La Xixa led the preparation of a solid theoretical framework and methodology for the YSI-ACT Toolkit. Built on prior desk research, this will guide our collective efforts to engage youth workers and educators in meaningful ways.

🔹 Non-Formal Education Activities
Our partners collaborated to create a learning path filled with dynamic non-formal education activities. These are designed to inspire youth workers and educators to raise awareness and activate young people for social change.

Together, we’re building tools to foster solidarity and empower the next generation! 💡✨

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Inclusion #Solidarity #NonFormalEducation #YouthEmpowerment #EuropeanYouth #EUcofounded

In September, La Xixa has gathered in Nicosia, Cyp

In September, La Xixa has gathered in Nicosia, Cyprus, for the focus group session of the new YSI-ACT project! The mission? To discuss how to foster youth action and solidarity.

✊🏽 During this session, we introduced the YSI-ACT project, which focuses on promoting solidarity and developing a set of practical tools to empower organizations in advancing youth-led initiatives locally, across Europe, and internationally.

✨ Through group discussions, we explored the meaning of solidarity, highlighting key values such as empathy, cooperation, and mutual support.

🤝🏽💬 Participants engaged in a self-assessment exercise, reflecting on their organizations' strengths and identifying areas for improvement in various phases of action and process management.

🔍 We dedicated time to sharing experiences from other organizations, discussing both successes and challenges in implementing solidarity initiatives.

🌱 It was a unique experience of exchange and collaborative thinking, strengthening our collective understanding of solidarity and youth engagement.

🌟 If you’d like to learn more about the YSI-ACT project and solidarity initiatives.

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Inclusion #Solidarity #NonFormalEducation #YouthEmpowerment #EuropeanYouth #EUcofounded

🌍 Introducing YSI-ACT: Youth Action for Solidarity

🌍 Introducing YSI-ACT: Youth Action for Solidarity and Inclusion! 🌍

📅 Project Duration: June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2026

📍 Funded by: European Commission

YSI-ACT is all about empowering young people to take an active role in creating a more inclusive and egalitarian society! By fostering solidarity and inclusion, this project supports youth through non-formal education and creative methods to address stereotypes, discrimination, and to promote human rights for all.

Our Objectives:

Combatting Prejudice & Discrimination: Engaging youth to challenge stereotypes and learn about EU mechanisms that safeguard fundamental rights.

Promoting Participation & Solidarity: Developing youth-led initiatives and skills for active societal involvement.

Innovating in Youth Work: Creating and sharing new approaches, like Forum Theatre, to promote active citizenship.

Who’s Involved?

Led by Associacio La Xixa Teatre (Spain), alongside Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Active Bulgarian Society - ABS (Bulgaria), and YEU (Cyprus).

👥 Target Groups: Young people, youth workers, educators, youth organizations, CSOs, and activists.

Stay Tuned! We’ll be sharing more about exciting activities like the YSI-ACT Youth Camp, Local Workshops, International Training, and more. Let’s make solidarity and inclusion a reality for everyone!

#YSIACT #YouthInAction #Inclusion #Solidarity #NonFormalEducation #YouthEmpowerment #EuropeanYouth #EUcofounded

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