Schools from the Amalipe Network Developed Social Ideas During UPSHIFT in Stara Zagora

From March 6 to 8, a three-day UPSHIFT youth workshop was held at Hotel Vereya in Stara Zagora. UPSHIFT is a youth social innovation programme based on UNICEF’s methodology, organized by the Center for Educational Integration of Children and Students from Ethnic Minorities and the National Focal Point. Center Amalipe participated as a partner in the initiative and supported the involvement of students and teachers from schools within its network.

During the three days, students worked intensively on developing ideas to address real problems in their schools and communities. At the beginning of the workshop, participants selected causes that matter to them, including early marriages, improving the school environment, peer support, volunteering, and social inclusion.

The young participants were divided into three groups with several teams in each group. Each group went through a series of interactive activities, where participants developed their ideas—from defining the problem and exploring possible solutions to creating a concrete action plan. Throughout the process, students were supported by facilitators and mentors, who encouraged them to think creatively, collaborate in teams, and present their ideas convincingly.

The culmination of the event was the presentation of the developed projects before a jury. Each team presented its cause and implementation plan, while the jury evaluated the ideas based on their relevance, feasibility, and potential social impact.

A total of seven student teams received funding, which will enable them to implement their initiatives in their schools and local communities. The projects are expected to contribute to greater youth participation in addressing important social challenges and to the development of their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

The UPSHIFT programme aims to empower young people to turn their ideas into real actions. Through initiatives like this, students not only develop practical skills but also realize that they can be active drivers of positive change in their schools and communities.