Young people from Bulgaria and Denmark exchanged experiences in an intercultural project under Erasmus+

In the period 13–15 April 2026, an intercultural exchange took place between youth volunteers from Denmark (Copenhagen), representing the DEO organization, and Bulgaria – Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe” (city of Veliko Tarnovo). The initiative was
implemented within the framework of the PIAR project, funded under the Erasmus+ program, with the participation of over 12 young people.

On April 13, the participants arrived and were accommodated at the “Novel” hotel, where they had the opportunity for informal acquaintance and first intercultural contacts.

The “Amalipe” team presented its activities, the achieved results and its long-standing experience in working with vulnerable communities. In the next session, the main challenges facing the Roma community in Bulgaria were discussed, and an open dialogue and exchange of views was held between the Bulgarian and Danish participants.

A particularly significant moment of the program was the visit to the village of Batak, where the young people from Denmark had the opportunity to get to know the local context up close. They visited the Primary School “St. Cyril and Methodius”, where they met with representatives of the school and learned about the educational environment, as well as the efforts for integration and support of students. As part of the field trip, the participants also visited the Roma neighborhood, which gave them a real idea of ​​the living conditions, social challenges and opportunities for development of the community. The meetings on site encouraged active discussions and a better understanding of cultural differences and similarities.

On April 15, the program continued with a visit to the central office of “Amalipe” in Veliko Tarnovo, where the participants got acquainted with the organizational structure and current initiatives. In the following session, good practices in working with volunteers were presented, followed by group work on specific cases. Through interactive methods, the participants developed solutions to real problems related to youth engagement and social inclusion.

In the afternoon, the representatives of the DEO outlined the next steps of the PIAR project and the necessary activities for its successful implementation. The meeting ended with a summary and feedback from all participants, who shared a high assessment of the exchange and emphasized its importance for their personal development and professional experience.

The cross-cultural exchange contributed to deepening the cooperation between the partner organizations, encouraged the sharing of good practices and increased the capacity of young volunteers to work in a multicultural environment. The project strengthened the role of international partnerships as a key tool for social inclusion and active civic participation.