My ESC volunteering journey in Sofia was inspiring. During this time, I participated in many creative, educational and cultural activities. These experiences not only helped me contribute meaningfully to the local community, but also supported my personal and professional development.
A significant part of my project involved organizing and leading workshops with children that focused on learning through creativity and fun. With the support of my team, I facilitated:
● Photography Workshop for Kids: A fun and educational activity where children learned how to use cameras and tell visual stories.
● Canva Workshop for Teachers: A session aimed at developing digital design skills among educators.
● School Workshops covering:
○ Cybersecurity and Safe Internet Use
○ Anti-Vapor Awareness
○ Environmental Responsibility and Ecosystem Protection
We also held seasonal and cultural events including:
● Easter Workshops with handmade decorations and cultural exchanges
Martenitsa Workshop – Sharing the meaning and making of Martenitsa
● Bulgarian Alphabet and Culture Workshop – Introducing the Cyrillic alphabet and Bulgarian traditions
I also participated in a school trip to Hisarya where we organized a series of workshops for the children. These included a photoshoot, an introduction to Canva workshop, and a creative activity using recyclable materials. The aim was to spark their interest in visual expression, basic digital design, and environmental awareness through hands-on learning.
One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was working directly with the children. Together, we created a space filled with trust, creativity, and shared learning. I believe we learned a lot from each other. I also had the chance to give presentations at universities in Bulgaria, where I introduced Erasmus+ opportunities, shared my personal volunteering experience and encouraged students to participate in international programs.
All in all, my ESC experience at the Bulgarian Youth Forum was enriching and inspiring. It helped me discover new potentials in myself while making a real impact in the community I work in.
