“NEW HORIZONS" METHODOLOGY:
A FRAMEWORK FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND INCLUSION
The "New Horizons" methodology represents our foundational approach to fostering the appreciation of core values such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights, including the rights of minority groups. It serves as the bedrock upon which young people can develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and self-regulation.
IDENTIFIED CHALLENGES AND ACTION PLAN
Local empirical studies in 2016 and 2017 revealed a concerning lack of awareness among youth regarding EU youth policies, with 69.6% and 81.67% respectively in different towns, unaware of such strategies. These findings indicated a pressing need for effective outreach and engagement in Bulgaria's smaller communities.
Our action plan unfolds in seven meticulously designed phases:
1.Development of an educational program: Tailored to the cultural specificity of each region, this phase involves identifying common prejudices and stereotypes and establishing partnerships with various stakeholders.
2.Engaging participants using socratic maieutics: Youth workers initiate contact with target groups through philosophical inquiries that spark interest, leading to information sharing about the initiative upon demonstrated interest.
3.Execution of an intensive training course: Trainers blend into the group, creating an environment that encourages the unfolding of participants' potential, guiding them to act in accordance with their feelings, perceptions, and desires.
4.Identification of participants' strengths: During phase three, trainers and volunteers observe participant interactions and conduct interviews and tests to help youth recognize their positive qualities and talents.
5.Motivation for youth initiative club formation: Highlighting positive outcomes from the training course through multimedia, emphasizing the benefits of continued community engagement and personal development.
6.Support for mastering youth work principles: Youth workers live with club initiators for up to two weeks, visiting potential partners and preparing initiatives to attract volunteers and guide educational resources.
7.Realization of an independent initiative by the youth club: Youth, along with volunteers, plan, execute, and assess initiatives that positively impact local challenges, with experts providing guidance.
ACHIEVED ACTIVITIES AND PARTICIPATION
Implementing this methodology across various Bulgarian communities, including towns like Karlovo, Oryahovo, Polski Trambesh and Momchilgrad, has engaged 60 vulnerable youths, introducing them to European educational initiatives and activities.
- Over 400 youths from small Bulgarian localities enhanced their self-awareness regarding common European values and readiness to participate in subsequent educational initiatives.
- Nineteen meetings with school directors led to the presentation of our methodology for inclusive education with their educators and students.
- 60 youths aged 14-29 improved competencies in communication, digital technology usage for civic engagement, complex problem-solving, understanding diverse perspectives, and expressing and interpreting metaphorical and abstract ideas across varied cultures. They demonstrated readiness to act on favorable opportunities, transforming them into values for others. The "New Horizons" methodology stands as a testament to our enduring commitment to the betterment of society through the empowerment of its youth. By instilling European values and promoting inclusion, we have laid a new foundation for the next generation to become educational leaders in their communities. Looking ahead, we continue to expand our reach, adapt our methods, and innovate our practices to meet the evolving needs of young Europeans, ensuring every horizon they approach is filled with opportunity and promise. The "New Horizons" methodology is ingeniously designed to play a pivotal role in facilitating the European integration process within Bulgaria. By directly addressing the observed disconnect between EU policies and the youth's awareness of them, this methodology is a conduit for fostering a deeper understanding of the European Union's values and mechanisms. Here is an elaboration on how "New Horizons" contributes to this integration:
ENHANCING AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN EU PROCESSES
"New Horizons" is instrumental in raising awareness among Bulgarian youth about the European Union's strategies and policies. By providing education on EU values and operations, the methodology equips young people with the knowledge necessary to actively participate in the Union's democratic processes. This heightened awareness fosters a sense of European identity and encourages the youth to contribute to the EU's future direction. Through its immersive educational program, "New Horizons" promotes an inclusive concept of European citizenship that transcends national borders. The methodology champions the idea that every individual, regardless of their background, plays a vital role in the European project. This sense of belonging is essential for the integration process, as it ensures that young people in Bulgaria see themselves as integral parts of the European community.
EMPOWERING YOUTH WITH KEY COMPETENCIES
The methodology emphasizes the development of competencies such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, which are aligned with the key objectives of the EU's youth policies. By fostering these skills, "New Horizons" prepares Bulgarian youth to engage with European institutions and initiatives, thereby strengthening Bulgaria's role within the EU.
"New Horizons" facilitates lifelong engagement with European values and principles. The formation of youth initiative clubs under the methodology serves as an ongoing platform for dialogue and action on EU-related issues. This ensures that the process of integration is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and participation.
CREATING MULTIPLIERS FOR EU VALUES
The youths who have undergone the "New Horizons" training become multipliers for EU values and integration processes. As they take their place in society, these educated individuals advocate for EU principles in their local communities, thereby contributing to a ripple effect that furthers integration throughout Bulgaria. By signing cooperation agreements with local municipalities and engaging with educational institutions, "New Horizons" aligns local development initiatives with broader EU goals. This strategic alignment ensures that local efforts contribute meaningfully to the Union's overarching objectives of cohesion and inclusive growth. Looking to the future, the "New Horizons" methodology is set to evolve alongside the EU's own development, adapting its educational content to reflect the Union's changing priorities and expanding its reach to ensure that all Bulgarian youth can participate in the European project. As Bulgaria continues to integrate more deeply into the EU, "New Horizons" will be a beacon of that progress, embodying the transformative power of education and active citizenship. The "New Horizons" methodology thus serves as an essential framework for empowering Bulgarian youth to become active European citizens and for promoting the values and objectives of the European Union within Bulgaria. It is a model of integration, fostering a European identity that is inclusive, informed, and engaged.
