This project is carried out in collaboration with Fundacja Innowacyjnej Edukacji (Poland) and Hellenic Youth Participation (Greece), and aims to strengthen the branding and marketing competences of adult education organisations (AEOs) and educators to help them improve their visibility, outreach, and sustainability in an increasingly competitive and digital landscape. By providing accessible resources, expert guidance, and practical training, the initiative supports AEOs in building stronger identities, engaging more learners, and showcasing their impact effectively.

As part of the project, VVIF sent 7 adult educators to Dobczyce, Poland, between the 10th and 18th of March for a training course to build the branding and marketing competences of staff from NGOs, associations, and learning centres working in adult education. Participants explored personal and organisational branding, content marketing, digital tools, and communication strategies. They developed practical skills in copywriting, visual content creation, and the use of effective digital promotion channels. By the end of the course, each participant had produced promotional materials and developed a tailored six-month content strategy to implement in their organisation.

To provide ongoing support, the project will produce a set of guidelines and a practical handbook for AEOs. The guidelines will offer theoretical support and a step-by-step approach to branding in the context of adult education and the handbook will serve as a practical tool to help organisations apply these concepts to their own context. 

Another key activity of the project is the production of a podcast series on branding for adult education organisations. These podcasts, recorded in national languages (Polish, Greek, and Bulgarian), aim to share valuable insights and engage local audiences on relevant branding topics.

Additionally, each partner will offer personalised consultations to three organisations in their country. These consultations will focus on evaluating current brand identity, defining target audiences, positioning strategies, communication planning, and building trust and credibility. Participating organisations will be guided through using the Branding Handbook, engaging in self-assessment exercises and practical activities tailored to their needs.

As part of the “Step into Branding” project, the partners created podcasts with individuals and organizations connected to branding and marketing.

The “Values, Virtues, Integrity” Foundation met with Natalia Kirilova — a long-time entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and manager of Digital Marketing Group with over 20 years of experience. Natalia helps businesses and organizations discover their authentic vision and turn it into results. We spoke with her about how NGOs can build trust and recognizability. You can listen to more here.

The second guest was Silvia Nikolova — a journalist, PR and marketing expert with extensive experience in campaigns on education, media literacy, and social causes. In our conversation, she painted a clear picture of how ethical communication is at the core of building trust toward non-governmental organizations. Listen to more on the topic here.

At the final dissemination event, our foundation gathered more than 20 people interested in branding. A special guest was Silvia Nikolova — PR and marketing expert, with whom we recorded a podcast on the topic “Ethical Communication as the Basis of Trust.” Participants had the opportunity to ask her interesting and key questions about branding, brand identity, and how our organization can become more easily recognizable.

During the event, engaging discussions emerged, and guests expressed interest in hearing more on the topic in the already published podcasts.