YOUTH-LEAP

VVIF is in a new partnership with Middle Eeast Technical University (Türkiye), Youth Policies Association (Türkiye), Comune Di Pieve Del Grappa (Italy), Casa Eslava (Spain), Ayuntamiento De Alzira (Spain) and the Municipality of Samokov (Bulgaria). Together we are working on "YOUTH-LEAP: Youth Leadership and Empowerment through Active Participation" project, that aims to foster youth participation in democratic life, enhance social and civic engagement, and develop an innovative EU Youth Participation Model.

The goal is to increase youth involvement in decision-making processes, promote active citizenship and entrepreneurship, and reinforce civic engagement. During the project, 4 Participation Enablers (Pens) from each country will support and mentor local youth and address local issues by organizing campaigns, proposing solutions, and collaborating with local governments to implement these solutions.

First Training of the Participation Enablers in Samokov

On July 10, 2025, the first training for Participation Enablers (PENs) took place in the town of Samokov. The event brought together motivated and inspired young people, ready to take a step toward more active participation in the life of their community.

The training focused on the topic of youth participation and empowerment, as part of the YOUTH-LEAP project, which we are implementing in partnership with Samokov Municipality.

Transnational Partner Meeting in Bulgaria

On August 30–31, 2025, the Values, Virtues, Integrity Foundation hosted a transnational project meeting with our partners under the YOUTH-LEAP project.

The event was held in our event hall, where we welcomed representatives from Italy, Turkey, and Spain.
We discussed the progress of the Participation Enablers (PENs) training, planned the next phases of the project, and set the dates for the international YA training in Spain next year.

Stay tuned for more updates on YOUTH-LEAP!

The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.