Iyac Bulgaria

Iyac Bulgaria Център за международна младежка дейност - България (IY AC Bulgaria) е неправителствена организация, която е създадена през 2012 г.

IYAC дава възможност на своите членове да развиват своите качества и да реализират своя потенциал, чрез участието си в местни, национални, международни младежки и социални иницитиви. Сдружението работи по различни инициативи, свързани с култура, спорт, доброволчество, неформално обучение и др.

Основните цели на организацията са:
- Изграждане на младежки лидери, чрез активно участие в младежкия с

ектор с цел изграждане на добри организационни и личностни качества: работа в екип, реализиране на идеи, създаване на професионални връзки, добиване на неформален опит в неправителствения сектор,развитие на комуникативни качества, инициативност и иновативност.
- Стимулиране участието на младите хора при вземането на решения
- Предоставя поле за изява и реализация на младежките лидери
- Популяризиране на неформалното обучение и неговото значение сред младежите
- Иновации в младежкия сектор и младежките политики
- Образование чрез спорт и дейности на открито
- Добра информираност на младото общество за възможностите пред него
- Работа с хора в неравностойно положение
Средства за постигане на посочените цели:
- Подготовка и изпълнение на проекти и програми, съответстващи с целите на сдружението
- Организиране на благотворителни прояви, информационни мероприятия и обществени дискусии
- Използване на новите информационни технологии за разпространение на информация, мобилизиране на младежката общност за постигане на заложените цели
- Изграждане на система за връзки със своите членове за решаване на проблемите в младежкия сектор
- Координиране на своята дейност със сродни организации в страната и други държави

Средства за постигане на посочените цели:
- Подготовка и изпълнение на проекти и програми, съответстващи с целите на сдружението
- Организиране на благотворителни прояви, информационни мероприятия и обществени дискусии
- Използване на новите информационни технологии за разпространение на информация и мобилизиране на младежката общност
- Партньорство със сродни организации в страната и други държави.

Day 7 – 2nd March | Faciliteasy Training CourseOur final day brought the last workshop and the closing of an intense lea...
05/03/2026

Day 7 – 2nd March | Faciliteasy Training Course

Our final day brought the last workshop and the closing of an intense learning journey. We facilitated “Quiz Show: Who Knows?”, a fast-paced quiz where teams competed to answer questions first, testing quick decision-making, communication and the ability to react under pressure

After a week of simulations and role-playing, participants strengthened key facilitation skills: managing challenging group dynamics, adapting activities when things don’t go as planned, encouraging participation and communicating clearly in complex situations.

We ended the project with a group reflection on the learning process, the Youthpass ceremony, project evaluation and some emotional farewell games ,followed by the classic farewell snack party.

Day 6 – 1st March | Faciliteasy Training CourseToday we celebrated the arrival of spring with a beautiful cultural tradi...
04/03/2026

Day 6 – 1st March | Faciliteasy Training Course

Today we celebrated the arrival of spring with a beautiful cultural tradition. Romanian and Bulgarian participants introduced the meaning of Martenitsa / Martisor, and we joined the Martenitsa Parade in Stara Zagora, learning about the history of the tradition and its connections to ancient Dacian myths.

After the celebration, we continued facilitating two more of our workshops, again while playing our simulation roles and challenging the facilitators with real-life youth work dynamics.

Verbal vs Non-Verbal Communication – A theatrical problem-solving activity where participants worked in pairs to complete tasks using either verbal or non-verbal communication, exploring misunderstandings, teamwork and empathy for communication barriers

Blind Conflict – An immersive workshop where participants navigated obstacle courses blindfolded, guided by teammates, helping them understand the daily challenges faced by people with visual impairments and the importance of trust and cooperation

We ended the day with a shared Romanian–Bulgarian cultural evening, celebrating traditions, music and food together.

Day 5 – 28th February | Faciliteasy Training CourseToday we began facilitating our first two workshops out of five — ful...
02/03/2026

Day 5 – 28th February | Faciliteasy Training Course

Today we began facilitating our first two workshops out of five — fully stepping into our simulated roles. From the “sleepy participant” and the “uncooperative one” to the “overachiever” and the person who doesn’t speak English, we recreated real youth work dynamics inside the sessions.

Wild Films – A creative documentary workshop where teams researched, filmed and presented short ecosystem videos, combining teamwork and media literacy

Junkyard Orchestra Battle – An interactive music session using improvised instruments and non-verbal conducting to explore leadership and collaboration

Facilitators had to adapt in real time — managing conflict, encouraging inclusion and staying flexible under pressure. A true test of problem-solving in action.

Day 4 Faciliteasy – 27th FebruaryToday we stepped fully into creation mode. Working in mixed-nationality teams, we set t...
02/03/2026

Day 4 Faciliteasy – 27th February

Today we stepped fully into creation mode. Working in mixed-nationality teams, we set the foundations of our workshops, blending our experiences in facilitation and non-formal education. From non-verbal workshops and music to adjustment theatre and “blind conflict” scenarios, the ideas are as diverse as our group.

We also finalized the roles we’ll play during the sessions, simulating real youth work situations: the “best participant”, the one who doesn’t speak English, the sleepy one, the uncooperative and annoyed one, and more.

Everything is set. Now we’re ready to facilitate, experiment and challenge ourselves through innovative workshops — fully in role.

Day 3 Faciliteasy – 26th FebruaryToday was about honesty, reflection and real-life youth work. We shared stories about c...
01/03/2026

Day 3 Faciliteasy – 26th February

Today was about honesty, reflection and real-life youth work. We shared stories about challenging situations we’ve faced in our work, navigating different personalities, unexpected conflicts and complex group dynamics. From these experiences, we created a list of “characters” inspired by real encounters, which we will bring to life theatrically while facilitating the workshops we are designing.

In the second part of the day, we stepped into a simulation game. The facilitator introduced 10 uncommon (but very real) situations that can happen when working with young people, and we debated the best ways to approach them from a facilitator’s perspective. Critical thinking, empathy and adaptability were at the center of the discussion.

Learning by doing — and by reflecting.

Day 2 – 25th FebruaryToday we stepped outside the training room and into Plovdiv for a short exploration, gathering fres...
26/02/2026

Day 2 – 25th February

Today we stepped outside the training room and into Plovdiv for a short exploration, gathering fresh inspiration from the city’s atmosphere, history and creative spirit.

In the afternoon, we brought that energy back into our work, starting to develop the first workshop concepts that will become part of our final facilitation book. Ideas are taking shape, and the creativity is flowing.

Welcome to Faciliteasy, our Erasmus+ training course happening in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria from 23.02 to 03.03.2026.Day 1 ...
24/02/2026

Welcome to Faciliteasy, our Erasmus+ training course happening in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria from 23.02 to 03.03.2026.

Day 1 – 24th February
We officially launched the project by bringing together youth workers from Romania, Poland, Bulgaria and Greece, ready to strengthen their facilitation, leadership and NGO management skills through non-formal education and learning by doing.

The first day focused on connection and team building. We started with classic name games and continued by creating our own original team-building activities inspired by theatre and storytelling techniques, setting the tone for a week of creativity, collaboration and practical learning.

By the end of this journey, youth workers will co-create a practical book full of workshops and facilitation tips, which will be shared here and published on IYAC’s website.

Democracy Under Pressure | Day 727 January 2026Stara Zagora, BulgariaDay 7 marked the closing of an intense and meaningf...
29/01/2026

Democracy Under Pressure | Day 7
27 January 2026
Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Day 7 marked the closing of an intense and meaningful week of learning, reflection, and connection.

The day was dedicated to evaluating the project and reflecting on everything learned throughout the week. Youth workers looked back on the activities, discussions, and workshops, reflecting on new skills, insights, and experiences gained. The programme concluded with the Youthpass ceremony, celebrating learning outcomes and personal growth, followed by emotional farewell games that captured the strong bonds built during the project.

Looking back on the entire week, it was clear how much was explored and accomplished, from critical thinking and media literacy to teamwork, creativity, and active citizenship.

In the evening, the group came together for a Romanian–Bulgarian cultural evening, celebrating through games, Kahoot quizzes, dances, and a rich selection of snacks and sweets. A joyful and warm ending to a week that combined learning, culture, and shared experience.

Democracy Under Pressure
20–28 January 2026
Bulgaria | Romania | North Macedonia | Turkey | Greece

Democracy Under Pressure | Day 626 January 2026Stara Zagora, BulgariaDay 6 was intense, interactive, and full of real-li...
26/01/2026

Democracy Under Pressure | Day 6
26 January 2026
Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Day 6 was intense, interactive, and full of real-life political chaos — exactly how learning sticks.

The day started with a Bulgarian breakfast of banitsa and pancakes, followed by a workshop led by the Turkish team. Through controversial videos of politicians, protests, and extremist narratives, youth workers explored how radical political figures influence societies, culture, and public debate.

Next came the group’s favourite activity: the political simulation game. Journalists, political parties, and voters entered the same space — with no rules. Corruption emerged quickly, media shaped opinions, and power dynamics unfolded in real time. A long reflection and debate followed, unpacking what happened, why it happened so easily, and how these mechanisms appear in real democratic systems.

In the afternoon, the Macedonian team led a workshop focused on recent news stories and scandals. Youth workers researched sources, practiced fact-checking, and debated the social impact of political scandals, highlighting the importance of media literacy and accountability.

Fast-paced, challenging, and fun

Democracy Under Pressure
20–28 January 2026
Bulgaria | Romania | North Macedonia | Turkey | Greece

Democracy Under Pressure | Day 525 January 2026Stara Zagora, BulgariaDay 5 marked an important milestone of the training...
25/01/2026

Democracy Under Pressure | Day 5
25 January 2026
Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Day 5 marked an important milestone of the training course with the first testing of the workshops created by the youth workers themselves.

The morning workshop, designed by the Romanian team, used theater as a tool to explore corruption and justice. Youth workers stepped into roles such as prosecutors, judges, and politicians and worked through a real and controversial Romanian case. Through role-play and decision-making, the group experienced the complexity of fighting corruption, the pressures on democratic institutions, and the importance of accountability and rule of law.

In the second workshop, created by the Bulgarian team, theater and improvisation were used to explore key moments from Bulgarian history. The group acted out major political and social events from a historical timeline, including Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union in 2007 and other defining moments. By embodying these events, the workshop encouraged reflection on how historical decisions shape democratic development and collective identity.

These workshops demonstrated how creative, non-formal education methods can make political topics accessible, engaging, and meaningful for young people. All workshops developed during the training course will be compiled into a workshop publication, which will be made available online — stay tuned for its release.

Democracy Under Pressure
20–28 January 2026
Bulgaria | Romania | North Macedonia | Turkey | Greece

Democracy Under Pressure | Day 424 January 2026Stara Zagora, BulgariaDay 4 was a full workshop day focused on political ...
24/01/2026

Democracy Under Pressure | Day 4
24 January 2026
Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Day 4 was a full workshop day focused on political expression, public opinion, and transforming complex political realities into educational tools for young people.

The morning sessions explored controversial political speeches from around the world. Youth workers watched, analyzed, and debated statements taken from recent political discourse, focusing on how language, framing, and emotional appeal influence public opinion. The discussions were supported by an energizer called The Line, where the group physically positioned itself in response to provocative political statements by stepping left or right depending on agreement or disagreement. This activity made differences in viewpoints visible and encouraged respectful dialogue.

In the afternoon, youth workers worked in national groups to design political workshops and educational games based on significant political events from their own countries. The goal was to create interactive and transferable learning tools that could be used in future youth initiatives to help young people better understand politics, power, and how the world around them functions. These workshops are planned to be tested and further developed in the following days.

The day ended with a Macedonian cultural evening, celebrating cultural exchange through games, quizzes, presentations, and traditional dances. The evening strengthened group connection and highlighted the value of intercultural learning alongside political education.

Democracy Under Pressure
20–28 January 2026
Bulgaria | Romania | North Macedonia | Turkey | Greece

Democracy Under Pressure | Day 323 January 2026Plovdiv, BulgariaDay 3 took the training beyond the workshop space and in...
24/01/2026

Democracy Under Pressure | Day 3
23 January 2026
Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Day 3 took the training beyond the workshop space and into history itself. The day was dedicated to cultural exchange and exploring how different political systems have shaped societies over time.

Participants spent half the day in Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Through guided exploration and group documentation tasks, we traced the many political spectrums that have passed through this ancient city — from early forms of Greek democracy, through the Roman Empire and Ottoman rule, to the modern republican system.

By observing architecture, public spaces, monuments, and historical narratives, participants reflected on how power, governance, and civic life evolve, and how history leaves visible marks on democratic development. The activity encouraged learning through place, comparison, and shared interpretation, combining historical awareness with cultural exchange.

The day reminded us that democracy does not exist in isolation, it is shaped by centuries of political change, struggle, and adaptation. A fun, engaging, and meaningful day of learning and discovery that connected the past with the challenges of the present.

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