Association WalkTogether

Association WalkTogether is a Bulgarian non-governmental organisation established in 2013 with the mission to support young people, youth workers, educators, volunteers, and local communities through non-formal education, international mobility, and civic engagement initiatives.

Since its establishment, the organisation has been actively involved in the development and implementation of local and international educational activities promoting inclusion, intercultural dialogue, active participation, wellbeing, sustainability, and personal development.

The organisation believes that non-formal education is an effective tool for empowering young people and strengthening their social, personal, and professional competences. Through its activities, WalkTogether encourages participants to become more active, responsible, and engaged members of society.

The organisation promotes European values such as solidarity, equality, diversity, intercultural understanding, democracy, and human rights. Particular attention is given to the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities, including participants facing social, geographical, cultural, or economic obstacles.

At international level, WalkTogether participates in Erasmus+ , CERV, Digital Europe and other programs and projects initiatives aiming to strengthen youth participation, mental health awareness, digital competences, environmental responsibility, and intercultural learning. The organisation has developed a broad international partnership network and has experience both as coordinating organisation and partner organisation in Youth Exchanges, Training Courses, Cooperation Partnerships, and local educational initiatives.

The organisation also contributes to the recognition and visibility of youth work and non-formal education in Bulgaria by promoting innovative educational approaches and supporting active youth participation at local and European level.

Association WalkTogether has extensive experience in the implementation, coordination, and support of educational projects and international mobility activities under Erasmus+ and other European programmes (CERV, Digital Europe, Horizon 2020)

The organisation regularly organises and participates in Youth Exchanges, Training Courses, Workshops, Seminars, awareness Campaigns, Volunteering initiatives, Conferences, and educational activities focused on community empowerment and social activism.

WalkTogether has experience both as Coordinating Organisation and Partner Organisation in projects related to:

• youth participation and active citizenship,

• inclusion and diversity,

• mental health and wellbeing,

• media literacy and digital education,

• sustainability and environmental awareness,

• entrepreneurship and employability,

• intercultural dialogue,

• and recognition of youth work.

The organisation applies non-formal education methodologies based on experiential learning, peer-learning, simulations, teamwork, reflection sessions, role-play activities, and participatory approaches. Through these methods, participants develop competences related to communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and social engagement.

One of the organisation’s main priorities is supporting young people with fewer opportunities and ensuring equal access to educational and mobility opportunities. WalkTogether has experience working with participants from rural areas, vulnerable groups, and socially disadvantaged backgrounds by creating supportive and inclusive learning environments adapted to participants’ needs.

The organisation also cooperates actively with schools, youth centres, NGOs, local institutions, informal groups, and international partner organisations in order to strengthen community engagement and increase the visibility of youth work and non-formal education.

Through its dissemination and outreach activities, WalkTogether promotes project results through social media, local events, workshops, schools, youth centres, partner networks, and community initiatives.

IMPROVING THE SKILLS OF YOUTH WORKERS

Association WalkTogether actively supports the professional development of youth workers, facilitators, trainers, educators, and youth leaders through international mobility projects and non-formal educational activities.

The organisation’s activities are focused on strengthening the competences of youth workers contributes directly to improving the quality of youth work and increasing the impact of educational activities on young people and local communities.

Through its projects and educational activities, WalkTogether provides opportunities for youth workers to develop competences related to facilitation, leadership, communication, inclusion, intercultural dialogue, project management, digital education, teamwork, and conflict resolution.

The organisation has experience implementing Training Courses and educational activities focused on topics such as active citizenship, media literacy, sustainability, entrepreneurship, digital competences, wellbeing, mental health, and combating discrimination and hate speech.

WalkTogether also promotes the exchange of good practices and cooperation between organisations working in the field of youth. Through international partnerships and multicultural learning environments, youth workers strengthen their intercultural competences and gain practical experience in innovative educational methodologies.

The organisation encourages youth workers to act as multipliers within their local communities by sharing knowledge, organising follow-up activities, and supporting the development of local youth initiatives.

ALTERNATIVE INCLUSIVE LEARNING METHODS

Association WalkTogether actively promotes inclusive educational approaches and alternative learning methodologies aiming to ensure equal participation opportunities for all young people, especially those with fewer opportunities.

The organisation has experience working with participants facing social, economic, cultural, and geographical obstacles, including young people from rural areas, vulnerable groups, and socially excluded communities.

WalkTogether applies non-formal education methods such as simulations, group discussions, reflection sessions, teamwork activities, role-play exercises, creative workshops, peer-learning, and outdoor educational activities. These methods encourage active participation, creativity, intercultural understanding, cooperation, and personal development.

The organisation also focuses on motivating young people to participate actively in volunteering activities, youth initiatives, and international mobility projects. Through mentorship, inclusive facilitation, and supportive learning environments, participants are encouraged to increase their confidence, social engagement, and sense of responsibility within their communities.

In addition, WalkTogether contributes to discussions related to the recognition of youth work and non-formal education in Bulgaria and at European level and supports the development of inclusive and learner-centred educational practices.