On October 10, 2025, psychologist Krasimir Tsanev and engineer Atanas Mitev, as representatives of the Youth Development Center – Mutual Aid Association (YDCMA), participated in a training seminar to present the Eco-Schools Program, organized by the Bulgarian Blue Flag foundation and Devin AG, with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) and the Ministry of Environment and Water (MEW).

The event took place in Hall “Vitosha” at Inter Expo Center – Sofia and gathered representatives from schools, kindergartens, and organizations committed to sustainable education and environmental protection. Participants included Petya Manastirska, Manager of Sustainable Development and Quality at Devin AG, and Stanislav Georgiev from the Bulgarian Blue Flag Movement.

The participation of the YDCMA Association was related to the activities of the Eco Academy for Children, which the organization conducts at the Green Europe Eco Center in Srednogorovo village, Kazanlak municipality. The initiative aims to provide ecological education and develop responsible attitudes towards nature among the youngest members of society. The academy encourages children to be active participants and future leaders in environmental protection through interactive workshops, games, and outdoor practical activities. It has been running for three consecutive years.

With the inclusion of the Eco Academy into the green circle of the Eco-Schools Program, it also becomes part of UNESCO’s green network. Currently, the organization is working on the project “Eco Academy 2025-2026” under the Erasmus+ program, funded in Bulgaria by the Human Resource Development Centre.

During the seminar, the goals, structure, and methodology of the Eco-Schools Program were presented, along with successful practices from schools, kindergartens, and the Mutual Aid Association across the country. The representative of the association shared the organization’s experience in applying zero waste principles, eco-education, and youth initiatives for sustainable development, implemented through the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programs.

The idea behind the YDCMA Association’s participation in the seminar was to continue building partnerships with educational institutions and organizations that support green thinking and education for a sustainable future. Thus, the academy began its journey to become part of the green circle of the Eco-Schools community and to be awarded the international Green Flag status by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Over 68,000 children are already involved in this initiative.

Engineer Maria Slavova