In November, the team of PULSE Foundation – Kardzhali branch, with the support of the team from Pernik, held several important meetings and training sessions aimed at preventing violence, raising awareness, and supporting children and young people in the region. The discussions were organized within the framework of the project “United Network for Inclusive Values, Equality, Rights and Social Empowerment – UNIVERSE,” funded by Minority Rights Group under the “Mario” program, which seeks to promote equality, facilitate access to knowledge, and empower young people.

On November 19, the team of the Kardzhali branch was invited by the management of Secondary School “Yordan Yovkov” to hold a discussion with more than 70 seventh-grade students on the occasion of the International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The meeting focused on the topics “What is violence, its types, and how can we respond when we or someone close to us has been affected.”

Working with such a large group was a challenge, but nevertheless the students actively participated, sharing their knowledge and experiences. Many of them recognize the forms of violence, but few know where and how they can report if they witness or suffer from it. The engagement of some students, their willingness to participate, ask questions, and even express interest in volunteering was highly inspiring. At the end of the meeting, everyone was united by the desire for future partnership and more initiatives in the school.

On November 21, the team conducted two consecutive training sesions in the Center for Family-Type Accommodation for Children without Disabilities – Momchilgrad and the Complex for Social Services – Krumovgrad. The focus of the discussion was “Sexual health and prevention of risky behavior among children and young people in residential care.”. The total number of trained children and young people was 18, with 6 participating in Momchilgrad and 12 in Krumovgrad.

The training sessions began with some hesitation and low interest from certain children – a topic like sexual health often provokes feelings of shame and insecurity. However, once they engaged in case studies and group tasks, the atmosphere changed – participants started to take part actively, ask questions, share personal experiences, and look for ways to handle situations that concern them.

Particularly inspiring was the comment from the director of the service in Momchilgrad, who noted that it is usually difficult to keep the children’s attention for more than 30 minutes, but this time, for two hours, no one left or sought out the staff – a sign that the training truly sparked interest and provided value.

In Krumovgrad, the larger and more diverse age group also managed to find common ground through the case studies and group tasks. For some participants, the most important aspect was not the topic itself, but the fact that someone cared about them, spoke with them, and took them seriously – a key element of the philosophy of the UNIVERSE project and the work of PULSE Foundation.

The trainings not only provide knowledge but also create a space for expression, sharing, and building confidence – a foundation for social inclusion and the development of active young citizens.

These meetings showed that when children and young people receive the right support, attention, and approach, they become active, motivated, and eager for knowledge. The team of PULSE Foundation – Kardzhali Branch continues to work purposefully on violence prevention, sustainable education, and empowerment.

The UNIVERSE project is funded by the European Union Program for Minorities, Accountability, Rights, Independence, Organizational Development (MARIO). Sub-grant No. BG042025