From 9th to 15th March 2026, youth workers from across Europe gathered in Trnava, Slovakia, for the Erasmus+ training course “Stories and Literacies” – an inspiring journey into the world of storytelling, media literacy, and critical thinking.

Hosted by our partners - European Dialogue, the training brought together participants from Bulgaria, Poland, Czech Republic, Latvia, Norway, Lithuania, and Slovakia, creating a truly diverse and dynamic learning environment.

The Bulgarian group (Anzhela Azmanova, Maria Katsarova and Yordan Kolev), from CEGE Association, actively contributed to the learning process and intercultural exchange throughout the week.

Understanding the Power of Stories 

In today’s world, stories shape how we see reality, influence our beliefs, and guide our decisions. This training focused on exactly that – how narratives, media, and information ecosystems impact young people’s perceptions and choices.

Through non-formal education methods such as workshops, debates, and storytelling exercises, participants explored:

• how media content is created and spread

• how algorithms and virality influence opinions

• how to recognise bias, manipulation, and misinformation

• how storytelling can both empower and mislead

The programme highlighted that stories are often more powerful than facts alone – and learning how to navigate them is a key skill in modern society.

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

The training was not just about theory – it was about experience, connection, and growth.

Participants engaged in:

• interactive workshops on critical thinking and media literacy

• group work and creative storytelling sessions

• intercultural evenings full of traditions, food, and laughter

• study visits in Trnava and nearby cities

• reflection sessions and team presentations

Beyond the educational content, what truly made this experience special was the atmosphere.

As shared by Anzhela:

“It’s my first time being in such a well-organized, accepting, and social group… what I enjoyed most was the company of the other participants, who were amazing.”

The participants from the group highlighted:

• the welcoming and supportive environment

• the high level of organisation

• the dedication and passion of the hosting team

• the balance between learning and social activities

The project was filled with unforgettable moments and shared experiences.

Maria said:

“I met some of the most creative, smart, and kind people I have ever seen. One of my favourite memories is having a movie night and watching Mamma Mia for the first time… I loved it :)”

At the same time, Yordan highlighted the strong learning aspect of the project:

“The team of the hosting organisation were very organised and created a really good learning atmosphere.”

“We had very interesting sessions… especially about storytelling and creating videos. Learning how to tell a story in six words was something really unique.”

Building skills for the future

By the end of the training, all the youth workers who participated left with:

• stronger critical thinking skills

• practical tools for media literacy education

• new methods for engaging young people

• deeper understanding of storytelling and its impact

• international connections and friendships

The project empowered youth workers to support young people in becoming more critical, informed, and responsible media users – a crucial step in today’s fast-moving, narrative-driven world.

Why it matters

“Stories and Literacies” was more than just a training course – it was a space where ideas met creativity, learning met connection, and individuals became a community.

The experience of the CEGE group once again proves the value of international learning opportunities in shaping active, aware, and empowered young people.