07/09/2026

Change, Explore and Grow by Exchange took part as a partner organisation in the Erasmus+ Training Course “LEGAL – Learning, Education & Good Practices for Active Legality”, held from 22 to 30 August 2026 in Maiano di Sessa Aurunca, Italy.

The project, coordinated by Cooperativa Sociale Al di là dei Sogni Onlus, brought together 18 youth workers from six countries: Italy, France, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Lithuania. CEGE was represented by three youth workers from Bulgaria – Maria, Igor and Viktoria – who actively participated in the international learning experience.

The training course focused on legality, active citizenship, social justice and the prevention of criminal influence among vulnerable young people. Through non-formal education, peer learning, cooperative work, storytelling, practical workshops and daily reflection, the participants explored new approaches and tools they can apply in their future work with young people.

An especially meaningful aspect of the project was its connection with the hosting venue. The activities took place at a property formerly confiscated from the mafia and later transformed into a social cooperative and community hub supporting the rehabilitation, empowerment and education of vulnerable people.

Maria learned more about the Camorra, the history of organised crime in the region and the efforts of the municipalities of Cellole and Sessa Aurunca to fight mafia influence. She also highlighted the inspiring conversations with people who had personal experience of these realities:

“The conversation with Simmaco, the brain behind the cooperative, was incredibly inspiring. I truly believe it changed something in me.”

For Igor, the interactive and experience-based learning approach was among the greatest strengths of the project. Instead of relying on traditional lectures, many of the activities took place outdoors and allowed the participants to learn directly through their surroundings and interactions with the local community:

“We were almost always outside, doing something interesting and learning through the surrounding activities and interactions with others.”

Among his best memories were taking part in the daily work of the social cooperative, visiting the beach and meeting the mayors of Sessa Aurunca and Cellole. Reflecting on his time at the cooperative, he shared:

“I truly felt part of a unique community.”

Viktoria also described the experience as highly informative and different from the projects in which she had previously participated:

“I learned so much about the mafia and even more about social cooperation.”

Throughout the programme, the youth workers exchanged experiences and good practices related to community engagement, social anti-mafia initiatives and work with young people facing different challenges. Together, they also contributed to the development of a practical toolbox containing methods and activities that can be adapted and used by youth workers and partner organisations in their local communities.

Beyond the learning activities, the project created space for intercultural exchange, meaningful discussions and new friendships. Maria, Igor and Viktoria returned to Bulgaria with new knowledge, practical ideas and greater motivation to promote legality, social responsibility and active participation among young people.

We are grateful to Cooperativa Sociale Al di là dei Sogni Onlus for the warm welcome and for creating such a valuable and inspiring learning experience. CEGE will continue sharing the knowledge and methods gained through the project.

photos from the Training Course

Author

The CEGE Association Team

© Change, Explore and Grow by Exchange

Address: Teva, bl. 95, fl. 1, ap. 1, Pernik, Bulgaria

All links: https://linktr.ee/cege.association

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