Digital Democracy: Youth Voices Online! Youth Exchange Completed in Pazardzhik

🇧🇬💬 Ten days for young people’s voices in the digital world: our team came home with their Youthpass certificates!

From October 28 to November 6, 2026, the international youth exchange “Digital Democracy: Youth Voices Online!” took place in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria, organized by Association FORUM under the Erasmus+ Programme. The project, in which KOZ-DER took part as a partner organisation, brought together 36 participants from Bulgaria, Türkiye, Slovakia, Romania, Portugal and Greece, including 30 young people aged 18–30 and six group leaders.

The KOZ-DER team was made up of 6 people. Three of our group members successfully completed the visa process to be able to join the project, so after a demanding preparation period our team set off at full strength. ✈️

Aim of the Project

The youth exchange aimed to strengthen young people’s understanding of digital democracy, online participation and responsible digital citizenship. The project focused on developing digital and media literacy, critical thinking and active participation in democratic processes, while encouraging young people to use online platforms as tools for positive social change.

What Did They Learn?

Throughout the project, participants explored important topics such as personal data protection, hate speech, misinformation, fake news, cyberbullying and digital rights. Through interactive workshops, World Café discussions, case studies and simulations, they learned how to identify unreliable information, protect their digital identities and behave responsibly in online environments. Special attention was also given to the influence of algorithms and artificial intelligence on digital content and public opinion.

During the mobility, participants took part in a variety of non-formal education activities. These activities provided opportunities to express opinions, exchange perspectives, debate relevant social issues and practice democratic participation in an inclusive and supportive environment.

They Presented KOZ-DER 🤝

In the organisation presentation session, our young people introduced KOZ-DER to the international participants, talking about our mission, our mind games, coding, Speaking Club and book club activities in Kilis, and Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) opportunities. In the country presentation, they shared the challenges young people in Türkiye face in digital democracy and the solutions offered by public institutions, municipalities and civil society. 🇹🇷

Learning Recognised with Youthpass 🎓

The programme ended with participants receiving their Youthpass certificates. With this project, our young people documented their experience particularly in digital literacy, media awareness, critical thinking, communication, teamwork and intercultural awareness.

Outcomes

The “Digital Democracy: Youth Voices Online!” project contributed to empowering young people to become more informed, responsible and active digital citizens. By combining non-formal education, digital creativity and democratic participation, the exchange provided participants with practical knowledge and tools that they can apply in their everyday lives and local communities.

With its successful implementation, the project demonstrated the importance of digital literacy and youth engagement in strengthening democratic values, combating online misinformation and creating more inclusive and responsible digital spaces. It also highlighted the valuable role of the Erasmus+ Programme in promoting international cooperation, active citizenship and meaningful participation among young people across Europe.

Thank You

We warmly thank Association FORUM for hosting this meaningful experience, as well as the trainers, all partner organisations and our young people who represented us so well. 💙

More about the project: Digital Democracy: Youth Voices Online! project page

This project is supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme. Project No: 2026-1-BG01-KA152-YOU-000391446