The National Management School (NMS) is a partner in the international project EmpowerYouth, implemented together with organisations from Iceland and Italy. The project focuses on strengthening the mental well-being, resilience, and empowerment of young people aged 14–18.
Its main objective is to create meaningful spaces where young people’s voices are heard, respected, and actively integrated into the school environment.
Following the initial partnership meeting, a team of psychologists and trainers developed an innovative training programme based not on adult assumptions, but on the real needs of young people. These needs were identified through a survey involving nearly 300 students from across Bulgaria .
As a result, 12 key topics emerged as particularly relevant:
- Values and purpose
- Mental health
- School stress
- Anxiety
- Social media
- Friendships
- Family
- Bullying and prejudice
- Body image
- Sexuality
- Loneliness
- Money and finances
Based on these insights, 12 dedicated learning modules were developed, supported by methodological guidelines and practical resources for implementation in school settings.
The programme applies interactive and evidence-based approaches, including:
- Socratic dialogue
- Group discussions
- Community of inquiry
- Silent conversation
EmpowerYouth introduces a new model of working with young people—placing their lived experiences, concerns, and perspectives at the centre of the learning process.
More on https://empoweryouth.is