Twelve members of the Scout Association of Malta recently travelled to Bulgaria, where, together with participants from Romania, Turkey and the hosting country, they participated in a youth exchange project entitled ‘Active Collaboration and Friendship’.

The group was composed of three participants from the Qrendi Scout Group and nine from the Dingli Scout Group.

The Bulgarian contingent included five participants of Roma origin, from the Olga Skobeleva orphanage in Plovdiv.

The project took place at the Iglika chalet, Rhodope Mountains in Plovdiv. The group participated in activities designed to help them develop an intercultural understanding and a sense of European belonging by sharing their various cultural, social and religious differences.

The main topic, ‘Tolerance and understanding between religions’, was the fulcrum for discussion as chosen by the participants themselves.

Discussions and workshops were given on topics such as ‘National and cultural identity’, ‘Social adaptation of socially disadvantaged young people by means of scout activities’ and ‘The Opportunities for common youth initiatives and activities’.

The workshops included evenings of national culture, such as the presentation of the participant’s capital cities and other historical landmarks.

Traditional songs, dances and the preparing of national dishes also formed part of the programme’s cultural itinerary.

Participants were encouraged to study and practice various photographic techniques and participate in a photography exhibition for locals within Plovdiv’s main square.

Outdoor activities included a mountain hike, a clean-up activity in the adjoining forest picnic grounds, as well as cultural visits to monasteries and churches near Plovdiv.

At the end of the project, all participants were presented a Youth Pass Certificate to demonstrate the skills they had learnt.