Seniors from Craiova Explore Emotional Education and Social Inclusion Through an Erasmus+ Mobility in Bulgaria
A group of seniors from Craiova took part in an Erasmus+ mobility in Dobrich, Bulgaria, dedicated to emotional education and social inclusion.
Between 23 and 27 April 2025, a group of seniors from Craiova, active participants in Asociația Active Yourope, had a remarkable educational experience during an Erasmus+ group mobility for adult learners held in Dobrich, Bulgaria. The activity, organised together with our partners at YMCA Dobrich, had emotional education and social inclusion as its central theme.
Over the five days, participants took part in interactive workshops, self-reflection exercises and intercultural exchanges. The programme was designed specifically for the needs of older adults and aimed to encourage learning through experience and dialogue.
“I learned to recognise my emotions and to stop ignoring them. It is a real change in the way I look at my daily reactions,” said one of the participants.
Each day had a distinct thematic focus: from emotional self-awareness and self-regulation techniques (4-7-8 breathing, mindfulness) to empathetic listening and the analysis of privilege in the “Privilege Walk” simulation. The seniors worked in international teams, alongside members of the host organisation, to identify solutions for promoting inclusion in their own communities.
“The ‘Privilege Walk’ activity was a painful but necessary moment of awareness. I realised how many things we take for granted and how hard it is for some people to have access to the same opportunities,” confessed another participant.
A visit to a local community centre rounded off the experience, giving participants the chance to observe first-hand how the principles they had learned are applied. On the last day, each group presented a personalised action plan intended to bring positive change within the association and the community.
“These seniors showed us that learning never ends. Their enthusiasm and openness were a source of inspiration for our whole team,” said Kita Boncheva, president of YMCA Dobrich.
The mobility ended on a festive note, with a certificate ceremony followed by music, dancing and traditional refreshments. The emotion, the human connections and the sense of belonging were felt deeply by everyone present.
In this way, Asociația Active Yourope continues to create relevant opportunities for seniors in Romania, strengthening the role of non-formal education in adult life.