Today we present you another important participant in the CSCD project - Raise Youth - in support of youth in Pernik District.
Nikola Nikolaev is 25 years old. He graduated from Vasil Levski High School, Information Technology class, then continued his education at SWU Neofit Rilski, Blagoevgrad, majoring in Kinesitherapy.
How did you find out about the Raise Youth project?
I found out about the project from an acquaintance who explained it to me in a few sentences. He grabbed the idea of supporting and developing our region, as there is great potential that is not used, also to encourage young people to be more active, because there is a great lack of interest in any action for development!
What horizons has the project opened up for you so far?
Since I have been in the project, I have met many young, ambitious and determined people to do something with their future. Entrepreneurship training helped me build a business plan for future endeavors and get started.
How did he inspire you?
The inspiration comes from the people who lead the different types of trainings, because they are an example of how their goals are realized with perseverance and persistence.
Why do you think some young people who neither work nor study are reluctant to take advantage of the opportunities that Raise Youth provides?
What prevents them from seizing the opportunities may be the fear of stepping out of their comfort zone, as we are in a small town and change does not happen often. Also, the model for such free assistance has no publicity in our country, this would also be an obstacle because we are afraid of the unknown.
What could be done better than the CSCD to develop Raise Youth? What initiatives do you think should be emphasized?
To give more examples with people who have already passed trainings and started their own successful business, so that our work can be clearly demonstrated.
Why should young people join Raise Youth?
Young people must benefit from the project, because the future is in our hands and change depends on us. The project provides the opportunity to start ventures without any knowledge or capital - it provides a trainer and the opportunity for initial financial support if needed.
What are the biggest advantages of your hometown and its population? What about the biggest cons?
In my opinion, the biggest plus is its location, namely that it is 50 km from the capital. Many of the citizens of Sofia travel on weekends to their native villages, smaller towns or holiday villas. For a minus, I would mention the same, because the majority of the population chooses to work in the capital, because there are many more opportunities.
What is your favorite dish?
I love every single dish related to meat.
The RAISE Youth project, implemented by the Center for Development of Sustainable Communities, covers over 500 young people aged between 18 and 29, living in the municipalities of Pernik, Breznik, Trun, Radomir, Zemen and Kovachevtsi, who are not currently involved. Within its framework, various trainings for career and personal development are passed, and the most active 20 participants will be provided with additional training and mentoring assistance to start their own business.
The RAISE Youth project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment.