Inclusive education is one of the most important factors for the full participation of young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in society. It is not only about access to school, but about equal opportunities for development, self-expression and active civic participation. For this reason, inclusive education continues to be a central priority both within the Multi-IN project and for the young people supported by the organisation.
In August 2024, Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Bulgaria launched its newest youth-focused initiative – the Academy for Youth Initiatives in Civil Society (AMIGO), funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The project represents a natural continuation of the organisation’s long-term work and reflects the transition from parent-led advocacy to the active involvement of young people themselves.
The organisation was founded in 2011 by parents of babies and young children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus who joined forces to create a better future for their children. Over the years, these efforts have led to significant improvements in their quality of life. Today, these children have grown into young people who are ready to express themselves and claim their place both in society and within the organisation.
In 2021, the project “Young Advocates” was successfully completed, introducing children to advocacy as a tool for civic engagement. Through the AMIGO project, this work is further developed by providing more advanced knowledge and skills, closely linked to the real challenges faced by young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
The main target group of AMIGO consists of eight young people, who over a period of 24 months participate in monthly non-formal online trainings tailored to their needs. The topics support personal development and cover civic education, democracy, human rights and established tools for civic participation at national and EU level. The learning process is complemented by four in-person youth events – two working meetings and two meetings with decision-makers at national and European level. Guided by a member of the organisation’s team, the young participants are also involved in typical project management activities such as organising online and face-to-face meetings, mobilities and preparing project-related articles.
Although the core target group includes eight young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, the online trainings and some of the in-person events are also open to a wider group of young volunteers.
As an initial step in the project, the young participants selected their youth priorities following in-depth discussions. Unsurprisingly, inclusive education was identified as one of the key priorities, with a clear demand for accessibility in all its forms. Other priorities chosen by the young people include sport and health, where accessibility remains a major barrier.
The priorities selected by the young participants clearly demonstrate the strong link between the outcomes of the Multi-IN project and the current and future youth initiatives of the organisation. Inclusive education remains the foundation that enables young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus to build an active role in society and advocate for their rights.
More information about the AMIGO project is available here:https://sbhb.org/amigo