The international youth exchange “Young People Shaping Their Communities” was organised by Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services YWI (Ireland), with International Initiatives for Cooperation (Bulgaria), based in Razlog, serving as the host organisation. The exchange took place from 25 to 31 July 2026 in Banya village, Razlog Municipality, Bulgaria, and brought together young people from Bulgaria and Ireland.

The activity focused on youth participation, volunteering, active citizenship, teamwork, leadership, and creative ways of engaging young people in their local communities. Through interactive activities, discussions, teamwork and intercultural exchange, participants had the opportunity to meet peers from another country, share experiences and ideas, and develop practical skills for active participation in society.

The exchange was organised with the financial support of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. Its main objective was to empower young people to become more active members of their communities and to encourage them to contribute their ideas and initiatives to local development. Participants benefited from an intercultural learning experience that strengthened their communication, teamwork and leadership skills while promoting mutual understanding between young people from Bulgaria and Ireland.