About

Hello, my name is Marian Serafimov – a young person who believes that small steps can lead to big changes. I was born and raised in Gabrovo and graduated from the High School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences “Acad. Ivan Gyuzelev,” where I built the foundations of my critical thinking and curiosity. Today, I am a student at the Technical University of Gabrovo and work as an Educational Mediator at the Youth Center Gabrovo.

For more than three years, I have been working actively with young people aged 15–29, supporting them in developing critical thinking, communication, and active citizenship skills. I have led dozens of workshops in schools and youth groups, organized campaigns, social initiatives, and cultural events. I was also a mentor in UNICEF’s UPSHIFT program, where I guided youth teams to turn their ideas into real projects. Currently, I am a leader of 7 young people in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, supporting them in their journey of personal development, responsibility, and resilience.

I have the honor of being a Youth Democracy Ambassador in the project YOU(TH) Participate at the American University in Bulgaria – an initiative introducing the model of deliberative democracy in the country. I am also a European Climate Pact Ambassador with the European Commission, where I lead campaigns on sustainability and environmental awareness. One of my initiatives is Refilabot – a machine that transforms plastic bottles into material for 3D printers.

Sports have played a huge role in my personal growth. For more than three years, I was part of the Bulgarian National Rugby Team. Rugby taught me discipline, resilience, and teamwork. It showed me that every victory requires effort, dedication, and unity – lessons I now bring into my youth work and leadership roles.

I believe in the power of young people to transform their communities through education, sustainability, and civic engagement. My mission is to inspire and support this process – by setting a personal example, taking concrete action, and dedicating my energy and time to meaningful causes.