Unicef: UpShift 

A Mentorship Journey from December to Real Change on the Ground

As a mentor of the youth group "The New Youth" since December 2024, I had the privilege of witnessing – and taking part in – an extraordinary journey: from the spark of an idea to its vivid realization in the Koleloto neighborhood of Gabrovo.

This project was part of the UPSHIFT program by UNICEF Bulgaria – a global platform that empowers young people not only to dream, but to shape their environment with their own hands.

In May 2024, I completed the official UPSHIFT mentor training, which equipped me with practical tools and methodological approaches to work effectively with youth groups, facilitate creative processes, and support the development of social innovation through youth participation.

The process started long before the first flower was planted or the first kite painted.

• 8 planning sessions (December–April) focused on research, vision, sustainability, and teamwork;

• Step-by-step trust building and team formation;

• Young people who barely knew each other became a tight-knit community with a mission.

In May 2025 – symbolically and practically the month of labor – we began implementation. Within just 30 days, the Koleloto neighborhood was transformed. And not only visually.

• A sculpture of a woman holding a torch made from a solar panel, illuminated by a heart of glowing lights – a symbol of hope and warmth;

• A path of flowers behind her, representing the trail of good left behind;

• A repurposed gazebo, turned into a daytime fairytale with clouds and the Balkan Mountains and a starlit night sky on the inside;

• A selfie zone that already draws smiles and cameras;

• An information board featuring upcoming events by Youth Center Gabrovo, the story of the Koleloto neighborhood, and a call to future visitors;

• And most importantly – lasting energy. A space that now belongs to the young people and the community.

• I supported the youth at every step – from the first question to the final screw;

• I helped them turn uncertainty into action and ideas into reality;

• I created an environment where everyone could be a leader, make mistakes, grow, and create.

• Donna Kashavelova

• Monika Nencheva

• Selen Chabuk

• Kristiyana Stoyanova

• Stoycho Stoychev

Inspiring and active youth from Gabrovo

• More than a space – an experience, a shared story of over 20 young people;

• Visible transformation, and invisible threads of friendship and inspiration;

• A replicable model for youth engagement, as long as people believe.

🎙️ "You don’t need permission to build something beautiful. Just courage and community."

        – Marian Serafimov