Тhe Sofia Platform Foundation, the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, and the U.S. Ambassador’s Youth Council invite you to apply for the two-day youth workshop "History, Memory and Freedom: Workshop in Belene with Elizabeth Spalding".

What does freedom mean, and why is it essential to know history in order to defend democracy today? The workshop is dedicated to historical memory, dealing with the past, and its significance for the present and future of Bulgaria and Europe.

The training is open to high school and university students aged 16 to 21 from across the country.

Dates: November 10–11, 2026

Location: Belene

Application Deadline: September 22, 2026

Participation is free (organizers cover expenses for transportation, accommodation, and meals). Good command of English is required

Application Form is available here.

The main focus of the program is the history of the Bulgarian communist regime and the Belene camp. Over the course of the two days, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Take part in an interactive training with Dr. Elizabeth Spalding, Founding Director of the Victims of Communism Museum in Washington, D.C.;

• Meet and talk with Zheko Stoyanov, a survivor of a political prison;

• Visit Persin Island and the site of the largest camp for political repression in communist Bulgaria;

• Discuss the differences between totalitarian systems and democracy, human rights, and civic responsibility.

Spots are limited, so we recommend applying as soon as possible.
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The workshop is organized by the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, Sofia Platform Foundation, and the U.S. Ambassador’s Youth Council, with the support of the America for Bulgaria Foundation.