From Summer Seeds to Winter Growth: Reflecting on the Career Gardens Sessions in Bulgaria
The Open Education Centre from Sofia, Bulgaria, has recently shared inspiring results from the "Career Gardens" sessions held during the summer at the "Otec Paisij" and "Atanas Burov" high schools in Haskovo. Led by youth workers Maria Kuncheva, Krasimira Damjanova, Kristina Yordanova, and Rumen Valchev, the sessions engaged students aged 15–18 in redefining their professional futures through an environmental lens.
Using the project's specialised Toolkit, participants took part in interactive exercises such as "Building Our Home," which focused on identifying personal strengths and fostering peer support. The workshops introduced the concept of "Green Guidance," encouraging students to align their career aspirations with "biosphere consciousness" and sustainable practices. To deepen this connection, students explored how their individual talents could contribute to a greener economy and more resilient local communities. These discussions helped bridge the gap between abstract environmental goals and concrete professional pathways.
Furthermore, the training emphasised the importance of teamwork and social responsibility, demonstrating to students that a successful career can also be a force for good in the world. By integrating these values, the programme provided a holistic roadmap for personal and professional growth in an era of climate change.
