Danube dream National platform of Erasmus Student Network Bulgaria at the D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics

For the first time since its establishment, ESN Svishtov has been a host of a national event organised by one of the biggest non-governmental students’ organisations in the country – Erasmus Student Network Bulgaria. This year’s national summer platform titled “Danube dream” was held in the period July 20-21, 2019, in Svishtov. The main objective of the forum was to discuss the actual issues related with the organisational development and promotion of values and causes of the European student’s organisation ESN International, as well as to outline the positive effects of volunteering on the personal and professional development.
 

The platform was opened by the President of ESN Bulgaria – Neli Kalinova, who welcomed all participants. Official guest of the event was the Director of the Centre for International Affairs and Institutional Erasmus+ coordinator at the D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics – Assoc. Prof. Marusya Smokova.  In her welcome speech she expressed her gratitude that the local section was a host of such an important event. “I had a dream 4 years ago – to establish an ESN section, here in Svishtov, and, based on mutual trust, respect and active partnership, to collaborate with its members for better socialisation and integration of our international students”, she said. In her greetings to the National board and the active members of ESN Bulgaria, she outlined that her dream came true, because she had the pleasure to work jointly with the local section of ESN in Svishtov, which members were active and very motivated youth volunteers, who supported and disseminated the ideas and values of the “Erasmus+” programme.
 

The programme started with reporting activities. The annual reports of the National board members were presented. By the end of the first day the following topics were discussed: what are the requirements to become a local section of ESN Bulgaria, what type of approaches to apply in order to recruit new members and volunteers, how to build a personal brand and apply data analytics to improve the functioning of an ESN section.

 

During the second day topics about visual identification, financial and structural issues were discussed. One of the most important issues that was discussed concerns the approaches the higher education institutions could apply in order to be more accessible for local students with special needs, as well as for foreign disadvantaged students who visit Bulgaria under Erasmus+ programme.The programme of the event included social activities, quiz games, and award ceremony. ESN Svishtov was awarded the special prize “Rising star of ESN Bulgaria 2019” for its strive for development and active position.

The platform finished with a feedback session. The organisation and coordination of the event were highly appreciated. Excellent feedback was received for the university campus and dormitories,as well as the beauty and calmness of the town. ESN Svishtov received positive feedback for the cooperation, support and partnership relations with the Centre for International Affairs