Youth work programmes targeting social inclusion are implemented under the National Youth Strategy 2021-2030 (Национална стратегия за младежта 2021-2030) and through the national youth programmes, coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS).

The strategic framework promotes inclusion, non-discrimination, active citizenship, and support for vulnerable young people through non-formal education and youth work activities.

National youth programmes

Although not specifically designed as a youth work program to foster social inclusion, the national youth programmes are the main state-funded instrument supporting youth work initiatives. 

The National Youth Program (2021-2025) (Национална програма за младежта (2021-2025) provides annual funding to youth organisations through calls for proposals.

Activities include:

• non-formal learning and life skills development;
• activities promoting tolerance and combating discrimination;
• volunteering and civic participation initiatives;
• youth information and counselling activities;
• inclusion-oriented youth work with vulnerable groups.

Projects are implemented primarily by non-governmental youth organisations and youth centres.

The National Program for the Implementation of Youth Activities under Article 10a of the Gambling Act (2023-2025) (Национална програма за изпълнение на младежки дейности по чл. 10а от Закона за хазарта (2023-2025) is another mechanism for funding youth projects and activities and initiatives as part of the implementation of the national youth policy. (See section 1.7)

Youth centres 

Youth centres established with public funding deliver:

• outreach youth work;
• intercultural dialogue activities;
• peer education;
• community-based youth activities;
• support for active citizenship and democratic participation.

Youth centres operate in several municipalities and focus particularly on inclusion of vulnerable young people.

The national youth programmes primarily address:

• young people at risk of poverty or social exclusion;
• NEETs;
• young people living in remote or disadvantaged areas;
• young people at risk of marginalisation or social isolation.

The national youth programmes are financed through:

• annual allocations from the state budget to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the national youth programmes;
• public funding for youth centres;
• co-financing from European and international financial mechanisms where applicable.

Funding amounts are determined annually in the State Budget Act and programme guidelines.