The small village of Mindya, nestled in Bulgaria’s Veliko Tarnovo province, holds a certain charm. But like many rural communities, it faces the challenge of keeping its younger residents engaged. A ray of hope has arrived, however, in the form of a dedicated group of volunteers from Armenia and Turkey.

These volunteers began their work on June 15th, thanks to a project funded by the European Solidarity Corps. Their goal? To revitalize the heart of the village – the local bar. This once-popular gathering place has fallen into disrepair, and the volunteers are determined to transform it into a space that fosters connection and motivates Mindya’s youth.

Today, July 8th, marks a significant step forward in the project – Painting Day! Armed with paint supplies and a strong sense of purpose, the volunteers tackled the bar’s interior. The once-gloomy space, shrouded in dust, buzzed with renewed energy as laughter and conversation filled the air.

The transformation is already underway. The volunteers are replacing the drab, peeling walls with a fresh coat of white paint. The space seems to come alive, shedding its old weariness to reveal a bright and inviting atmosphere.

This is just the first chapter in the story of Mindya’s bar’s revival. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the creative energy that’s transforming the space and the impact it’s having on the village spirit.