About the author:

Ri Kang Song (16) from North Korea took part in the My Europe Workshop in Sofia on 28-29 November 2016 and won the fifth prize of the writing competition.

He is a student at 7th Secondary School” Sveti Sedmochislenitsi” in Sofia and would like to become a Diplomat. His interests are Music, Martial Arts and Physics.

Statement:

“For me, My Europe is the project which has given me a great opportunity to shape the future of Europe and also to be aware of others’ points of view and various critical ways of thinking.
Moreover, as Lon Watters said, “School is a building with four walls and tomorrow inside”,  My Europe has also brightened my future as a teenager.” 

If you could, what would be the first thing you would change in Europe?

“The first and most important step of changing Europe would be understanding and tolerating national identities, focusing on every single country and not treating them as a whole. That would most likely raise the morale within the boundaries of the union. Furthermore, a better use of the integration funds would highly affect the ways the finances are spread, leading to a healthier economic management.“

Activities for the Youth Council:

Member of the Youth Council

About the author:

Katya Georgieva Ivanova (16) took part in the My Europe Workshop in Sofia on 28-29 November 2016 and won the fourth prize of the writing competition.

She is a student at 7th Secondary School” Sveti Sedmochislenitsi” in Sofia and would like to become an Anthropologist.  She loves music and is very sporty. She’s trained in Tae Kwon Do and swimming for many years. She also enjoys travelling to new places, meeting new people and learning about other cultures.

Statement:

“My Europe is my home- full of art, culture and remarkable, diverse history. It could be the home of many other people, who don’t have homes.“

If you could, what would be the first thing you would change in Europe?

“The first thing I would change in Europe would be to provide shelter and food for the refugees. Everyone deserves to live a decent, normal life, without being threatened every day. Moreover, I think we should treat the immigrants the way we would like to be treated if we had their misfortunate destiny.“

Activities for the Youth Council:

Member of the Youth Council

About the author:

Radoslav Nikolaev Stefanov (16) took part in the My Europe Workshop in Sofia on 28-29 November 2016 and won the third prize of the writing competition.

He is a student at 7th Secondary School” Sveti Sedmochislenitsi” in Sofia and would like to become a doctor, as Chemistry and Biology have always fascinated him. 

Statement:

“For me, My Europe is …something inviolable . It represents us, the people who live in it and it represents the Union we have established (EU). Europe is where our  home, culture and traditions are. Now and forever!“

If you could, what would be the first thing you would change in Europe?

“I think one of the biggest problems is the migration process that is happening right now, as you are reading this. If I could change something, it would definitely be strengthening  the  boundaries , as this would dramatically decrease the stream of people flooding into our countries. Don’t get me wrong, I want to help those people, Europe wants to help them, but our continent does not have the state funds nor it’s in position to save the world.”

Activities for the Youth Council:

Member of the Youth Council

About the author:

Adrian Murat (17) took part in the My Europe Workshop in Sofia on 28-29 November 2016 and won the second prize of the writing competition.

He is a student at Private High School “Educational Technologies” in Sofia and would like to become a hospitality manager. His interests include politics and travelling. 

Statement:

“For me, My Europe is democratic, inclusive and fair to all.“

If you could, what would be the first thing you would change in Europe?

Whilst it’s not a question I can give an answer to straight-up, something of real importance for having a better and more united Europe is to create a pathway for a continent without borders, where all people feel at home, no matter their origin. A place where all races, religions and languages are equally respected

Activities for the Youth Council:

Member of the Youth Council

 

 

About the author:

Zhaklin Dimitrova Yanakieva (17) took part in the My Europe Workshop in Sofia on 28-29 November 2016 and won the first prize of the writing competition.

She is a student at Private High School “Educational Technologies” in Sofia and would like to become a lawyer. Her interests include: dancing, reading, doing sports, studying languages and political affairs.

Statement:

“For me, My Europe is an amazing opportunity, which shouldn’t be missed for the world. The workshop in Sofia was an unforgettable experience. My Europe is a great way to get to know people at my age, their cultures and their problems. Also, for me, it is not only a project, it is a lifetime experience, which I would never forget.”

If you could, what would be the first thing you would change in Europe?

There are many things in Europe that could be changed. Although I am only 17, one of my dreams is to contribute with something to making Europe better. The first improvement I would try to make in the continent where I live is to give the chance to at least one student, between 16-18, from every European country, which is part of the EU, to be part of the Council of the European Union. That way not only the voice of the adults, but the younger part of the population of the country will be heard.

Activities for the Youth Council:

Member of the Youth Council

About the author:

Carol McGill (17) participated in the “My Europe” workshop in Dublin in 2014. She is a student at Mount Temple Comprehensive and loves to write, mostly short stories, in her free time. Carol also enjoys history, drama and reading. Most of all, she would like to be a writer, but is also interested to be involved in promoting human rights and reducing discrimination.

 

For me, My Europe is…

…somewhere I can feel like I’m making a difference.

 

If you could, what would be the first thing you would change in Europe?

I would change the education system so that children are taught to treat others, as well as themselves, as human beings and with respect. I think this could improve a great many issues such as discrimination, abuse and hate crimes.

 

Activities for the Youth Council:

Member