As part of the planned activities for the project BG05M9OP001-2.009-0006-C01 “Growing Up is a Mission,” a group of 20 children and young people who are currently residing in Residential Care Institutions in Sofia and Plovdiv were able to attend various cultural events and creative workshops that were included in the program of the “Autumn Salon of Arts – Plovdiv, 2018” festival.

During their three-day stay, they distributed 46 promotional flyers for the project aimed at raising awareness in the local community about the financial contribution provided by the European Social Fund through the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development” 2014-2020.

As part of their involvement in local social activities, the children and young people were impressed by the national autumn exhibitions:

* The four exhibitions, located in different parts of the “Balabanov House”;

* The history and arrangement of the Balabanov House;

* The graphics in the “Hindlian House”;

* The sculptures and drawings in the “Mexican Art House”;

* The photo exhibition “Old Town New Face” in the Old Town.

Exploring the farmers’ market “Taste of Plovdiv Together” at the end of the day prepared our taste receptors for the upcoming dinner.

On a hot Sunday in September 23, 2018, the Regional Craftsmen Chamber in Plovdiv organized an Autumn Crafts Fair that brought together participants from all over the country, as well as guest masters from Kazakhstan. The fair was a hit among young people who were fascinated by modern technologies but were also intrigued by the simple yet charming way our ancestors created almost everything with their hands.

And for three days, in various locations in the Old Town, there were festive workshops, markets, and demonstrations under the slogan “Along the Paths of Time”.