Today’s young people are increasingly aware, opinionated and motivated to contribute to positive change in their communities. To support this potential, they need safe spaces where their voices are heard and their ideas can become real actions with social impact. The Bulgarian partner, Teen Spirit embodies this approach, developing activities by young people, for young people. The organization supports youth in becoming confident, responsible leaders and capable organizers, while recognizing them as active participants in society today, not just future European citizens. For the fourth year in a row, Teen Spirit continues to develop this vision through its annual summer festival “Tuka e Taka”, held in the small mountain town of Chepelare, Bulgaria. The festival stands out as a unique youth-focused initiative in the region, as it is fully shaped by young people’s ideas, interests and values and strongly relies on their active involvement in both the planning and implementation of the programme. Each edition brings together local youth who are motivated to engage as active European citizens, to explore new forms of participation and to take part in practical workshops that support talent development, organisational skills and first-hand experience in civic and cultural events. Over the past year, Teen Spirit has also strengthened its capacity to host international young participants, successfully integrating them into the festival environment and receiving consistently positive feedback for providing inclusive, inspiring and well-structured learning conditions. The organization has proven its ability to manage international presence during its largest annual event, “Tuka e Taka Fest”, while maintaining a strong youth-led approach. By implementing “Take The Stage: Lead The Wave”, the partnership aims to achieve long-term impact in youth work practice by strengthening young people’s ability to communicate, express themselves and act together in real-life contexts. Through creative, artistic and participatory activities in a rural mountain setting, the project will encourage both online and offline interaction and provide a safe space for youth to share ideas, reflect and transform them into visible results. The festival stage will serve as a platform for presenting joint work - performances, creative products and initiatives giving participants voices public visibility. A central objective is to build a strong and active youth community based on respect, understanding and cooperation. By bringing together young people from diverse countries, cultures and social backgrounds, the project creates opportunities for meaningful intercultural dialogue and teamwork. Planned team-building activities and shared responsibilities will support trust, solidarity and long-lasting connections, in line with Erasmus+ priorities for inclusion and diversity. Artistic creation will be used as a key educational method to empower young people and support their personal development. Theatre, sport and creative workshops led by professional facilitators will help participants strengthen their self-confidence, teamwork skills and ability to express opinions in a constructive way. Presenting their work live during the “Tuka e Taka” festival will further reinforce their sense of achievement and belonging, while demonstrating how youth-led cultural initiatives can contribute positively to local communities. The project will also focus on Human Rights and European civic rights by linking learning to real-life experiences. Participants will explore freedom of movement, democratic participation and cultural exchange. Through interaction with local traditions, folklore and community members during the festival, they will deepen their understanding of European values and reflect on their role as active, responsible EU citizens. Environmental responsibility will be promoted through practical, hands-on activities encouraging sustainable habits and community awareness. Participants will take small but meaningful actions related to waste reduction and creative reuse, learning how to share and multiply these practices in their local contexts. This approach aligns with Erasmus+ priorities on sustainability while remaining closely connected to youth realities. “Take The Stage: Lead The Wave” aims to motivate young people to move from passive observation to active engagement. By involving them directly in outdoor activities, creative processes and public events, the project will strengthen their sense of initiative and responsibility. Participation in an international youth exchange will support their personal growth, improve key competences such as communication, leadership and problem-solving and prepare them to take active roles in future civic, social and cultural initiatives. In this way, the project contributes to empowering young people as active European citizens who are ready to shape their communities and participate meaningfully in society.