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Current Site: Bulgaria
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Current Site: Bulgaria
SINCE LAUNCHING IN 2017, COCA-COLA HBC'S #YOUTHEMPOWERED PROGRAMME HAS HELPED ALMOST 1.3 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS EUROPE AND AFRICA BUILD EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS, STRENGTHEN THEIR CONFIDENCE AND ACCESS NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. SURPASSING ITS ORIGINAL AMBITION, THE PROGRAMME BRINGS OUR MISSION TO LIFE BY HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE GAIN THE SKILLS, CONFIDENCE AND OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE THEIR NEXT STEP.
Since 2017, #YouthEmpowered has helped more than 36,000 young people in Bulgaria develop the skills and confidence needed for a successful start to their careers.
Building on this progress, Coca-Cola HBC has renewed its commitment through Mission Refresh, with an ambition to support more than three million young people by 2035.
To celebrate this milestone, we are sharing the stories of three #YouthEmpowered participants from Nigeria, Egypt and Czechia. Their journeys show the programme’s impact across our markets and the opportunities it creates for young people to learn, grow and move forward with confidence.
Their experiences are featured in a new short film exploring the impact of #YouthEmpowered across Europe and Africa.
Watch the #YouthEmpowered film: supporting youth employability across Europe and Africa
Young people have enormous potential, but many need support when taking their first step into employment. Through #YouthEmpowered we help them build the skills, confidence and experience to unlock opportunities and shape their future. The programme would not be possible without the support of our NGO, education, government and community partners across our markets. Together, we are helping more young people access opportunities to learn, grow and prepare for employment. The programme's success demonstrates what can be achieved when civil society, the private sector and communities come together: the impact becomes sustainable and visible for the next generation.
Alice Nichita Coca-Cola HBC Group Head of Sustainability
Supporting young people to succeed
#YouthEmpowered supports young people aged 18-30, with a particular focus on those who are not in education, employment or training, or who face barriers to entering the workforce.
Delivered in partnership with NGOs, educators, government bodies and community organisations, the programme combines online learning, workshops, mentoring and practical experiences tailored to local labour market needs.
In Bulgaria, the programme focuses on young people aged 16 to 25 - secondary school students in the final years of their education and university students preparing to enter the workforce or pursue careers aligned with their studies and interests.
Since the launch of the initiative in 2017, more than 36,000 young people in Bulgaria have completed the programme, gaining valuable knowledge, practical guidance and inspiration for their professional development.
Three stories, three journeys
Behind every #YouthEmpowered participant is a unique story. Meet three young people who have used the programme to gain confidence, develop new skills and take important steps towards their goals.
Adebimpe Blessing Adewumi | Nigeria
While studying during the day, Adebimpe dreamed of becoming a culinary content creator. Through #YouthEmpowered, she found the confidence to turn that ambition into reality and begin building her online presence.
"This idea had always been on my mind, but I never had the courage to start until after the training. It's an opportunity that can change your life, just like it did mine."
Ahmed Shawqi Abdel Monem | Egypt
Ahmed discovered #YouthEmpowered through a social media advertisement. While studying at El Sewedy Academy in Cairo, he joined a factory-based training programme that provided hands-on experience and a first introduction to the workplace.
"The training has helped me gain scientific skills, build a network of connections, and develop both personal and professional skills. It introduced me to the workplace and helped me define my career path for the future."
Kateřina Chalupová | Czechia
As a student of Economics and Management at the Czech Technical University in Prague, Kateřina discovered #YouthEmpowered at a pivotal moment in her life. Through the programme, she gained new skills and confidence that helped her secure an internship and later join Coca-Cola HBC.
“#YouthEmpowered gave me the tools to grow and dream bigger. Through the programme, I gained countless new insights that I can use both in my personal and professional life. I took courses focused on communication, business planning, financial literacy and self-development."
These stories remind us why #YouthEmpowered matters: every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow and move forward with confidence.
Looking ahead
Having surpassed our original ambition, we are now entering the next chapter of #YouthEmpowered through Mission Refresh.
By 2035, our ambition is to support more than three million young people through the programme, helping them gain the skills, confidence and opportunities to take their next step towards employment. Together with our partners, colleagues and communities, we can open more doors for young people and help them believe in what’s possible.
