The first transnational partner meeting of the Little Minds, Big Focus project took place in Bulgaria on 11–12 November 2025, marking the official start of the project and bringing together representatives of all partner organisations. The meeting laid the foundations for effective cooperation, a shared understanding of project goals, and coordinated implementation over the coming months.
The meeting opened with a warm welcome, registration, and participant introductions hosted by DG Shtastlivo Detstvo. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation of the project overview, objectives, and expected results, providing partners with a clear vision of the project’s scope and its focus on supporting children’s attention, emotional well-being, and self-regulation in early childhood. Partners then presented their organisations, roles, and responsibilities, and agreed on a common communication and coordination framework to ensure smooth collaboration.
During the afternoon sessions of the first day, discussions focused on Activity 2: Teachers’ Training, including the planning phase and the methodology to be used. Partners explored practical approaches for developing age-appropriate, easy-to-apply practices for early childhood educators. The day continued with sessions on project management, quality assurance, and risk management, ensuring a shared understanding of procedures, responsibilities, and quality standards. The first day concluded with a summary of key points, next steps, and a welcome dinner that encouraged cultural exchange and strengthened partnerships.
The second day began with a recap of the previous discussions and an outline of the agenda, followed by planning and research activities related to Activity 3: the “5-Minute Mindfulness at Home” Guide. Partners discussed the structure, content, and research basis of the guide, highlighting the importance of actively involving parents in supporting children’s well-being. Further sessions addressed dissemination and communication strategies at both local and online levels, as well as evaluation indicators, sustainability, and the project’s long-term impact.
The meeting concluded with sessions on financial management, reporting requirements, and documentation, followed by an open discussion where partners shared reflections and feedback. Certificates were awarded to participants, and the meeting officially closed with a strong sense of commitment and shared responsibility. The first partner meeting successfully set a solid foundation for the implementation of Little Minds, Big Focus, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and a clear path forward.
