THE EIGHT
Open educational youth space for sustainable learning
Nestled along the Danube, THE EIGHT is a unique open educational youth space designed to combine sustainability, community, and innovation. With the capacity to host 16 overnight guests in its eco-friendly hostel and to welcome up to 40 participants for events and activities, the centre is an inspiring destination for young people, educators, and community leaders alike.
The concept of THE EIGHT is built around eight thematic elements that together create a holistic environment for learning, well-being, and cooperation:
A Nature-Based Learning Arena for ecological education and hands-on experiences.
A Boat Exploring the Danube Ecosystems, offering direct immersion into river biodiversity and climate adaptation.
A Sustainable Rural Hostel, demonstrating green living and circular resource use.
The “Survivor” Team-Building Experience, strengthening resilience, cooperation, and problem-solving.
An Educational Biodiversity Garden, linking agroecology with healthy and sustainable lifestyles.
A Fireplace for Group Discussion, fostering dialogue, civic participation, and intergenerational exchange.
A Summer Cinema, bringing culture, sustainability, and global citizenship under the stars.
A Relaxation and Social Spa, supporting health, inclusion, and community well-being.
Together, these eight components form a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem where young people not only learn but also co-create solutions for rural development, ecological transition, and cultural vitality. Whether for weekend academies, international exchanges, or local community gatherings,
THE EIGHT offers a model for how rural spaces can thrive through innovation, sustainability, and youth participation.
In the year 2024, the young visionaries of the Institute Perspectives breathed new life into a once-forgotten house upon a hill, where the gaze stretches wide across the southernmost bend of the majestic Danube — a river flowing for 2,857 kilometres, uniting nations and stories along its course. Upon this land of two hectares, they raised not merely a place, but a symbol of hope and renewal – The Eight.
Here, every idea is kindled into experience, and every experience blossoms into knowledge. The Eight weaves together nature, culture, and innovation into a single harmonious whole, offering a sanctuary where youth may learn, create, and discover. Born of the challenges of our age — climate change, isolation, and the quest for sustainable living — it empowers young people to stand as architects of transformation.
The Eight is more than a venue. It is a living laboratory of inspiration, where the timeless flow of the Danube meets the boundless promise of the future.
INATURE-BASED LEARNING ARENA
A dynamic open-air learning hub that nurtures ecological awareness and green competences through experiential, nature-based education. It promotes the EU Green Deal principles, supports lifelong learning, and strengthens young people’s capacity to address rural sustainability challenges.
BOAT EXPLORING THE DANUBE ECOSYSTEMS
A floating classroom on the Danube, enabling youth to directly explore and study river ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate adaptation. It enhances environmental stewardship, connects learners with rural waterway heritage, and supports the resilient ecosystems in rural regions.
SUSTAINABLE RURAL HOSTEL
An innovative eco-lodge for youth and educators designed with renewable energy, circular resource use, and low-carbon solutions. It demonstrates sustainable rural living models and offers a replicable example of green infrastructure in line with Europe’s ecological transition.
“SURVIVOR” – TEAM-BUILDING EXPERIENCE
A transformative resilience and cooperation programme where participants engage in outdoor challenges to strengthen adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving. It fosters social cohesion, inclusion, and the empowerment of rural youth to become active citizens in sustainable communities.
EDUCATIONAL BIODIVERSITY GARDEN
A living laboratory for agroecology, permaculture, and healthy lifestyles. The eco-garden enhances food literacy, promotes sustainable rural food systems, and supports local biodiversity with practical youth learning.
FIREPLACE FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
A symbolic and functional gathering space for dialogue, intergenerational exchange, and civic participation. Around the fireplace, young people, community members, and experts share experiences, co-create ideas, and strengthen rural democracy and cultural identity.
SUMMER CINEMA
A cultural innovation platform under the stars, where films and documentaries on sustainability, rural heritage, and global citizenship are screened. It enhances cultural participation in rural areas and connects youth with both European values and global challenges.
RELAXATION AND SOCIAL SPA
A wellness and social interaction zone that supports healthy lifestyles, inclusion, and well-being. Beyond leisure, it strengthens rural attractiveness by offering young people a safe and sustainable recreational environment that contributes to the overall prosperity of rural communities.
“The venue is located in Vardim, Svishtov Municipality, approximately 241 km from Sofia, 148 km from Bucharest and only 12 km from the town of Svishtov.”