This report was published with the support of OAK Foundation National Network for Children and UNICEF – Bulgaria. This is a report of the National Network for Children. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the authors and should by no means be interpreted as stand or o cial position of OAK Foundation or UNICEF.
National Network for Children
55 Tsar Simeon Str., 1000 So a, Bulgaria tel./fax: + 359 2 988 82 07 e-mail: o [email protected] Change within a child www.nmd.bg changes Bulgaria! REPOR T FOR THE YEAR 2011 ABOUT NATIONAL NETWORK FOR CHILDREN
The National Network for Children (NNC) is a network of more than a To work to endorse an eff ective social inclusion policy where children hundred civil organizations working in the area of children and families. and families have a special focus; this policy shall refl ect their needs, To ensure children’s and families’ rights in Bulgaria we advocate in partnership rights and opportunities for development. with the NGOs, business, individuals, as well with the support of the children To support Bulgarian civil organizations that work in the interest of themselves. children in order to have a successful infl uence upon national child and Thanks to our expert team we develop positions, proposals and family policy. recommendations to change child and family policies. To encourage child and youth participation when making decisions, We actively work to consolidate nongovernmental organizations working with a special attention to partnerships with diff erent organizations, in the area of children and families and to enhance communication and engaging with children and young people. exchange experience and good practices between them. To promote the design of a proactive unifi ed position and key messages We build a well performing and open civil network in issues related to children from the civil society in Bulgaria in relation to rights of children and their and families. families. To work towards strengthening NGOs’ and other stakeholders’ capacity by providing accessible information, consullting and training for civil Our mission organizations working for children and families.
The mission of the National Network for Children is to strengthen and To provide regular and accessible information fl ow from and to the fascilitate partnership between NGOs and all other parties concerned in NGOs. order to guarantee children’s rights and well-being.
Our goals
To create and support an active network of NGOs in Bulgaria, with effi cient and active links at national level.
To fascilitate cooperation between NGOs working for children and families both in Bulgaria and at European level, including the UN Child Protection Committee.
National Network for Children
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 | 1 INTRODUCTION
Some years after NNC was established, the During last year, a very valuable success for the Network is the focus on the Network presents its public report – with a sense achievements and the barriers for our local members. Not only we got to of satisfaction and responsibility awareness. know each other but we are already partners at regional level, we exchange This is not a surprise for us, the members of information and resources and we learn from each other. This helped us to the Network; neither it is for our partners and attain self-confi dence, to become stronger and to start more projects and followers, I am certain. The Network is already a take more responsibilities. constant part of the public space and is a driver In 2011, many changes in the legislation related to children were introduced. of the reinforced public discussions on all issues We, from the Network, were an active participant in their discussions and related to the prosperity of Bulgarian children! drafting, side by side with politicians, civil servants and experts. Our opinion, The expertise, experience and enthusiasm of positions and recommendations were not only heard but also taken into dozens organizations and people united to give consideration. In a year of local elections we encouraged local authorities their real contribution in activities directed to change in children policies: and local politicians to commit themselves more with children and Bulgarian legislative, institutional, regional etc. Through the Network everything families. related to improvement of child care as well as to the real situation of this care reached bigger number of people, attained greater importance and 2011 was a very successful year for the National Network for Children also at gained more followers… international level. The Executive Director of the Network became a member of the Management Board of Eurochild. The experience gathered by our network We, the members of the Network: is already of interest for neighbor countries of Bulgaria. Representatives of Transformed the new trends in our national and regional policies into a the Network took part in a number of international conferences, seminar language easy for the people to understand; venues and discussions where they presented Bulgarian achievements and problems in the context of child care. Implemented European standards and models for better work with children and families at risk; Everything encompassed in this fi rst public report is a sound reason for National Network for Children’s high self-esteem. The merit for this lies within Participated in the discussions on new bills and also on a number of other Network’s organization members, the Management Boards as well as within documents related to child care; the Secretariat: nothing but people devoted to the cause of a BETTER FUTURE Advocated for causes, both our own and somebody else’s that we feel are OF OUR CHILDREN! important and have direct relation to children; LOTS OF SUCCESS TO EVERYONE! And the most important thing: we worked every day, at dozens of places allover the country in order to make life of thousands children and families better and full of more opportunities! Nevena Madzharova, President of NNC Management Board
2 | REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 1. INFLUENCE OVER CHILD AND FAMILY POLICIES
1.1. Main child policies National Network for Children was enrolled as member of the National Council for Child Protection at SACP. In this way, the Network could During last year some main changes occurred related to child and family consult all policies related to children. policies in Bulgaria. The most important decision taken in the passed period was the design of entirely new Child Act that attempts to incorporate After the ‘No to Participation of Children in Big Brother Family’ campaign, in legislation on children and to replace the current Child Protection Act. In April, the Parliament approved amendments in the Radio-and Television the focus of the Act are all children and not only those at risk unlike the Act after which “the media service providers are obliged to respect current situation is. Its aim is to ensure better respect of children’s rights. children’s rights set out in Child Protection Act and in other pieces of the National Network for Children took part in various discussions related to legislation, and shall not let children to participate in broadcasts that particular aspects of children life in Bulgaria. are unfavorable or impose danger for damage in the physical, psychical, moral and/or social development of children”.
NCC participated actively in campaigns aimed at effi cient civil participation What did we do? in the process of funding planning under the Structural and the Cohesion The Network participated actively in the draft of the new Child Act that Funds for the next fi nancial period (2014-2020). Participation of civil was supposed to be put forward in the Parliament by the end of the organizations is of a big importance for their access to resources under year. Together with colleagues from other organizations the Network these funds. commented upon diff erent chapters of the Act and discussed them in public in November. In these discussions over 200 professionals from 17 regions in the country took part.
On initiative of the Network, the Deputy Head of the State Agency for Child Protection (SACP) Mr. Kalin Kamenov was appointed by the Ministry of foreign aff airs and the SACP as representative of Bulgaria at the Council of Europe in the program ‘Building a Europe for and with Children’.
At SACP request, the National Network for Children commented upon the draft of Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2012– 2015). The comments of the Network were considered in the elaboration of the strategy draft consolidated report by Bulgaria. The report was presented by the offi cial representative for Bulgaria at the Council of Europe program ‘Building a Europe for and with Children’ at a high-level conference in Monaco.
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 | 3 1.2. Family At SACP request, over 20 good practices in the area of de-institutionalization were sent; these were developed by 14 member organizations of the The main work of the Network on infl uence over policies in this area was Network. related to the de-institutionalization process. Closing big institutions for children in Bulgaria is set by the Government as key priority but it leads to The Network for Children continued to oppose sanctions against parents in series of questions in relation to closing homes and launching services for all their forms and advocated for the introduction the positive parenting in alternative care. During last year, the Network actively worked on these. the Ministry of Labor and Social policy (MLSP) and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science (MEYS) as well as in the new draft of Child Act. What did we do?
As part of Monitoring Committee for Implementation of De- institutionalization Plan, the Network commented the Monitoring and Assessment Report on De-institutionalization Process in Bulgaria. This enabled us to closely follow developments in the process and to react in the process of de-institutionalization.
The Network put forward a stand on the capacity of the centers for placement of a family type in the starting de-institutionalization process. According to this stand, the maximum number of children to be placed in such centre is 8 and not 15, as it was planned by the civil authorities. The stand was sent to Eurochild, who forwarded it further to the EC. As a result of Network actions, the capacity of centers for placement of a family type was decreased from 15 to 12 places (12 for children from institutions plus 2 places for placement of children from the community in cases of emergency), with a long-term commitment by the Government to further decrease their numbers to 8 in accordance with the good European practices.
The Network participated actively also in commenting ‘Foster me’ project that was introduced by the Social Assistance Agency. We provided position „We think that raising 15 children in small institutions would in relation to the project that was agreed with Network experts in foster not lead to effi ciency of investments made by the EU and care. by the Bulgarian Government. On the contrary, this would, Social Assistance Agency (SAA) was provided with detailed comments on in practice, mean real missed benefi ts for both children the Crisis Center methodology designed by the Agency. Comments were in homes but also for all Bulgarian citizens in terms of made by organizations that manage crisis centers in the country and they refl ected the biggest challenges in their operation. economic costs long-term.“ Position of National Network for Children
4 | REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 1.3. Education 4) Restructure social and pedagogical boarding-schools and specify su- pervision boarding-schools; The main activity of the Network in the fi eld of education policies for children was focused on development of new legislation within the system 5) Include health education in the standard for civil, intercultural and health of pre-school and school education. Representatives of the Secretariat and of education. member organizations of the Network systematically and actively worked on texts in the Concept for the new Pre-school and School Education Act, on the draft of the Act itself and on the standards evolving from it. 1.4. Health During the last year, the work within child health was focused on healthcare in children settings – schools and kindergartens. What did we do?
The Network took part in discussions on the Concept for the Pre-school What did we do? and School Education Act. After the Concept was presented, we sent our comments on it calling attention to non-conformity between goals and The Network launched among over 900 students a survey, according principles underlying in the Concept and the particular measures set out to which over 70% of Bulgarian students did not use school toilets. for their achievement. The main reason for this being bad hygiene and lack of toilet articles. Resulting from series meetings and discussions held, initiated by the The Secretariat and the members of the Network participated in working Network, the Ministry of Healthcare (MH) started to work on a regulation groups on 13 standards in school education where particular texts, supposed to clearly set requirements to school toilets. The Network comments and positions were presented. translated and adapted standards for management of school toilets and The key achievements of the Network within education that are set in the standards for establishment and cleaning school toilets, where a special Concept and detailed in the standards are the proposals to: website was launched http://wc.nmd.bg/. The record was presented to 1) Close weekly and special kindergartens; the authorities in charge and the new regulation incorporates parts of the standards for maintenance of hygiene. We continue our work with 2) Establish centers for work with children that provide additional education MH in order to include in the Regulation that is being currently drafted cervices in: also the requirement that all WCs in schools should be equipped with – Diagnostic, consulting, rehabilitation and correction and supervision lavatory pans, and not have holes in the ground. work with children and students; – Professional orientation and consulting; – Financial support for children and teachers with special education needs (SEN); 3) Design a policy for pedagogical and psychological support of children instead of number of penalties in relation to children and student behavior;
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 | 5 The Network took part in the design of the new National Plan on Food and Nutrition. All proposals for promotion of exclusive breast-feeding as an opportunity to ensure the best possible child development and for improving skills of medial professionals to support mothers in healthy eating during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in the period of early child development were included.
We participated in the elaboration of a Regulation on the Specifi c Re- quirements for Safety and Quality of Foods in Children Settings. The Regulation was adopted and, as result, all types of food and nutrition goods off ered to children shall meet the requirements of Bulgarian state standards for meat, milk and bread goods. Food and drinks shall have no added artifi cial fl avor substances, coloring agents and aroma.
1.5. Juvenile justice During last year a very important issue was raised in the area of juvenile justice, and namely the reform within judiciary that concerns children and adolescents who are in confl ict with the law or were abused. This reform is very urgent since long time; currently in Bulgaria still in force is the Fight against Anti-Social Behavior of Minors Act (FAASBM) adopted in 1958.
What did we do? and Penal Proceeding Code will be introduced, FAASBM will be revoked In the passed year, the Network had an active dialogue with the Ministry of Justice (MJ) where we proposed to abrogate Fight against Anti- and the majority of the regulations concerning children in confl ict with Social Behavior of Minors Act, to close social and pedagogical boarding the law will be incorporated into the new Child Act. schools and instructive boarding-houses. As a result of the eff orts of In March, the National Network for Children sent a position to the Minister of the Network and of other civil organizations, in July 2011 the Ministry Justice and to individuals in charge within PM’s political cabinet in support of Justice provided a Concept on Reform in Juvenile Justice with an of ratifi cation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of entirely new philosophy towards juvenile justice that spares the child Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. The letter was and is focused on resources for children. Establishment of specialized part of the activities aimed at activation of Convention ratifi cation. In judicial members and introduction of an adequate training in the system October, the Council of Ministers put forward to the Parliament draft of for all professionals who will work with children is envisaged, as well a piece of legislation for ratifi cation of the Convention, and it was ratifi ed as development of new services for children with diffi cult behavior in by the Parliament with an Act dated 2nd November 2011 that was later partnership with the NGO sector. Respective amendments in the Penal published in the State Gazette Nr 90/2011.
6 | REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 2. CAMPAIGNS
2.1. ‘Golden Apple’ campaign The initiative aims to promote children’s rights and to account positive outcomes achieved during the years of joint work together with civil Awards given by the National Network for Children for contribution to organizations that work with children and families and the people and children’s life and well-being authorities in charge. For more information about the awards please visit www.1june.nmd.bg/. On 1st of June, the fi rst ‘Golden Apple’ awards were given by the National Network for Children. During a special ceremony at the premises of Sofi a Puppet Theatre, awards were given to individuals and organizations who contributed to the development of Bulgarian children’s life and well-being. The award for ‘Fairytale character’ went to Alexi Ivanov from Varna. In the ‘Thousand one nights’ category (for journalists) the journalists Ivaylo Kyutchukov from Actualno.com, Dina Hristova from Sega Daily, Elena BeiBeikova from Darik radio and Marina Evgenieva from bTV were awarawarded.ded
You know a normal person who helps children on a daily basis?s? You know about school that treats its students as the most importantortant thing? You live in a town where the main value is the safe environmentnment for everyone aged under 18? The National Network for Children established the Golden Appleple awards to encourage all people (politicians, journalists, normal persons etc.) and organizations (schools, municipalities, hospi- tals, companies) who contributed to the improvement of Bulgarian children’s life and well-being.
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 | 7 In the ‘Politician in the wonderland’ category (for politicians) the ‘Golden The newsletter Apple’ went to Krasimir Mirev, mayor of Turgovishte municipality and to The NNC weekly newsletter continued to be circulated. There we provided Valentina Simeonova, Deputy Minister of labor and social policy. news about the Network Secretariat, member organizations, institutions for In the category called ‘Kingdom of little chiefs of mischief” (for organizations children in Bulgaria, European children policies and what happened with and authorities) the award went to St. Kiril and Methodius General School, children and families as it is published by the media. Over 2000 contacts Karadzhovo village in the region of Shumen, municipality of Varna, and to received the newsletter – NGOs, public authorities, business organizations, Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria. schools, municipalities etc. The entire contribution award to the life and well-being of Bulgarian We published, on a monthly basis, also a newsletter in English which was children went to Ivan Stanchov, the founder of Karin dom – Varna. received by over 300 international partners of the Network. Everyone could join our list with contacts and receive the newsletter on the A special award was conferred to Galina Stoyanova, Deputy Regional website of the Network at www.nmd.bg. Governor, Stara Zagora region.
2.2. External communications In 2011, the National Network for Children worked hardly to develop new ways to promote what happens with children in Bulgaria.
The website The website of National Network for Children was redesigned (www.nmd.bg); on a weekly basis various news about children and families in Bulgaria are updated. All stands and positions of the Network fi nd there place there too. On the website you can fi nd information about all NNC members and also make a search based on their area of work and location. The website is also provided with a library that is being constantly updated. On an average monthly basis, in 2011 the website had more than 9000 individual visits most of which were in the month of May when they Accept a Child, Create a Future reached 11 000. This is evidence that the website is a recognized source of With the partnership of the Network Mtel has started a project in support information on issues related to children and families in Bulgaria. of foster parenting. For one year the mobile operator will support 100 foster Beside the website, the Network actively updated its Facebook account families with 50 EUR per month and double ammount for families who take where we publish all news from our site. So far, our account and our website care for children with disabilities. The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, have more than 5500 contacts. State Agency for Child Protection and Bulgarian Donors Forum are also partners of the initiative.
8 | REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 3. CHILD PARTICIPATION
Why child participation? According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, one of the main rights of the child is the right to freely express their views in all matters aff ecting them. This includes also the right these views to be taken into consideration when adults make decisions. Child participation is the way for us, who work with children, to understand what children themselves think about it. Child participation has two main goals: on the one hand, to explore children views on all what aff ects them, but on the other, child participation aims also at teaching children and young people how to express their views in a way that views are heard and to make them feel appreciated. This is why we form the National Network for Children would like to hear what children think about our work and to take it into account when working towards changes in children policies.
3.1. Child participation in the Network’s General Assembly At the General Assembly held in June, a child panel was established. Children and young people took part in Network’s General Assembly but they also had time to discuss things they encountered alone. This experience raised many questions among us, adults, about how to tell children what is it that we do and how to hear their real views.
3.2. Camp for child participation In September, in Gergini village, a Network child camp was organized. It gathered together 25 children and young people from all over Bulgaria to tell them about the National Network for Children and to ask them how, in their view, they could participate in Network’s activities. Resulting from this event, a young people network called Megaphon was established to transmit views of young people.
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 | 9 4. SUPPORT FOR NETWORK MEMBERS
One of the main goals of the National Network for Children is to work to enhance capacity of the NGOs by providing them with accessible information, consultation and training. The Network provided members with a regular access to information, representation at national level and opportunity to infl uence child and family policies in Bulgaria. In this regard, particular possibilities for training were given. After a survey among the members was conducted, we realized that many of them think it was necessary to direct the major part of organization’s work towards support of members: capacity building, exchange of experience, visibility etc. This is why we planned more activities on enhancing the capacity of organizations.
Visibility of organization Financing Infl uence over 15% 7% 4.1. Trainings Capavity policy making building 18% In February, the Social Activities and Practices Institute (SAPI) organized 11% training on resilience for colleagues from the network. A great interest was shown in the training; both social services providers and organizations focused on other activities gathered together.
In May, training was held organized by the Center for Inclusive Education on how to design organizational policy on child protection. The training was aimed at support organizations to develop such child protection policy that refl ects all aspects of work of the respective organization.
In July, training on positive parenting was provided by Pauline Lonergan from the Irish organization called ‘One Family’. The aim of this training Experience To be informed 25% exchange was to qualify social work specialists and trainers to support Bulgarian 24% families in raising and upbringing their children. Training certifi cates
10 | REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 to the attendants were given by His Excellency John Rowan, Irish Ambassador to Bulgaria. The colleagues from Ireland provided the Network with the rights to translate and adapt the Manual on positive parenting which we did.
In October, members of the Network took part in training on management of disabled children services organized by ‘Future for Disabled Children’ Association and by the National Network for Children within the French program PROCOPIL. The training was targeted at professionals and provided them with a toolkit for effi cient management of services for disabled children. Trainers from France, Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria were part of it.
4.2. Thematic working groups (ТWG) The four thematic working groups of the Network remain focused on the main areas of work. Every member organization could participate in one or more TWG based on own assessment. In 2011, the Management Board of the Network made a decision to change the role of TWG. So far, they were aimed at targeting particular changes within children policies, to develop stands and positions etc. However, the practice evidenced that the Network rather needed space for communication and The four thematic working groups of the Network are: mutual learning between organizations. Due to these reasons TWG were Family transformed into forums for sharing and learning on various topics. The goals of TWG meetings would be to share good practices and to identify Health main obstacles in the work with children and families. Education
On a regular basis, the Secretariat provided with information TWG in the Juvenile justice identifi ed areas of work.
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 | 11 4.3. SDOC Project One of the main areas of the SDOC – Strengthening and Development Organizations’ Capacity Project aimed at support the Network in the management and development of their own organizations. A survey was conducted, where member organizations were asked in what areas they needed training. Trainings and practices are to be carried out in the future. Subjects such as strategic and organizational planning, advocacy, external communications etc. would be discussed. The support provided by individual members would not only contribute to their tangible performance on the spot but would also increase the effi ciency and the potential of the Network. Besides, the project would tend to the improvement of links between individual members. Furthermore, consolidation and strengthening of positions of organizations would then enable better advocacy at local level.
4.4. Donations and consulting The National Network for Children had a successful partnership with Bulgarian Donor’s Forum as well as with several business organizations in relation with identifi cation of causes aimed at corporate social responsibility. OVER 1 TON OF FURNITURE In the last year, Network’s Secretariat helped to circulate some donations so donations has been distributed by that they could reach members. Donations in the form of furniture, computer equipment, feeding-bottles etc. were spread all over the country. the National Network for Children to support Beside donations, Network’s Secretariat consulted member organizations organization directly working with the most and rendered support in various topics. Some of them included consultations vulnerable children and families. in areas such as organization development, promotion of events and the image of the organization in the media.
12 | REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 5. SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE NETWORK
5.1. Network’s members 5.2. Working priorities of the Network At the end of 2011, a survey was conducted among Network’s members which aim was to identify NNC working priorities in the main four areas of work (family, education, health and juvenile justice). Members pointed out that the Network should direct its eff orts mainly in the following areas:
Family support
School education
Access, scope and quality of children healthcare in hospitals and other pre-hospital settings
Child neglect and abuse
Over 20 new organizations joined National Network for Children in 2011. Currently, the National Network for Children has 96 members from all In 2011, over Bulgaria and fi ve new organizations who are candidates to become the National Network for Children members. The only regions where the Network has still no members are Gabrovo, Vidin and Smolyan. We continue to receive membership reached applications and to grow further. 58 163 children, Every organization that would like to become a member of National Network for Children could fi nd more information at www.nmd.bg 13 800 families, In July, we hold the biggest Network’s event – the annual General Assembly 2794 volunteers that gathers together over 200 professionals and volunteers who work for and 912 professionals. children and families in Bulgaria. Within the assembly, Network’s members are introduced, in details, and vote on various activities of the organization; meetings of the thematic working groups are held too, there are groups for exchange and learning etc.
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 | 13 5.3. Management and Controlling Board At 2011 NNC General Assembly some changes were introduced in the David Bisset, Statute of the organization according to which Network’s General Assembly Equilibrium – Rousse – is enlarged from 5 to 7 members. Moreover, election of a new membership member of the Management of the Management Board was held.
Iva Boneva, Network’s Management Board members Center for Inclusive Education – Sofi a – member of the Management Board
Nevena Madzharova, Club of Nonprofi t Organizations – Targovishte – At the General Assembly, a decision was made to establish a NNC Controlling President of the Management Board Board of 3 members that is supposed to monitor fi nancial management.
Mariana Nikolova, ‘Karin dom’ Foundation – Varna – Network’s Controlling Board members member of the Management Board
Dr. Radosveta Stamenkova, Bulgarian Family Planning and Sexual Health Association – Sofi a – Irina Dobriyanova, member of the Management Board Bulgarian Training Head Offi ce – Sofi a
Mariana Evtimova, Pulse Foundation – Pernik – Albena Boneva, member of the Management Board ‘Helping Hand’ Foundation – Dobrich
Gantcho Iliev, World without Boundaries – Stara Zagora – Spaska Mihaylova, member of the Management Board ‘New Way’ Association – Hayredin village, municipality Vratsa
14 | REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 5.4. 5.4. Secretariat 5.5. Strategic plan During the last year, in relation with the growing number of tasks, the For the period 2010–2013, the National Network for Children has a three- Network Secretariat was extended. Currently it has 8 members where every year strategy. Based on it, on an annual basis the Network’s Secretariat one of them is responsible for particular aspects of Network activities. develops Operational plan that is then approved by the Management Board. The plan sets the tasks for the respective year.
Following priorities are set in the strategy of the Network:
1. Enhancing Network’s capacity
Enrollment of members and followers
Support for Network’s members
Coordination of the thematic working groups activities
Organizing General Assembly
Development of international links
Obtaining fi nancial stability
Strengthening member organization’s and Network’s team capacity
2. Advocating and lobbying for eff ective planning, development and implementation of state child and family policy
Participation in all activities to design and implement child and family policies
Establishment and functioning of a working group “Child policy George Bogdanov, Executive Director; Mariana Bancheva, Education & development” Health Policy Coordinator; Vyara Ivanova, Family & Child Justice Policy Coordinator; Mihail Stefanov, Public Relations Director; Mihaela Popova, Building effi cient cooperation and team-work with other national Public Relations Assistant; Maria Brestnichka, Network Coordinator; Hristo networks in order to achieve maximum outcomes in child and family Hristev, Technical Assistant; Ivo Bozhkov, Project Assistant; Dani Koleva, policies director of “Children’s Policies” (on maternity leave)
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 | 15 Enhancing professional capacity of professionals working with children Since June 2011, George Bog- to implement principles to ensure children’s rights and their best danov, Network’s Executive Di- interest rector is a member of Eurochild Management Board. This is a great recognition of the entire 3. Building the public image of the National Network for Children activity of the National Network for Children in the last years within through active communication policy public and political space in the country. Design and regular edition of periodicals The Network, as network of NGOs, was invited to share its experience Update Network’s website and good practices. The Secretariat shared good experience in Serbia where establishment of network for children lies ahead, in Estonia, Design and maintain online communication strategy Kosovo, and Black Sea Fund of NGOs in Bucharest too etc. Set up recurring Golden Apple awards for work done by journalists, politicians and institutions working on children’s rights and various The Network continued its work under PROCOPIL related issues Program where it exchanged experience with non- governmental organizations networks from France, Romania and Moldova. You could fi nd the whole text of Network’s strategy together with opera- tional plans on our website www.nmd.bg.
5.6. International relations The National Network for Children is a member of the European children network and of the Child Rights Information Network CRIN. This provides the Network with direct access to information and also with representation at European and international level. The National Network for Children participates actively in various international activities by using opportunities for experience and information exchange, by developing its international contacts and by providing its members with the opportunity to participate in diff erent meetings and events.
The Network sent information to Eurochild on a regular basis about what happened with children in Bulgaria. So, the information was disseminated to a full extend at European level and it found much larger response.
16 | REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 6. NETWORK MEMBERS
Blagoevgrad region Dobrich region Plovdiv region • ‘Community Council of Education’ Association – • ‘Helping Hand’ Foundation – Dobrich • ‘Big Brother, Big Sister’ Association – Plovdiv Gotse Delchev • National Alliance for Volunteer Work – Plovdiv Kyrdzhali region Burgas region • ‘Initiative for Development – Kyrdzhali Decides’ Razgrad region • The Faithful Steward’ Association – Burgas Association – Kyrdzhali • ‘Janette’ Association – Razgrad • ‘Demetra’ Association – Burgas • ‘Integro’ Association – Razgrad ‘Regional Roma Alliance’ Association – Burgas Kyustendil region • Youth Forum 2001 – Razgrad • ‘Smile’ Association – Burgas • Parental board of trustees of Day Kindergarten ‘Kalina’ - Doupnitsa Varna region Rousse region • Association of parents of children with dyslexia – Lovetch region • ‘Equilibrium’ Association – Rousse Varna • ‘Eco Mission 21st Century’ Association – Lovetch • ‘Caritas – Rousse’ Foundation – Rousse • ‘Street Urchin’ Association – Varna • Open Society Club – Rousse • ‘Karin dom’ Foundation – Varna Montana region ‘• Interethnic Partnership’ Association – Varna • Public Council on Education – Berkovitsa Silistra region • ‘NASO’ Association – Varna • Sham Foundation – Montana • ‘Ekaterina Karavelova’ Women Society – Silistra • ‘Joy for our Children’ Foundation – Varna • ‘Hope for a Good Future’ Association – Silistra • ‘Co-Participation’ Association – Varna Pazardzhik region • ‘Future’ Foundation - Rakitovo Sliven region Veliko Tarnovo region • Crime Prevention Fund IGA – Pazardzhik • ‘Roma Health’ Foundation - Sliven • Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance • ‘Social Practices in the Community’ Foundation – ‘Amalipe’ – Veliko Tarnovo Pazardzhik Sofi a City region • ‘Development’ Association – Rakitovo • ‘Agapedia – Bulgaria’ Foundation Vratsa region • ‘1st of June’ Association – Byala Slatina Pernik region • ‘Alpha Club – to Survive’ Association • ‘Science and Technics Centre’ Association – • Pulse Foundation – Pernik • Association of Kindergarten and School Vratsa • Psychological Healthcare Professionals in • ‘Fresh Start’ Association – Hayredin village Pleven region Bulgaria • School board of trustees of Hristo Botev general • ‘Community Centers’ Public Fund of Pleven – • ‘Parents’ Association school – Tarnava village Pleven • Bulgarian Association of Adopted and Adopters
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 | 17 • Bulgarian Family Planning and Sexual Health • Association for Pedagogical and Social Shumen region Association Assistance FICE Bulgaria • Association SOS Abused Women and Children – • ‘Bulgarian Child’ Foundation • Foundation for Children at Risk Worldwide Novi Pazar • Bulgarian National Committee ‘Together for the • ‘Centre Nadya’ Foundation • Association of Roma Women ‘Hayatchi’ – Novi Children’ • ‘Centre for Inclusive Education’ Association Pazar • Bulgarian Training Head Offi ce • Centre for Psychosocial Support • ‘Child and Space’ Association • Habitat for Humanity Yambol region • ‘Children and Adolescents’ Association • Outward Bound Bulgaria • ‘Asthmatics’ Foundation– Yambol • ‘Evrika’ Foundation • SOS Kinderdorf - Bulgaria • ‘Team’ Foundation • ‘Naturally’ Association Sofi a region • ‘Together in Class’ Foundation • ‘Towards a Better Life’ Association – Chelopech • ‘For our Children’ Foundation • ‘Health and Social Development’ Foundation Stara Zagora region • Social Activities and Practices Institute • ‘Future for Disabled Children’ Association – Kazanlak • ‘Lions Club Cyber Vitosha Net’ Association • ‘Reborn Sparkle’ Community Centre – Kazanlak • ‘Hope for the young ones’ Foundation • ‘Clovers’ Association – Chirpan • Bulgarian National Scout Organization • National Association of Resource Teachers – • National School Eco-Parliament Stara Zagora • Society for everyone’ Association • ‘Friends 2011’ Association - Chirpan • Paideia’ Foundation • ‘Samaritans’ Association – Stara Zagora • ‘Partners – Bulgaria’ Foundation • ‘World without Boundaries’ Association – Stara • ‘Human Rights’ Project Zagora ‘• Applied Research and Communications’ Foundation Targovishte region • ‘Friends 2006’ Foundation • Club of Nonprofi t Organizations – Targovishte • ‘Friend’s Heart’ Association • Cedar Foundation Haskovo region • ‘Step for Bulgaria’ Foundation • Community Centers’ Association – Dimitrovgrad • Theater and Social Formation ‘Theatre Flower’ • ‘Children and Families’ Association– Haskovo • ‘Freerun Bulgaria’ Association • ‘Give a Smile’ Foundation– Dimitrovgrad
18 | REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 6. FUNDING AND REPORT BALANCE SHEET as at 31 December 2011
ASSETS EQUITY AND LIABILITIES SECTIONS, GROUPS, ARTICLES BGN/1000 SECTIONS, GROUPS, ARTICLES BGN/1000 Current Year Previous Year Current Year Previous Year а12а 12 B. Non-current assets А. Equity II. Tangible assets IV. Reserves 3. Equipment and other 7 13 4. Other reserves 82 126 Total for group II 7 13 Total for group ІV 82 126 Total for section B 7 13 Total for section А 82 126 C. Current assets C. Liabilities ІII. Receivables 8. Other liabilities, including 4 - Receivables from clients and suppliers 1 8 up to 1 year 4 Total for group III 1 100 - Payables to employees, including ІV. Cash, including: up to 1 year - Cash in hand 8 8 - Insurance liabilities, including 3 - Cash with bank 184 100 up to 1 year 3 Total for group IV 192 108 - Tax liabilities, including 1 Total for section C 193 108 up to 1 year 1 D. Prepaid expenses 2 9 Total for section C, including 4 up to 1 year 4 D. Financing and prepaid income, including 120 - Funding 120 TOTAL ASSETS (B+C+D) 202 130 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES (A+C) 202 130
Date: 17.01.2012 г. Simeon Borisov, George Bogdanov, Accountant Executive director Registered Auditor Svetlana Pavlova, CPA Date of the audit report: 30.01.2012 г.
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 | 19 INCOME STATEMENT for the year ended 31 December 2011
NAME OF COST BGN/1000 NAME OF REVENUE BGN/1000 Current Year Previous Year Current Year Previous Year а12а12 І. Operating expenses І. Operating income А. Expenditure on regulated activities А. Revenue from regulated activities 2. Other expenses 230 176 1. Revenue from grants 3 1 Total А: 230 176 3. Membership fee 7 7 B. Administrative costs 168 181 4. Other income 345 410 Total for group I 398 357 Total А: 355 418 ІІ. Financial expenses Total for group I 355 418 6. Other fi nancial expenses 1 1 II. Financial revenue Total for group II 1 1 5. Interests income 1 V. Total cost 399 358 Total for group II 1 VІ. Result (44) 61 V. Total revenue 355 419 Total (V+VІ): 355 419 Total (V): 355 419
Date: 17.01.2012 г. Simeon Borisov, George Bogdanov, Accountant Executive director Registered Auditor Svetlana Pavlova, CPA Date of the audit report: 30.01.2012 г.
20 | REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2011 This report was published with the support of OAK Foundation National Network for Children and UNICEF – Bulgaria. This is a report of the National Network for Children. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the authors and should by no means be interpreted as stand or o cial position of OAK Foundation or UNICEF.
National Network for Children
55 Tsar Simeon Str., 1000 So a, Bulgaria tel./fax: + 359 2 988 82 07 e-mail: o [email protected] Change within a child www.nmd.bg changes Bulgaria! REPOR T FOR THE YEAR 2011