Implemented Good Practices Under the NGO Fund, Bulgaria 2008 – 2011

NGO Fund under the EEA Financial Mechanism

Implemented Good Practices under the NGO Fund, Bulgaria 2008 – 2011

within the framework of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism

Sofia 2011 1 2 NGO Fund under the EEA Financial Mechanism

Implemented Good Practices under the NGO Fund, Bulgaria 2008 – 2011

within the framework of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism

Sofia 2011

3 Implemented Good Practices under the NGO Fund, Bulgaria 2008 – 2011 within the framework of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism

Publication of Foundation for Local Government Reform and Bulgarian Environmental Partnership Foundation within the framework of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism

Sofia 2011

ISBN 978-954-755-030-8

4 Dear readers,

This collection aims to promote among interested NGOs, institutions, business organizations and citizens the results of the projects implemented under the NGO fund within the framework of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2004-2009 (EEA FM). Through the NGO fund within the EEA FM, the three donor countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, granted Bulgaria a total of 2,064,000 Euro. The objective of the NGO fund is to support the development of civil society in Bulgaria by supporting projects in three priority areas: Protection of the environment and promotion of sustainable development, Provision and development of social services, such as in health and child care, and Development of civil society and protection of human rights. The Foundation for Local Government Reform (FLGR) in partnership with Bulgarian Environmental Partnership Foundation (BEPF) was selected as Fund operator. FLGR is the main negotiating unit with the Financial Mechanism Office in Brussels, which is in charge of the overall management of the Fund. The Environmental Partnership Founda- tion is a partner in the administration and management of the Fund for priority area 1 “Protection of the environment and promotion of sustainable development”. Two calls for proposals were announced within the NGO Fund implemented in 2008 – 2010 – one in July 2008 and one in April 2009. A total of 704 proposals were submitted by NGOs and community centres (chitalishta) from the country, amounting to a total of 32,234, 564.61 Euro. The applicants included NGOs operating on the national level, as well as ones on the local level and newly registered ones. 115 organizations did not meet the administrative compliance and feasibility criteria. All projects that passed the administrative compliance and feasibility review were assessed by two independent assessors selected under a public procedure for recruiting assessors by the Fund Operator. The projects that received more than 60 points (average of the scores awarded by the two assessors) were reviewed by the Committee for selection of projects for funding which included 5 experts with practical experience in the three priority areas. Representatives of the Operator, the National Coordination Unit to the MF, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in the Republic of Bulgaria and the EEA FM Office acted as observers at the meetings of the Committee. The Committee approved 61 projects for funding, amounting to a total of 1,857,002.77 Euro, divided by priority areas as follows: - Protection of the environment and promotion of sustainable development – 15 projects, amounting to a total of 743,199.77 Euro - Provision and development of social services, such as in health and child care – 24 projects, amounting to a total of 649,303 Euro - Development of civil society and protection of human rights – 22 projects, amounting to a total of 464,500 Euro 59 Projects were successfully implemented. The projects presented here have contributed for the mobilization of communities and citizens in solving significant social problems, offered new approaches to the institutions and supported their implementation into practice; they carry out effective monitoring on the implementation of adopted strategic documents in the priority areas of the Fund, carry out effective monitoring on the implementation of social services and provide specific proposals for their improvement; develop the capacity of the funded NGOs in their fields, and attract volunteers in the implementation of project activities. It is our hope that through these projects we have managed to contribute for a change of social significance in the priority areas under the Fund.

The team of the Operator of the NGO Fund within EEA FM 2004-2009

5 6 PRIORITY AREA 1:

PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

7 Restoration of Priority Forest Habitats in NATURA 2000 Sites “Vitosha Initiative Group” Association Project duration: 6.11.2009. – 6.11.2010. Project budget: 65,280.65 Euro

Background actual information about the forests status stimulating the public society and the private sector to sup- Forests are among the most valuable nature report the restoration and conservation of the Bulgarian sources of Bulgaria and due to their conservation im- forests via concrete actions and initiatives on local portance over 65% of the state forests fall under the level. protection of the European environmental network NATURA 2000. In the last decades forest habitats are - Development and pilot implementation of meth- frequently affected by nature disasters (forest fires, odology for restoration of forest habitats in NATURA windfalls, pests and diseases), illegal logging or clear- 2000 sites – the methodology is developed by experts ings related to the development of big infrastructure in the field of sustainable forestry and nature conserva- projects (ski resorts, etc.). The data of the Executive tion. It comprises description and characteristics of all Forestry Agency shows that the area of forests dam- protected forest habitats in the country, analysis of the aged by nature disasters for the last several years is threats for their favourable conservation status, as well more than 6,000 ha. Due to shortage of government as recommendations for their restoration after natural funding many of the affected areas are left un-restored disasters or disturbances from human activities. The in a timely manner, while lack of adequate capacity is methodology was presented to the competent authori- the reason for their inappropriate restoration (i.e. ties and experts and was tested for restoration of dam- through the planting of monocultures). Very often the aged habitats within the project. lack of natural regeneration, erosion processes, inva- - Implementation and popularization of success- sive species or other factors obstruct forests to re- ful model for cross-sectoral partnership – within the cover naturally, which leads to loss of biodiversity and project framework were established working contacts, deterioration of the ecological functions of affected partnerships and mechanisms for joint work. As a re- forest habitats. At the same time, Bulgarian society sult over 35 ha forest habitats in NATURA 2000 sites and private sector show growing interest in support- were restored within Vitosha Nature Park and Western ing the conservation and restoration of the Bulgarian Rhodope region via planting of more than 120 000 seed- forests. lings, including work with volunteers. Based on the successful partnerships, attracted resources and the received support from the public and private sector, future projects and activities were developed as follow- Practice up and multiplication of the achieved project results. The project had several main objectives including the development of a methodology for restoration of damaged forest habitats in valuable nature areas Contact infromation and its practical implementation in 3 pilot sites, devel- Teodor Todorov opment of online database with detailed information 56 Neofit Rilski Str., app. 1, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria on damaged forests in Bulgaria, establishment of effective cross-sectoral partnerships as well as aware- Tel./Fax: ++359 2 986 70 46 ness raising. The project success in ensuring the [email protected] needed expert capacity, securing funding and establishment of effective cross-sector partnerships can be defined as a best practice since they were the needed ground for achieving all the project results described below.

Results achieved - Development of online data base with detailed information on damaged forests in Bulgaria www.map.gorichka.bg. The interactive map provides

8 The Dragoman Marsh – An Example of Wetlands Conservation in Bulgaria BALKANI Wildlife Society Project duration: 1.03.2009. – 30.06.2010. Project budget: 76,117.14 Euro

Background ness and building-up knowledge on the problems and protection of wetlands. Balkani Wildlife Society de- Wetlands are some of the most valuable ecosys- cided to meet that necessity by providing the facilities tems on Earth, home to rare animal and plant species and social environment for performing extracurricular and a central element in the process of water purifica- educational activities for both school and university tion. With the support of the EEA Grants, Balkani students, and information and education activities for Wildlife Society renovated and furnished the building people of all ages. The importance of an educational of the first Wetland Conservation Centre in Bulgaria. facility in the town of Dragoman, 40 km away from Among the actual conservation activities and the con- Sofia, is enhanced by the fact that there are not any struction, and testing of an experimental heating sys- interactive centres in Sofia that cater to this need at tem, the project resulted in the establishment of a lively present, while the distance makes it possible to easily and active environmental education program. get out of the busy city and plunge in the real beauty of the natural world of the marsh. The need for conservation of wetlands in Bulgaria is still very weakly acknowledged by the public administration and civil society. Few people appreciate their great economic, scientific and recreational value Practice and their ecological functions as regulators of water regimes and as habitats for plant and animal species. Local people and volunteers were actively involved in the construction and repair works of the build- Despite the progress in wetlands conservation over ing of the “Dragoman Marsh” Wetland Conservation the past 40 years, destruction of wetlands still contin- Centre. All activities, including the sustainable man- ues today. Thus, there is a great need for raising aware- agement of the NATURA 2000 sites of Dragoman and

9 Rayanovtsi, were carried out with the wide support For the first time in Bulgaria biomass from a marsh and help from many different people from Dragoman, is used as an energy source. The experimental sus- Sofia and other parts of Bulgaria. As a result, the tainable heating system in the Centre is functioning. Wetland Conservation Centre has become an attrac- Having gone through the learning process, including tive place for school and university students, natural- mowing, transportation, fractioning, drying and pro- ists, tourists and professionals working in the field of cessing of Bulrush, Club-rush and Reed, the mem- environmental protection. Each spring and autumn, bers of Balkani Wildlife Society continue to acquire tens of groups of students visit the Dragoman marsh know-how and improve their techniques for the pro- and the centre where they can see the first interactive duction of pellets for heating. exhibition on wetlands conservation in Bulgaria. A number of NGOs and visitor centres began working together on wetlands conservation through an internet web portal created with the support of the EEA Grant. Contact information Andrey Ralev

Results achieved 67 Tsansko Tserkovski Str., entr. 2, Sofia 1421, Bulgaria The project accomplished the difficult task of re- introducing a plant species, extinct from Bulgarian flora Tel./Fax: ++359 2 9631470 (the insectivorous Aldrovanda vesiculosa), which was also a precondition for successfully raising additional [email protected] funding for nature conservation activities in the region of the Dragoman Marsh. Restoration of oak forests and natural wet meadows also proved successful, with 5 Ha of afforested woodland and 2 Ha of experimental restoration of meadows.

10 Protection of Biodiversity in Uzana Site through Sustainable Management of the Territory Association for Sustainable Tourism „Uzana” Project duration: 7.12.2009. – 31.12.2010. Project budget: 67,355.64 Euro

Background Practice Uzana District is situated in the western ridge of Overall objective: the Shipchensko-Trevnenski part of Stara Planina А. Protection and reduction of biodiversity ex- Mountain Range. It is a big alpine pasture-ground at tinction in Uzana Site and sustainable management an average sea level of 1300 m and is located near of habitats with European and national significance. Ispolin Mountain Peak (1524 m above sea level). B. Implementation of effective integrated man- The high ecological and conservation value of the agement of a zone included in Natura 2000. site is increased by the fact that it is included in the European ecological network and the national eco- Specific objectives: logical Natura 2000 network, within “Central Balkan – 1. To provide conservation of biodiversity and buffer - BG0001493”. 85 % of the surface of the ridge reduction of its destruction through elaboration and meadow Uzana is formed by the so-called Mountain adoption of a Concept for sustainable development hay meadows (code 6520), which is a habitat of vari- of Uzana Site; ous in nature and structure flora. There are three factors which have a decisive role in the fast develop- 2. To ensure management of the tourist flow in ment of Uzana Site as a tourist and resort destination, a manner that would ensure its redirection away from namely: unique environment with a highly conserved the vulnerable areas in the Site towards the periphery status and central geographical location (the Geo- and the new and already existing infrastructure; graphical centre of Bulgaria is located there), existing 3. To build infrastructure and equipment for pro- contemporary tourist lodgings and equipment (with vision of alternative recreation opportunities through expected expansion in the future) and the vicinity to sparing, non-aggressive activities in nature; the town of Gabrovo (22 km). The unique nature of the Site, as well as the opportunity for active tourist 4. To expand the environmental awareness and recreation on the territory of the two nearby parks – knowledge of the visitors in the Site and promote more Central Balkan National Park and Nature Park environment-friendly behavior and practices through Bulgarka, are the emotional and attractive features of information provision; the alpine meadow. During the last 15-20 years the 5. To establish and strengthen multi-stakeholder Site gained recognition as an alternative tourist desti- partnerships for successful sustainable management nation, offering opportunities for active recreation of the Site; which led to increased anthropological pressure and a number of negative consequences. 6. To ensure practical participation of the NGO sector in the management of a zone included in Natura According to the Detailed Layout Plan, the Site is 2000. subject to regulated urbanization. This will lead to changes which will affect the status of the conserva- The project emerged as an answer to the need of tion habitats and the existing fauna to a much higher sustainable management of the processes taking place extent than anything else until now. The main tourist in the resort district and was implemented as presented product - nature, is being progressively destroyed as below: a result of the increased tourist interest. - Through elaboration of a Concept which regu- The desire and motivation for implementation of lates the practical ways for realization of a coordina- the project came up as an answer to the pressing need tion mechanism among the interests of involved par- for the implementation of urgent and adequate mea- ties in the management process of the Site; sures against the loss of biodiversity in the Site, as - Publishing of information materials (a book) well as measures for reduction of the negative an- aimed at an information campaign presenting the value thropological pressure through the creation of appro- of the protected territory, thus promoting informed at- priate conditions for active recreation and tourism in titudes and active environment-friendly behaviour; a conserved environment. - The adequate management of tourist flow is

11 achieved through the construction of a bike park which - Constructed alpine bike park consisting of 17 also provides alternative opportunities for the leisure elements for mountain biking, which provides alter- time in a non-aggressive and nature-protecting be- native opportunities for recreation through practice of havior; sports and alternative activities in a conserved nature-sparing, non- aggressive activities in a con- environment form sensitivity not only towards the served environment; improved aesthetical status of aesthetical, but also towards life-supporting role of the landscape; nature; this gives rise to a feeling of shared responsi- - Bike park equipment - 12 bicycles together bility and creativity with respect to life-supporting with the necessary outfits; mechanisms. Thus an attitude is being formed (through direct contact with nature) for realizing the significance - 600 copies of “Uzana – the Green Heart of of the personal acts to the conservation of nature and Bulgaria” published and disseminated, promoting the the sustainable development of the Site, the region formation of environmental awareness and nature- and the country; friendly behaviour among the visitors of the Site; - The purchased equipment for the bike park - Publicity of all project activities and results: 2 (bicycles and outfits) make possible the organization commemorative plaques, 3 press conferences, 3 press of events aiming at formation of ecological knowledge releases and 1 PR panel, 40 publicity souvenirs, 100 and behavior through sports in a conserved environ- sets of information materials; ment. - Enhanced organizational and management capacity of Association for Sustainable Tourism „Uzana”; strengthened effective and fruitful partner- Results achieved ship for joint sustainable management of the Site. - Elaborated Concept for sustainable development of Uzana Site and submitted model for processes management in the resort until 2020, coordinating the Contact information interests of all involved parties; provided conditions Silvia Ivanova for improving the conservation of (6520) Mountain hay meadows habitat; 1 Aprilov Blvd., Gabrovo 5300, Bulgaria - Good management of the tourist flow through Cell Phone: ++359 898 55 85 25; ++359 884 51 35 85 adequate redirection away from vulnerable and highly Fax: ++359 66 803 377 eroded areas of (6520) Mountain hay meadows habitat towards less injured areas and recreation infrastruc- [email protected] ture in the periphery;

12 Development of Civil Monitoring for Effective and Sustainable Utilisation of European Union Funds in Bulgaria Public Environmental Centre for Sustainable Development (PECSD) Project duration: 1.03.2009. – 30.10.2010. Project budget: 65,022.24 Euro

Background achievement of the following results by the end of 2010: The Coalition for Sustainable Usage of EU Funds was initiated in 2005 by environmental NGOs moni- - Covering the whole country (6 Planning re- toring the processes of the usage of EU pre-acces- gions) with teams working on the regional level and sion funds (ISPA, PHARE, SAPARD) and observa- interacting with the other regional and national teams. tion of the environmental legislation. The idea is to - Development of expertise and tools for qual- include and apply the principles of sustainable devel- ity monitoring of activities on programme and project opment and integrate environmental issues in the other implementation. economic sectors through NGO participation in the development of Operational programmes and the - Monitoring of projects with expected nega- National Development Plan 2007-2013 and follow-up tive environmental impact (in contradiction with the monitoring of their implementation. Since the end of principles of sustainable development). 2005, the coalition has started developing its informal network structures based on the Planning regions in - Development of an e-base for better interac- the country. At the beginning of 2008, the Coalition tion and information exchange between the WatchDog comprised 25 organizations and covered two Plan- teams, as well as promotion of their activity, and its ning regions. results.

In 2008 Bulgaria was constantly criticized by the - Development of an independent report evalu- EC for serious violations of the procedures for usage ating the progress of implementation of the Opera- of EU funds. Some of the criticisms towards the Bul- tional programmes, to be presented to the institutions garian administration include corruption, lack of trans- in Bulgaria and Brussels in 2010 when Bulgaria will parency, low administrative capacity, non-compliance have reached the middle of the 2007-2013 fiscal pe- with Bulgarian legislation and European Directives. riod. At the same time, the state gave up the development of a planned intermediate evaluation of the disbursement of EU funds in 2010. All these observations were discussed during the national meeting of the coalition in May 2008 and a decision was taken to work for the

13 Practice analysis of EU funds. Functioning electronic database, which generates problematic cases of EU funds dis- The main objective of the project was to develop bursement. Development of a progress report on the capacity in Bulgarian NGOs to become an equal part- implementation of EU-funded programmes and ner of the national and local government and the Eu- projects by 2010, dissemination among stakeholders ropean Commission in the process of usage of the and institutions and organizations involved in the EU funds in Bulgaria. management and usage of EU funds. Sharing of the analyses, assessments and case studies of EU funds In order to achieve this, two main tasks were imple- usage in Bulgaria with regional, national and Euro- mented: Development of the NGO capacity for imple- pean institutions. Presentation and adoption of the menting effective citizen monitoring on EU Funds established observations and conclusions by differ- usage and implementation of effective monitoring, ent services in Brussels involved with EU funds man- analysis and evaluation of ongoing disbursement of agement. EU funds during project implementation.

Contact Information Results achieved Illiyan Ivanov Illiev, Chair of the Board of Directors A developed network of WatchDog organizations P.B.79, Varna 9010, Bulgaria trained in monitoring, analysis and implementation of advocacy campaigns in 5 of the six planning regions Tel./Fax: ++359 52 306 423 in Bulgaria. Raised general interest among NGOs to- [email protected] wards the opportunities for participation not only in the usage processes, but also in the monitoring and

14 Education for NATURA 2000 - Introducing the Ecological Network in Bulgarian Schools Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe - Branch Bulgaria Partner: Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds - BirdLife Bulgaria Project duration: 4.03.2009. - 30.09.2010. Project budget: 96,216.51 Euro

Background - Integration of EU experience on inclusion of school subjects related to NATURA 2000 and envi- The European ecological network NATURA 2000, ronmental preservation in educational programmes the largest single functional network of protected ar- and sharing of good practices. eas in the world, was created with the objective of protecting biodiversity. The network has been consti- - Increasing the pupils’ knowledge about the tuted within the European Union since 1979 and in- meaning and the range of the NATURA 2000 network, cludes over 26 000 protected areas in all EU member about the importance of the network for the local com- states with a total area of 850 000 km2, i.e. 20% of EU munities, through introduction of special practices for territory. The process of active conservation and man- extracurricular education. agement of the network is a challenge to the Euro- - Encouraging commitment of the local stake- pean Union, as well as the need for awareness and holders about the means, potentials and benefits en- involvement of local people in the management and suing by the establishment and management of the conservation activities. This is one of the main priori- NATURA 2000 network in Bulgaria. ties of member states and the Community. Involving young people through an active learning process in The project objectives were achieved by imple- the protection of NATURA 2000 sites is proving to be menting a series of operational analyses, which in- a very successful practice in Europe. Such practices cluded review and analysis of EU practices related to are applied in Poland, Slovakia, Germany and Brit- education for NATURA 2000 and conservation of ain. Since young people are more active in seeking biodiversity. Furthermore, a National Roundtable on new challenges and are more committed to their fu- Education for NATURA 2000 and Sustainable Local ture, they embrace the global concepts of nature pro- Development was organized (action 1). Needs assess- tection more easily, especially when linked to places ment of the educational institutions (schools and mu- where they live and know. It is clear that there is a nicipalities) was carried out to support development need for toolkits, specifically linked to the NATURA of environmental programmes at NATURA 2000 ter- 2000 network, where one of the highlights should be ritories (action 2). Following an in-depth analysis, a the benefits of the network (economic, aesthetic, number of core activities were implemented, such as health, etc.) for the local population. It is also essen- elaboration of a national concept for interpretation and tial to put emphasis on local and regional approach of communication of NATURA 2000 in Bulgaria (action working with youth and local communities as a sus- 3); development of educational aid for extra curricu- tainable method for the implementation of new ideas lar education in higher school (8-12 grades) with in- and the introduction of NATURA 2000 at the local level. formation about the NATURA 2000 zones (activity 4); approbation of the educational aid in pilot schools working in NATURA 2000 territories in Bulgaria (activity 5); teacher training about the potentials of educa- Practice tional aids for environmental preservation (activity 6). The main project goal was focused on raising The final set of activities aimed to disseminate and public commitment and providing support to teachers promote the products of the project, such as dissemi- and pupils – representatives of the local communities nation of the handbook for NATURA 2000 (activity 7), - about the meaning and the benefits of the introduc- design and implementation of an information cam- tion of protection measures for the territories by the paign on NATURA 2000 in schools and municipalities ecological network NATURA 2000 in Bulgaria. in 5 regions of the country (activity 9). Last but not least, public forums for NATURA 2000 were held in 5 Specific objectives include the following: municipalities in Bulgaria under the project – - Enhancement of the information flow and Belogradchik, Varna, Provadia, Svishtov and Smolyan teacher’s knowledge and skills related to subjects (activity 8). bounded with the NATURA 2000 ecological network as a whole, and particularly about the network zones at local level.

15 Achieved results - Five public forums “Management of NATURA 2000” were held in Belogradchik, Varna, Provadia, The results of the project can be divided into 4 Svishtov and Smolyan. 20 meetings were organized main groups: for all forums where basic problems in the manage- - Conducted analysis of the status of NATURA ment of NATURA 2000 at regional level were defined. 2000 in Bulgaria, the needs of schools for specialized Every forum prepared a joint declaration where all educational materials for extracurricular education in basic and necessary steps for specific locally depen- secondary school and practices within the EU educa- dent management of NATURA 2000 zones were re- tion for NATURA 2000. 3 reports were published. corded. All collected information was published in the report “Public participation and implementation of - Development, approbation and printing of public forums as an approach in the management of teacher’s handbook “NATURA 2000 in Education” for NATURA 2000 network in Bulgaria”. extracurricular education in 8 to 12 grades. The handbook was distributed through a series of 9 workshops held in the target project municipalities from Bulgaria - Blagoevgrad, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vratsa, Contact information Gabrovo, Dobrich, Montana, Smolyan and Sofia. Vesselin Drobenov - Developed concept for development of Na- 42A Tsar Simeon Str., apt. 2, Sofia 1202, Bulgaria tional information and communication strategy for NATURA 2000 in Bulgaria. The concept became part Tel./Fax: ++359 2 983 52 17 of the process of developing terms of reference for a [email protected] national communication strategy for NATURA 2000 by the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW);

16 Management Model with Stakeholder Participation in Central Balkan - an Element of the National Ecological Network Time - Ecoprojects Foundation Project duration: 4.03.2009. – 30.11.2010. Project budget: 53,206.59 Euro

Background approach) were implemented - a representative forum of stakeholders (Public Advisory Council to the Central Balkan National Park was established in Park Directorate) and acceptance of the Partnership 1991 and is managed by the Minister of Environment Agreement (Long-term vision for the park). This ap- and Water, through its regional body - the Central proach can successfully be applied in future manage- Balkan National Park Directorate in pursuance of ment of some of the important Natura 2000 sites in Management Plan 2001-2010, adopted by the Coun- Bulgaria. cil of Ministers. Since 2007 the territory has the status of NATURA 2000 protected site for conservation of wild birds and protected site for protection of habitats. Practice Central Balkan covers 717 km2, including part of the 5 districts and 9 municipalities. Near 368,000 in- The main objective of the project is: To introduce habitants live in the settlements around the park ac- a model of management Central Balkan National Park, cording to the data from 2005. providing regular communication and effective cooperation and participation of stakeholders in the pro- For the Central Balkan draft update of the current cesses of decision making. Management Plan for the period 2012-2021 is implemented since April 2010 and in the next 2-3 years Among the specific objectives of the project are: integrated management plans for the 2 protected sites - Creating through an open and democratic pro- have to be developed. cess of the Public Advisory Council to the Park Direc- Timely information and participation of stakehold- torate. ers in the preparation and effective implementation of - Testing the model by developing a long-term these strategic management documents, ensuring the vision for the management of the Central Balkan - balance and relationship between applied for the park political basis for subsequent management plans and and in the region and its management policies and regional development. plans, including various municipal, county, etc. plans To achieve the set objectives the following activi- and development programs are essential challenges ties were performed: for the administration of the park. To encourage and ensure participation of key stakeholders from the - Personal meetings with over 100 representa- management of the park key elements of the approach tives of key stakeholders for their involvement in the of “joint management” (Collaborative management process;

17 - Nine public information meetings in munici- sentatives of major stakeholders; palities around the park and in Sofia - defined inter- - Important consents for the purposes of park ests and resources ready to share, elected represen- management have been achieved in the process of tatives for subsequent workshops to stakeholders from developing and adopting the long-term vision’ each group; - Developed approach is proposed for discus- - Workshops for each formed stakeholders sion at national level as a management tool for the group - nomination and election of representatives of element of the National Ecological Network; relevant stakeholders in the Public Advisory Council / in some cases - elections on the Internet - NGOs, - Improved communication between the park journalists/; administration and interested stakeholders from its management. Achieved is a better awareness and - Three workshops of the Public Advisory Coun- approval of activities and projects of the park admin- cil - adopted the draft Rules of Procedure of the Board istration. and Long term vision for the National Park (2010 - 2050) under the name “Look at our common future”; - Official founding meeting of the Public Advi- Contact information sory Council, held in Sofia. Kamen Chipev, Project Coordinator TIME Foundation Achieved results 4 Racho Dimchev Str., floor 2, app. 2, - Started implementation of a management Sofia 1000, Bulgaria model of Central Balkan NP, ensuring regular communication, cooperation and effective participation of Tel./Fax: ++359 2 9541080 stakeholders in the processes of decision making; [email protected] - Designed in an open and democratic process is a Public Advisory Council to the Central Balkan National Park Directorate, including delegated repre-

18 Reducing the Threats to the Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos) and Its Habitats by Applying Measures from the Action Plan for the Species with the Participation of Local Communities and Support of the Public Information and Nature Conservation Foundation Project duration: 09.12.2009. – 09.12.2010. Project budget: 48,073.86 Euro

Background Smolyan region - took part in the Fest of the Bear and also became the main active mechanism in a donor Project implementation coincided with dynamic campaign for the purchase of electric fences under a changes which took place due to singular incidents Life+ project of Balkani Wildlife Society and MoEW. involving people and brown bear (Ursus Arctos) individuals, which led to a campaign for legislative The implementation of the project was success- changes. The latter was obviously inspired by the eco- ful thanks to the good interaction with other NGOs. nomic interests of the new owners of private hunting Representatives of sub-section of the Bulgarian Hunt- grounds connected with the political elite. ing and Fishing Union also participated. Experts from Balkani Wildlife Society took part in key moments of the implementation and the organization of events and press conferences for the media, the production of Practice the multimedia product, trainings and the Fest of the The campaign under the project actively counter- Bear. acted the lobbyist interests of a minor part of the society, which harm Bulgarian environment, valuable species and the country’s long-term interests. It was not Achieved results by chance that the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism responded to the request and insistent invita- A well-targeted mass information campaign was tion of the project team and demonstrated interest in carried out under the project. It included various com- diversifying the Bulgarian tourist product with services, ponents and succeeded in raising the public aware- including studying and observation of the brown bear. ness and securing support for the preservation of a species of value for the Bulgarian and international Project activities targeted at the local communi- wildlife. This established a successful model for work- ties in the regions with brown bear populations played ing with the public, media and stakeholders – a model, a significant role, as well as the mass positive infor- which would be disseminated. mation campaign targeting the public. All stakeholders received easy and up-to-date access to informa- The timely funding and project implementation tion about the brown bear (through an internet site contributed for: and a multimedia product with popular and useful in- 1. Multifold quantitative and qualitative increase formation). Many of the information activities involved in the number of positive and useful publications in dissemination of knowledge about the EU policy for the regional and national media, focusing on the co- conservation of this valuable species, good European habitation of human beings and the protected spe- practices and active EU financial instruments to all cies; stakeholders. 2. Responsible participation of the stakeholders Project implementation was carried out in close (national and local administration, representatives of cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and the local government) aiming to find informed and Water (MoEW) and its units. The Environmental Com- contemporary solutions for the future co-habitation of mittee with the National Assembly also cooperated. man and the brown bear, in compliance with the EU The local government in the project region provided policy; support in the implementation of activities with the local population and actively assisted in the organiza- 3. Making the first steps towards a change in tion of the Fest of the Bear in Belitza. the attitude towards the brown bear, i.e. mainly changing the situation of recent years of insufficient and Although this was not originally planned under the consciously manipulated information about the spe- project, some of the activities also included Smolyan cies. region. More than 25 people from the region participated in the trainings for tourist entrepreneurs, agri- The results proved that the selection of the main cultural producers and hunters. Later, one of the par- target group of the project was appropriate, i.e. the ticipants - an entrepreneur from Solishta village, legislative and executive power, regional units of 19 MoEW and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Un- educational and awareness component to replicate fortunately, the undertaken legislative changes dem- the results of this project. onstrated typical non-compliance with sound management reasoning and the realities and problems related to the conservation of valuable species of Bulgarian Contact information wildlife. Svetlana Isak Aladgem Motivation for dissemination of the results was created. This can be seen from the follow-up project z.k. Yavorov, bl. 29, entr. V, apt 5, activities: “Information and Nature Conservation” Sofia 1111, Bulgaria Foundation developed its capacity and is seeking opportunities for implementing similar projects for other Tel./Fax: ++359 2 872 14 83 species. The local communities and authorities in Cell Phone: ++359 899 817 204 Belitza, with the leading role of the town community centre, intend to turn the Fest of the Bear into a tradi- [email protected] tion for the region. The Regional Inspectorate of En- [email protected] vironment and Water-Smolyan is currently preparing a project proposal under OP Environment with an

20 “Green” Step Forward – towards New Commitment and Responsibility of Bulgarian Politicians to the Environment Bulgarian School of Politics Project duration: 1.02.2010. – 31.12.2010. Project budget: 33,057.47 Euro

Background The main activities undertaken to achieve the objectives were the two “green” weeks, held in the The need for the implementation of the project National Assembly. Each of them was accompanied was prompted by the effects of climate change world- by panel discussion and exhibition, presenting the main wide and the required response from all countries in ideas. Green cards and fortune slips were distributed order to mitigate and slow the effects of these changes during the “green” weeks. They contained informa- in economic, social and political terms. The analysis tion on ways to protect the environment and practical of state institutions and ministries concerned with en- advices on energy saving behavior to reduce con- ergy efficiency and sustainable development demon- sumption of electricity, water, fuel, paper and other strates the necessity of political action in several di- resources. A bulletin with updated information and rections: news on climate and energy issues was issued each - Critical assessment of the existing strategic month. A programme conference was held at the end documents concerned with reducing carbon emissions of the project. Its aim was to help the Bulgarian School and promoting the use of alternative energy sources of Politics in setting out its future directions of work in the field of environment and energy. - Change in the policy making approaches at national and local level, so as to ensure that all aspects of climate change are considered and new requirements for all legislative initiatives to comply with Achieved results are integrated - 240 participants from the target group in- - Assess the impact of climate change on hu- volved in project initiatives man resources and trends of labor productivity and - 700 other participants involved in project ini- employment in the country, focus on the acquisition tiatives of “green” skills and creation of “green” jobs - 2 “green” weeks held at the National Assem- - A general change of attitudes and current bly habits and practices of society to implement energy efficient solutions in energy consumption - 2 thematic discussions at the National Assem- bly - Programme conference at the EC Represen- Practice tation in Bulgaria The overall objective of the project was to pro- - Developed vision for the future continuation mote a change in existing paradigms of thinking and and development of the project objectives behavior of political parties and their representatives - Creation of an electronic database in the Parliament who are responsible to provide strategic direction in the formulation of policies and legis- - Two thematic exhibitions at the National As- lation in the field of climate change and energy effi- sembly ciency, complying with fundamental principles of en- - Creation of a project website vironmental protection. This will create a new management culture and process of developing policies - Issue and dissemination of 9 electronic bul- that reflect the objectives included in the package letins “Energy and climate of the European Union for sys- - Start and end press conferences tematic action to protect the environment, energy efficiency, reduced emissions, sustainable transport and - Planting campaign together with the Bulgar- sustainable development. The project aimed to im- ian MPs pact the Bulgarian Parliament to increase the envi- - Increased awareness of the target group ronmental responsibility by making the first steps towards the development of a comprehensive environ- - Provision of important information concern- mental program. ing the specific project priority area 21 - Increased awareness and participation of Contact information experts in project activities Aleksandar Ilchev - Non-traditional method for conducting an information campaign by the “green” fortunes slips 17 Tsar Shishman Str., app. 4, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria - Dissemination of information on recent world- Tel.: ++359 2 952 68 82 wide developments in the assigned topics [email protected]

22 An Integrated Model for the Preservation of Biological Diversity and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in The Central Rhodopi Mountains (Mursalitsa Ridge) “Development 21st century” Association Project duration: 9.12.2009. - 9.12.2010. Project budget: 41,025 Euro

Background Practice The central part of the Rhodopi Mountains Main objective: Preservation of biodiversity and (Mursalitsa Ridge) is characterized by rich biodiversity sustainable management of natural resources in the and a number of opportunities for application of sus- Central Rhodopi Mountains (Mursalitsa Ridge) tainable economic practices like organic farming, Specific objectives: multifunctional forest management and sustainable use of hunting and fishing resources. Tourism in the - Preservation and restoration of the popula- region is developed all year round and there are a tions of rare and priority species on European scale, number of natural and cultural-historical landmarks. species that are structure-defining for the ecosystems, The hunting and fishing unions, which maintain game as well as pasture, meadow and forest habitats of resources in winter and carry out re-introduction of European significance, etc.; rare species (for example, wild goat populations), play - Study of the impact of used agricultural prac- a special role in the process of biodiversity conserva- tices on the status of habitats and species of Euro- tion and restoration. At the same time, hunters and pean and international significance on the territory of fishermen are not really integrated in the conserva- Mursalitsa Ridge (PA “Trigrad-Mursalitsa”) and devel- tion of specific biodiversity (rare species and habi- opment of a Programme of Measures for their con- tats) and the process of establishment of the Euro- servation. pean Ecological Network NATURA 2000. A serious problem in the Bulgarian part of the project region is - Enhancing the capacity of the target groups the conservation and restoration of pasture habitats – cattle farmers, agricultural producers, hunters, for- and related traditional pasture cattle breeding. Pas- est owners and experts, NGO, students and others – ture and meadow habitats of European importance for biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural are to a high degree subjected to degradation due to resources management. the lack of grazing and insufficient number of animals Main Activities: (sheep, cows and horses). These extremely specific ecosystems depend largely on herbivorous animals - Information campaign: 2 press conferences and mowing regimes. The capercaillie and hazel held, 250 fliers and 500 manuals with recommenda- grouse populations are also under threat and often tions on biodiversity conservation published, publica- victims of poachers. The brown bear population is also tions in the press, 2 radio broadcasts, 1 video broad- not estimated correctly and remains a rare species cast, meeting with the target groups, 12 meetings with for Bulgaria and the region due to the insufficient food stakeholders and others. resources. - Expert study of cattle and plant farming prac- There is also a significant crisis in the forestry tices on the territory of several settlements in Smolian, sector, where forests are damaged severely by fires, Devin and Borino municipalities within the territory of typical sector approach to management and gradual PA “Trigrad-Mursalitsa” (Mursalitsa Ridge) - the vil- rejuvenation and building up of elite forest plantations. lages of Mugla, Gela, Solishta, Stikal, Stoikite, Shiroka Luka, Giovren, Trigrad – in the period March – June The gradual fragmentation and degradation of 2010. natural habitats is both a current and future problem standing before the sustainable development of the - Expert study, analysis and evaluation of the whole Smolian region and the Mursalitsa Ridge re- interrelation of “agricultural practices – status of the gion in particular, related to the loss of natural re- pasture, meadow, forest and other habitats and spe- sources, species and habitats. These processes not cies of European and international significance” on only have a negative environmental impact, but also the territory of Mursalitsa Ridge, SWOT analysis, in lead to large-scale social and economic effects on the the period June – September 2010. tourist industry, cattle farming, agriculture and forestry - Development of a Programme of Measures and hunting grounds. – 12 meetings held with stakeholders for the identification of threats to biodiversity and natural resources 23 in the project region and measures for their conserva- Results achieved tion, as well as development of a Programme of Mea- sures and recommendations . - Information campaign – raised public awareness and commitment, project promoted, publicity and - Three training seminars for the target groups: transparency of project activities. >> “Pasture cattle farming” – to introduce the farm- - Study, analysis and evaluation of cattle and ers to the ways and methods of sustainable manage- plant farming practices – “good” and “bad” farming ment of agricultural lands of high nature value and practices studied and evaluated, experience dissemi- part of NATURA 2000 zones, exchange of experience nated. and dissemination of “good” and “bad” agricultural practices; - Study, analysis and evaluation of the connection between farming practices and the actual status >> “NATURA 2000” – to promote the European of habitats – analysed and evaluated interrelation of Ecological Network NATURA 2000, familiarization with “agricultural practices – status of the pasture, meadow, the natural resources and biodiversity of PA “Trigrad- forest and other habitats and species of European and Mursalitsa”, the threats and ways for their conserva- international significance” on the territory of Mursalitsa tion; Ridge, SWOT analysis, in the period June – Septem- >> “Forest and game resources in the Rhodopi ber 2010. Mountains” – familiarization with the opportunities for - Programme of Measures – 12 meetings held multifunctional management of forests in the with stakeholders, identified threats to biodiversity and Mursalitsa region and the challenges and problems in natural resources in the project region and measures the management and conservation of game, hunting for their conservation; developed with the participa- and fishing resources in the region. tion of stakeholders and experts Programme of mea- - Implemented pilot and demonstration measures and recommendations for conservation of sures for biodiversity conservation on the territory of biodiversity and natural resources in the Mursalitsa Mugla village: Ridge region >> Study of suitable places for placing biotechnical - Training seminars – enhanced capacity of the facilities - feeders; target groups for biodiversity conservation and sustainable conservation of natural resources in the project >> Mounted 10 biotechnical facilities – feeders region. on the territory of Mugla village – 4 bird feeders and 6 feeders for large game, 4 of which in the hunting fields - Demonstration measures – an important dem- used by HFU “Sokol” – Smolian and 6 in the state onstration measure for biodiversity conservation and forestry fund of SFF Smolian – Mugla village section; sustainable usage of natural resources. >> Winter maintenance of the feeders.

Contact information Silvia Nagulova Mladenova 10 Evridika Str., entr. V, fl. 4, app. 32, Smolian 4700, Bulgaria Tel.: ++359 301 815 50 Cell Phone: ++359 885 308 902 [email protected] [email protected]

24 Eminska Mountain – a Model for Sustainable Development and Conservation in the Region of the Black Sea Coastal Area Gea Chelonia Foundation Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 6.11.2010. Project budget: 14,284.74 Euro

Background ing the biodiversity of Eminska Mountain The necessity of biodiversity conservation in - Organising an ecological forum for popular- Eminska Mountain as a region with high conservation ization of the region and sustainable practices appli- value is the reason behind this project. In recent years cable by local communities. the alarming situation with species decline around the - Conducting a consultative meeting with NGO Black Sea coast has become more serious than ever managing nature conservation centers. before. Resort construction and turning agriculture land into golf courses and tourist facilities has led to deterioration and fragmentation of the costal habitats. The project aimed to change the attitude and the aware- Achieved results ness of the main target group – local communities with regards to sustainable land use through introduc- Activity 1: ing economic stimuli and appropriate decisions which A list of biodiversity elements was prepared in- will lead to the preservation of the protected zone cluding 13 plant and 25 animal species and their spe- “Emine – Irakly.” cific habitats which were promoted through tourist prod- Immediate and adequate actions need to be taken ucts prepared in the course of the project. in order to stop the drastic decline of one of the most Promotion of the field work with tortoises among endangered species – tortoises. the visitors of the centre. “Recommendations for sustainable management of natural resources in Eminska Mountains” and “Strat- Practice egy for ecotourism development in Eminska Moun- The overall aim of the project is conservation and tains” were developed and disseminated. management of the biological diversity in Eminska An educational programme for young and teen- Mountain through conservation activities, ecological age children – “Summer green school in Banya vil- education and popularization of sustainable tourist lage” was developed. practices. A digital map and data base of the tortoise popu- Specific goals: lation of 67ha was prepared. - Revitalization, maintenance and monitoring of Presentations for tour agencies about the poten- the tortoise populations; tial of the ecotourism in the region were organized. - Creating local conditions for education on na- Activity 2: ture conservation and sustainable tourist development A promotion campaign was carried out, including - Consulting, partnerships and development of an media publications, posters distribution, tourist guide NGO network for nature conservation centers man- book about Eminska Mountain as an eco destination, agement. merchandise distribution with the project logo, infor- Activities: mal meetings with regional tourist agencies, presentation materials about local biodiversity and the pos- - Developing programmes for information and sibilities for a new tourist approach, achieving integ- education services in the visitor centre and strategy rity of the offered tourist products. An internet site for local ecotourism development www.geachelonia.org/proekt_ngofund.html was also - Promotion of the project and the region as a launched. tourist destination Activity 3: - Measures for revitalization and maintenance 73 specimens were hatched in the Centre under of the tortoise populations in Eminska Mountain the ongoing hatch starting programme and data was - Conducting training green school for present- gathered on the success rate of hatchlings safe hiber- 25 nation and enclosures for outdoor maintenance until about visitor services in the centres. reaching release size. A mailing list server and an information data base Activity 4: were launched, as well as an internet portal and forum of nature conservation centres in the country. A 7-day green school with 28 participants was Volunteers exchange between NGOs was carried out. carried out, including lectures on herpetology, orni- A map of 32 centers and data base about main thology, botanic, protected areas and habitats, field ecotourism infrastructure was created. techniques related to biodiversity and tortoise monitoring in particular. A media campaign covered all aspects of the ac- Activity 5: tivities. A 3-day eco forum with 48 participants was held with 6 presentations, 3 workshops, 1-day hike from Contact information the centre along the eco trail in the “Irakly” protected area to the village of Emona with an expert presenta- Ivo Ivanchev tion of different aspects of local biodiversity. 10 Shipka Str., Banya village 8239, Activity 6: Nesebar Municipallity, Bulgaria Consultative meeting with organizations manag- Cell Phone: ++359 886 913 916 ing nature conservation centres with 27 participants was organized, which included methodology exchange [email protected]

26 Bulgarka Natura 2000 Site - Management Planning with Local Stakeholders WWF Danube-Carpathian Programme Bulgaria Project duration: 1.03.2009. – 30.11.2010. Project budget: 47,673.84 Euro

Background was another project objective. Activities included mapping of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF), Creation of instruments and systems for manage- which is a stage in the preparation for certification of ment of Natura 2000 management is the most mod- forest management of two state forestry enterprises – ern activity from the functioning of the Natura 2000. Gabrovo and Plachkovtsi, on whose territory Bulgarka This is an area of work, which currently lacks suffi- site is situated. Thus the Regional Forest Directorate cient practice in Bulgaria. Thus building experience in Veliko Turnovo is prepared to implement the integrated management planning of sites, which should serve forest management plan in the two enterprises. An- as a model, is an important step. other related activity was the development of an adop- Considering the opportunities for management tion scheme for private forests in the site – an oppor- with the participation of local stakeholders is a key tunity to compensate private owners of old forests for aspect for the efficient management of Natura 2000. not logging them by providing them access to a spe- Forest certification is an economic mechanism for cial fund. Another objective was raising the skills of stimulating nature friendly forest practices through the local farmers and other legal bodies to use the EU raised demand and higher prices of certified forest funds. To achieve this trainings on the measures from products. At the time of project development, the for- the Rural Development Programme (RDP) were held, estry legislation did not take into account all require- as well as support for the development of two projects ments of biodiversity but only the planning of forest of local people was provided, so that they could apply resource use. for funding under the NRDP. Data of the National Agricultural Adviser Service shows that the number of farmers and other legal bodies from the Gabrovo District which have submitted Results applications to the National Rural Development - A developed draft management plan of Programme (NRDP) is very low, especially for mea- Bulgarka Natura 2000 site; public consultations held sures related to environmental protection. This moti- to discuss the regimes and management measures vated the inclusion of the respective training for mea- proposed; a mechanism for participation of local stake- sures under the NRDP and assistance in the prepara- holders. tion of project compatible with nature protection. - Mapping of High Conservation Value Forests and developed recommendations for management of forests with Gabrovo and Plachkovtsi Forestry Enter- Practice prises, as part of an integrated plan for forest man- One of the main project objectives was the devel- agement and an obligatory element of the prepara- opment of a management plan of Bulgarka Natura tion forest certification. 2000 site with the participation of the local stakehold- - 36 state foresters, private timber processors ers. Activities included mapping of habitat types and and forest mangers have been trained in the main habitats of species, for which the site has been desig- principles of environmentally friendly forest manage- nated, assessment of their favourable conservation ment. status, development of management recommendations and public consultations with the local stakehold- - An “adoption” scheme of private old forest in ers. Another objecteve was the development of a Bulgarka developed, collected funds and forests se- mechanism for stakeholder participation in the site lected for adoption. management. Activities included analysis of property - 27 individuals form Tryavna and Gabrovo and the attitudes of people, discussion of a possible trained in the measures of the Rural Development mechanism and its implementation through a discus- Programme. sion of the management recommendations with the local stakeholders. Capacity building capacity for sus- - Support provided for the development of 2 tainable forest management on the territory of the site projects for application under the RDP through devel-

27 opment of business plans, which are the main bulk of Contact information the documentations under measure 213 “Support for the creation and development of microenterprises”. Katerina Rakovska - Awareness-raising information materials on 38 Ivan Vazov Str., floor 2, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria the European environmental network developed and Tel.: ++359 2 950 50 41 disseminated, i.e.: information brochure for the local community about Bulgarka Natura 2000 site; 4 infor- Fax: ++359 2 950 50 40 mation boards installed at the site; an internet site [email protected] launched; CDs with the management plan produced and disseminated.

28 Let Nature Remain in Bulgaria Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation Partners: Environmental Association “Za Zemiata”, Association of Parks in Bulgaria, Association “Mountains and people” from the “For the Nature” Coalition Project duration: 1.03.2009. – 30.06.2010. Project budget: 83,333.44 Euro

Background management of the resources. To achieve this, the regular update of the site www.forthenature,org was Bulgaria is among the highest ranking countries necessary, a series of promotional materials were pre- in terms of biological diversity in Europe. Despite be- pared and distributed, messages and visions for en- ing a small country, it is within the boundaries of 5 bio- gaging the public interest of the different target groups geographical regions (Alpine, continental, Black Sea were produced, several big-scale and diverse public region and partially Mediterranean and Steppe), and actions were organized. is home to 90 types of natural habitats and habitats of over 120 species of plants and animals according to The results of all activities of the “For the Nature” the European Bird Directive. Coalition and the civic activity in the field of environmental preservation were announced in monthly in- During the past two years of increasing risks for formational bulletins. Some of the activities were the nature in Bulgaria, the civil society has turned out mainly targeted at local communities in five priority to be the only instrument for monitoring and control of regions with preserved, but threatened environment: illegal building in the protected areas and NATURA sociological research, SWOT and economic analysis 2000 sites, the corrupted schemes among political fig- for the opportunities for sustainable development in ures and investment interests as well as dysfunctional the concrete region, meeting-discussions and dem- judiciary system. Given these reasons, the present onstration journeys. These 5 priority “hot spots” are project has aimed to support the civil society struc- Rila, Pirin, Rodopi mountains and North and South tures for effective preservation of Bulgarian nature. Black sea coast. 3. Development of alternative ecological assessments for five priority “hot spots” in collaboration Practice with the academic community. Despite Bulgaria’s joining the European Union, the The activity enabled affirmation of the scientific civil society in Bulgaria still needs encouragement, grounds for our actions and increasing the public trust, stabilization and consolidation. This was achieved by as well as achievement of more efficient collabora- the following activities: tion between the Coalition and the responsible Bul- 1. Strengthening and increasing the capacity of garian and European institutions. Within the activity non-government organizations and civil groups within statements on reports for Article 6 Assessment (Habi- the coalition “For The Nature” as an effective guaran- tat Directive) and Environmental Impact Assessment tee for the preservation of the protected areas and of various investments as well as statements on the NATURA 2000 network in Bulgaria. By means of the active legal frame in Bulgaria were prepared. Terrain project the implementation of strategic planning and research was held in the five “hot spots”, for which the team building of the Coalition was achieved, training species of highest priority for the European commu- programmes for experts and volunteers, development nity were identified and researched. of concept and mechanisms for sponsorship, as well 4. Achieving effective collaboration between the as organising of meetings, presentations and working Coalition and the responsible Bulgarian and European groups in various cities. institutions. 2. Attraction, increasing and sustaining of so- The coalition has played a pro-active part of a cial support for long-term protection and sustainable watchdog for the institutions by regularly gathering in- management of NATURA 2000 sites in Bulgaria. formation, filing signals and bringing actions on the A key element for achievement of this goal was cases of law violations in the environmental legisla- the huge number of activities connected with the pro- tion. Dozens of letters and complaints to the Euro- motion among the vast majority of the society of the pean institutions have been sent. problems, connected with the destruction of Bulgar- ian nature, as well as the possible solutions, through which each of us could contribute to the sustainable

29 Achieved results - SWOT-analyses developed for the five target regions together with plans for the development - Strategic planning of the Coalition, commu- of local sustainable tourism in the target regions, a nication and fundraising strategies developed, 11 new good practice report on sustainable tourism made (with members/ friends, 14 meetings of the Coalition and 40 cases from Bulgaria and abroad). The analyses the working groups, 300 new subscribers. were presented at 7 meetings-discussions with local - 25 trainings in 18 Bulgarian towns were held, communities. 2 demonstration trips and 1 exploration improving the capacity of 500 experts, volunteers and trip were held. The creation of a local organization new members of the Coalition. was supported with 90 people from the local communities involved; - 14 information bulletins, sent to almost 10 000 people; - The outlook of the site www.forthenature.org was improved, with regular daily updates (3-5 per day), - 7 meetings held with representatives of other new columns, improved administration, update of the sectors of public life, 2 joint actions held, 3 future ini- English version; tiatives planned; - Terrain research was held and 14 legal opin- - 13 public actions and events held; total num- ions on reports about compatibility assessments were ber of the participants - over 8000 people, five press- worked out, along with 7 alternative environmental conferences held. Media coverage of the events and impact assessments on species and habitats in the 5 the press-conferences, including national televisions, key environment protection regions, i.e. Pirin, Rila, newspapers, radio stations, Internet portals, Internet The Rhodopes, North and South Black Sea Coastal editions, social networks, blogs – over 600 times; Area, with regard to envisaged investment intents. - Information materials produced and distrib- - Two meetings in Brussels were held to present uted (posters, leaflets, stickers, calendars, T-shirts, concrete cases in front of the Environment Commis- bags and folders) and recognition of the Coalition in- sion. Participation of Bulgarian representatives in an creased. international training in Oxford under the Directive for - Presenting the Coalition in 12 events, orga- the Habitats. nized by partners and members of the Coalition, insti- - Ten spot checks were made, a total of 198 tutions, media. documents – petitions under the Law for access to - 3200 photos of the Black sea shore made public information were prepared and addressed, sig- (taken from above from its most Northern point up to nals, suggestions and complaints under Bulgarian leg- Tsarevo, 500 photos from the Strandzha Nature Park islation, letters on current correspondence, legal opin- Black Sea area were provided as well. 2 presenta- ions, suggestions and parliamentary issues; tions of exhibitions with the photos were organized in - Seven letters with additional information on Sofia and in one of the two biggest towns at the Black existing complaints in the European Commission, as sea coast - Varna. well as 2 new complaints and one new signal were - 2 focus groups and a questionnaire research prepared and filed, 4 new penal procedures were ini- held with 1200 participants and respondents from 25 tiated. populated areas in the five project focus regions;

Contact Information Jordanka Dineva, Coordinator “Coalitions” Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation Banishora District, bl. 54, entr. D, app. 86, Sofia 1233, Bulgaria Tel./Fax: ++359 2 931 61 83 Cell Phone: ++359 896 78 89 02

30 Nature Preservation in the Mountain of Batak - West Rhodopi Bikearea Association Project duration: 6.11.2009. – 31.12.2010. Project budget: 64,318.20 Euro

Background Results achieved The idea of implementing this project is prompted - The population of capercaillie, boreal owl, by the goals of Bikearea Association to work for sus- woodpecker, brown bear, wolf, fish and the flora of tainable management of the natural resources in Beglika region were explored; Batashka Mountains as an approach for environmen- - Analysis of the economical potential of the tal protection. The problems at the resolution of which biodiversity of Beglika region was made; the association aims at related to the negative im- pacts of human activities in Beglika, the need to raise - 30 kids from the nearby towns participated in the public awareness of the target groups, and the educational camp named “With a Scent of Resin”; improvement of the conditions for eco tourist activi- - Three educational programmes for kids were ties as a means of sustainable development. developed; - Equipment for organisation of camps for chil- Practice dren was secured, i.e. kayaks, mountain bikes, ropes and harnesses, helmets; Main goal: Sustainable use of the natural re- - 3 eco tourist products were developed; sources on the territory of Batashka Mountains - www.beglika.org websites was created; Specific objectives: - 15 information billboards were created and >> Extension of the network of protected areas in installed in the vicinity of Beglika; the region: Comprehensive exploration of the biodiversity in the region has been made and the ini- - The Forest Museum of Beglika, with many tial pack of documents for the Batashka Mountains information signs and modules, was created; Biosphere Park were developed. - The Beglika information kiosk was set up. >> Raising of public awareness and information provision: A number of information billboards as well as Forest Museum “Beglika” and information kiosk “Beglika” were created Contact information >> Ecotourism development: Ecotourism products were created and presented to tour operators and me- Vasil Todev dia. 33 Kalimantsi Str., bl. 101, app. 104, 1517 Sofia, Bulgaria Cell Phone. ++359 885 184 342 [email protected] [email protected]

31 Public Support for the Sustainable Management of the Natura 2000 Sites along the Black Sea Coast Black Sea NGO Network Project duration: 1.03.2009. – 31.08.2010. Project budget: 45,482 Euro

Background in connection with the introduction of Natura 2000 legislation; and to improve the efficiency of cooperation After careful analysis of the situation in the coun- and help establish effective partnerships and dialogue try the experts of the organization identified a signifi- on sustainable solutions about Natura 2000 places cant general issue to be addressed by he project, between regional actors from the civil society sector namely the insufficient public support for the protec- and the authorities and businesses with involvement tion of biological diversity and the introduction of the of a Norwegian expert. Natura 2000 sites along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast in combination with inadequate capacity of civil soci- The project has achieved its objectives by implementing informational, educational, campaigning and ety to influence the public sector toward proper use of planning activities, associated with protection of the principles of sustainable development in the pro- biodiversity and the enforcement of Natura 2000 along cess of biodiversity protection. Those problems were the Black Sea coast. The activities comprised: the particularly obvious against the background of a mighty holding of two educational seminars for representa- lobbyist campaign against Natura 2000, which shaped tives of NGOs, media, local experts and businesses; negative attitudes towards it in the whole society. Even the development and publication of a set of thematic the environmental NGO community and concerned materials by Bulgarian authors and the Norwegian representatives of the media and the authorities were expert at the dedicated information and reference not sufficiently acquainted with the network concept, website located at natura.bsnn.org; the holding of a its aims and the strategy of its enforcement; the avail- campaign against fragmentation of the coastal Natura ability of reference materials was limited and there 2000 sites; the preparation of concerned stakehold- was almost no significant hands-on expertise in ers in the region of the Bosnia SCI for planning the intersectoral exchange and dialogue on issues of the site management and the production of a draft man- environment and Natura 2000 in particular. agement plan; the holding of a round table for ex- The perceived problems and needs helped to iden- change of expertise between NGOs, media and the tify the project target group including representatives authorities and the setting up of an informal network of NGOs, media, independent experts, as well as civil for continuation of project activities at national level servants from local authorities and government agen- and with trans-border aspects. cies with functions related to Natura 2000, such as environment tourism, energy production, agriculture, forestry etc., as well as representatives of the local Results achieved communities and businesses. The activities implemented under the project contributed to a considerable degree to the attainment of the project goal. In general the gradual process of rec- Practice ognition of the significance of nature protection, con- The project goal was to provide public support for servation and biodiversity protection is taking firm root the protection of biodiversity in Natura 2000 sites along in the public attitudes. Parallel to it goes the process the Bulgarian Black Sea coast through strengthening of strengthening of civil society and consolidation of the capacity of civil society to influence the work of its influence on the public sector, especially with re- the public sector to implement sustainable solutions gard to decisions related to the environment. The pub- for environmental management, partly using the ex- lic attitude and media pressure in particular exercised perience of a Norwegian counterpart. a positive influence on the work of administrations. In this context the public support for Natura 2000 along The specific objectives of the project were: to im- the coast is growing. prove the knowledge about biodiversity and the access to reference materials about Natura 2000 and The project activities achieved the envisaged re- the process of its enforcement; to develop the skills sults. Therefore it can be claimed that the NGOs, and practical experience of civil society organizations media and civil servants representing the administra- and media to influence society and the public sector tions have improved their knowledge of the biodiversity 32 protection and the enforcement of Natura 2000; a good Contact information number of experts from the target group and the wider public have improved their knowledge, access to in- Emma Gileva, Project Coordinator formation and reference materials about Natura 2000 (correspondence) PO Box. 91, Varna 9000, Bulgaria along the coast; the organized public has improved its practical knowledge and skills to exercise influence (office) 2 Dr. L. Zamenhof Str., floor 2, on the public sector and started to participate in effec- Varna 9000, Bulgaria tive intersectoral partnerships. Tel.: ++359 52 615856 Cell Phone: ++359 886 314 515 Fax: ++359 52 602 047 [email protected]

33 Alternative for Bulgaria: Development of a Network of Ecological Centres and Demonstration Sites, and Promotion of Alternative Models of Sustainable Development as Solutions to the Environmental, Energy and Financial Crisis Green School Village Association Project duration: 6.11.2009. – 31.12.2010. Project budget: 37,241 Euro

Background - Development of a common information platform presenting the educational services offered by The network „Alive places” was born spontane- the centres. The platform created contains a database ously in the beginning of 2009 to meet the need for and resources for each individual ecological centre. cooperation, exchange of information and good practices of individual sites and organisations, and indi- - Establishing a common strategy for develop- viduals with shared interest in sustainable development and sustainability of the network and its indi- ment (e.g. renewable energy, bio agriculture, perma- vidual members. The strategy will help prioritize the culture, ecological education, preservation of tradi- goals and develop the network structure. tional crafts and building practices). The need for fur- - Promotion of the use of natural materials in ther development of this informal network coopera- construction. A proposal was drafted for legalising tion, in order to achieve a stronger impact of its main natural building materials. Actual steps were taken for messages on the above-mentioned topics in the pub- the establishment of a standard for the use of straw lic realm, necessitated the development of a project bale as building material in construction. application to the NGO Fund of the Financial Mecha- nism of the European Economic Area (FM of the EEA) in Bulgaria. Results achieved The achieved results have met all originally set Practice qualitative and quantitative targets. There is an independent network of demonstration centres in place The main goal of this project was to identify the and functioning. It has its own informal structure of sites and entities throughout Bulgaria and set out and management, a common internet-based communica- develop the capacity of a network of educational and tion platform, an achieved initial level of public recog- demonstration centres through: nition, and potential for development and growth. The - Promotion of the activities of the network procedure for legalizing natural building materials, in among its target groups. A series of seminars were order to reduce significantly the carbon and energy foot- organized and hosted; specialized events to promote print and minimize the use of detrimental materials, the centres and bring in new potential members were has been prepared for and initiated. attended; information materials were developed and disseminated; Contact information George Mavrov 74 Oborishte Str., fl. 4, app. 7, Sofia 1505, Bulgaria Cell Phone: ++359 897 942 244 [email protected]

34 PRIORITY AREA 2:

PROVISION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES,

SUCH AS IN HEALTH AND CHILDCARE

35 Everybody Today for Our Children Tomorrow Knowledge Association – Lovech Project duration: March 2009 – February 2010 Project budget: 3,411.15 Euro

Background - Improved skills of the parents for effective communication with their children; The project idea came into being during the development of 4 project proposals with target group - Improved skills for overcoming the problems; children at school age under the Human Resource - Involved children and parents in common ini- Development Program, scheme “To make the school tiatives; attractive to young people”, in which Knowledge was a partner organization. During the discussions of the - Organized 4 family events; proposals, the experts shared their opinions that the - Increased the sensitivity towards internet ad- lack of initiatives for children is the most significant diction problem for this target group. - Conducted 18 talks on the topic “healthy way of life”; Practice - 652 children increased their knowledge on leading a healthy way of life; 1.1 Organization and implementation of discussions following the Future Workshop method - Distributed informational materials; 1.2 Analysis of the problems between children and - Promoted the healthy way of life. parents 1.3 Training of parents Contact information 1.4 Initiatives for children and parents Ralitza Stoyanova Popova - Game Family strategy 19 Nikola Petkov Str., Lovech 5500, Bulgaria - Pleine Air Cell Phone: ++359 899 199 996 - Music and dance show Fax: ++359 686 27952 2.1 Informational and prevention campaign [email protected] 2.2 Essay and drawing competition 3.1 Talks on the topic Healthy way of life for pupils 3.4 Sport initiatives 3.5 Workshop for parents and teachers for applying preventive measures against drugs and alcohol abuse

Achieved results - Discussed important topics for the children and young people; - Shared different points of view; - Surveyed 100 children and 100 parents; - Defined local problems; - Prepared a comparative analysis; - Organized 3 trainings for parents; 36 People Living with HIV/AIDS Provide Psychosocial Assistance to Recently Diagnosed HIV-Infected Patients and Other People Affected by That Kaspar Houser Foundation Project duration: March 2009 – February 2010 Project budget: 17,772.69 Euro

Background Practice This project came into existence within the con- Objective: Adaptation and re-socialization of text of widespread public denial and discrimination people affected by HIV/AIDS, via the creation of skills against people living with HIV/AIDS. The team efforts and enhancement of existing skills. This is done are aimed at creating a network which supports the through consulting among people living with HIV/AIDS participation of HIV-infected people in decision mak- in the country. ing processes concerning treatment and protection of Specific objectives: their human rights. Thus, the network provokes active social behavior of the virus carriers and supports - Prevention of negative isolation and self-iso- them in decision making when it is difficult for them to lation of people living with HIV/AIDS. absorb the impact of being diagnosed as HIV positive - Motivation of people living with HIV/AIDS - when diagnosed with HIV, people can easily fall into aimed at increasing their social activity. social dysfunction, additionally enhanced by the social attitude of intolerance towards them. - Reduction of the social distance between the affected and society. - Improving the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS by ensuring access to quality treatment and care.

37 - Acquisition of skills for coping with stigma and each of the centers. discrimination associated with the disease. - 268 newly diagnosed HIV were counseled and - Survey regarding the available resources for given help and support by trained advisors. training and skills for counseling of people living with - Released an informational brochure about the HIV/AIDS, through the conduction of individual inter- offered services. views, surveys, and focus groups. - Shortening the period of adaptation and over- - Formation of a training group with skills in coming the initial shock of being newly diagnosed with consulting, support, and providing assistance to people HIV. living with HIV/AIDS. - Provision of a service, which did not exist - Training modules preparation. before the project. - Development of Manual for use by trained - Improving the quality of life of people living consultants. with HIV/AIDS by providing them with assistance and - Conduction of trainings. support. - Obtaining feedback from trainees. - Maintaining the social status and work posi- tion of the newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS people, - Conduction of supervision. with the help and support of consultants. - Providing information and contact with the - Facilitating access to quality treatment and proposed psychological and social service: people liv- care of people living with HIV/AIDS. ing with HIV/AIDS provide psychological and social support to recently diagnosed HIV-infected people in the Central Laboratory for AIDS, Skin Venereal Dis- pensary, Room for anonymous and free counseling Contact information and HIV testing; NGOs provide HIV tests; Sectors for Pavel Malinov, Coordinator observation and treatment of HIV+ patients in Plovdiv, Varna, Pleven, Stara Zagora and Sofia; Development Kaspar Houser Foundation of a website for online consulting on HIV/AIDS 17 Akad. Ivan Evstatiev Geshov Blvd., Sofia 1606, Bulgaria Achieved results Tel.: ++359 2 952 37 80 ext. 239 - Building up of a network of trained HIV+ con- Cell Phone: ++359 885 09 09 92 sultants with skills in advising HIV+ patients, their part- [email protected] ners, relatives, and their families in Vidin, Stara Zagora, Ruse, Targovishte, Haskovo, Harmanli, Plovdiv, [email protected] Dragoman, Dimitrovgrad and Sofia. http://hiv-aids.hit.bg - 22 trained consultants. - Provided guidance manual on consulting for

38 Reintegration of Children with Cardiac and Other Chronic Disease as Full-Fledged Participants in Public Life by Providing Complex Social Services Association “Child’s Heart” Project duration: March 2009 – February 2010 Project budget: 54,343.30 Euro

Background Achieved results 700 children with congenital heart disease are born Established and functioning multidisciplinary team in Bulgaria every year. Almost half of them undergo comprising members of the three organizations; Uni- one or more open-heart surgery intervention. More fied comprehensive social services for children with than 13 500 of these children have already reached chronic diseases and their families. Effective and ad- maturity and are forming a very specific group of young equate model for coordination between different spe- people with congenital heart diseases. Thus, there are cialists and services working with the target group; a lot of children with problems related to heart dis- facilitated access to the provided social services; en- eases such as high blood pressure, bronchial Asthma, hanced capacity and skills of the children and their rhythmic disabilities and many more. parents to deal in difficult situations, improved resources for social integration and overcoming social Association “Child’s heart” has been working with isolation; improved social integration of the target families of chronically ill children for more than 18 group; financial support for 82 families who under- years. Our long-standing experience led us to the ne- went their check-up in their towns, as well as for 159 cessity of developing a comprehensive study of the families who used the social dormitories during their specific needs of these families. Our experience, as stay in Sofia; over 720 families benefited from the well as results of the study show that there is great services provided under the project; over 92 children need of establishing and expanding the services pro- and teenagers participated in the club activity; partici- vided for this target group, as well as standardization pation of 120 children and youngsters in the 5 health- and unification of the methodology for working with care programs; Improved community attitude towards families with chronically ill children. people with chronic diseases; 1050 copies of the information bulletin and 1500 brochures. Practice The main objective of the project is to improve Contact information social integration and rehabilitation of the children with Mila Markova cardiac and other chronic diseases by providing unified comprehensive social services 3 “Yakov Kraikov” Str., Sofia 1609, Bulgaria Specific objectives: 1. Teamwork for unifying the Cell Phone: ++359 898 652 598 social services provided to the target group 2. Provid- Fax: ++359 955 28 66 ing full access for the families and children to all services in the three regions — Sofia, Bourgas, Dobrich [email protected] 3. Implementation of health rehabilitation programs [email protected] for children and teenagers with chronic diseases and their healthy peers from the country 4. Providing a safe place for training and trying out new models of behaviour and communication 5. Raising awareness and attracting the attention of the media and society to the problems and abilities of the chronically dis- eased children. Activities: Medical, psycho-social, educational counseling for children and their parents, club activity for children, teenagers and parents, training in different skills, healthcare and rehabilitation programs and services, public activities — brochures, information bulletin, media events

39 Comprehensive Service Program for Children and Adolescents at Risk “Animus Association” Foundation Project duration: March 2009 – August 2010 Project budget: 45,162.53 Еuro

Background proved successful in the application of the newly acquired knowledge. The long-standing cooperation between the team of Animus Association Foundation and the Child Pro- The second objective – development and provi- tection Departments in the city of Sofia has demon- sion of services for children at risk – received simulta- strated that a large number of the difficult and de- neous attention. The team of the Center for Rehabili- layed cases enter the Child Protection System rather tation, Counseling and Psychotherapy developed their late, thus decreasing the possibilities for help and life skills through 10 reading seminars, a two-day training change for the children and their family environment. provided by the partners Organisasjonen Voksne for For this reason, the concept behind the current project Barn, Norway, a workshop visit and an experience was to mobilize and develop the resources in the com- exchange in Norway, as well as through discussions munity for early and active intervention in the cases of cases and regular group supervisions and team of children at risk. Part of the project activities were conventions. The increased capacity ensured the pro- directed towards the school environment in which chil- vision of better and more effective services. A total of 147 parents and 132 children and adolescents partici- dren spend the larger part of their time and where pated in the project. In addition, 129 clients consulted problematic behavior is usually exhibited early. The with professionals in a correspondence program. development of sensitivity towards the problems of children and the proper evaluation of their needs for help were the foundation on which the process of Achieved results strengthening the capacity of the school community The implementation of the project allowed earlier to act in cases of behavioral problems was based. intervention and assistance to children with serious behavioral problems and destructive symptoms prior Practice to the symptoms becoming severe and irreversible. The trained pedagogical counselors started to provide The project was launched in 2009. The Depart- psychological support and make referrals so that the ment of Education and the Directorate of Prevention, children and their parents could receive timely assis- Integration, Sport and Tourism under Sofia Munici- tance in the overcoming of problems before they reach pality both took active part in the activities related to the Child Protection Departments. This is an innova- educational institutions. The Social Assistance Agency tive practice since the conducted research shows that and its structures – the Child Protection Departments the educational and health systems in Bulgaria either – also greatly contributed to the implementation of do not distinguish or delay in the identification of cases the project by providing consultation and therapeutic of children at risk, thus leading to late and ineffective referrals for children. interventions. Within the scope of the project, the There were two specific objectives of the project: multidisciplinary work on cases of children at risk im- - Development of the community’s capacity to proved, which coincided with the official adoption of support children and adolescents at risk as well as the “Coordinating Mechanism for Work with Child Vic- introduction of a multidisciplinary approach tims of Violence” by all bodies involved in child pro- - Strengthening the capacity of the Centre for tection in the country. Real-life changes took place in Rehabilitation, Counseling and Psychotherapy to pro- the living circumstances of 112 parents and … chil- vide accessible and high-quality programs to children dren. and adolescents at risk. As part of the first objective, four trainings for pedagogical counselors from the city of Sofia were imple- Contact information mented. A total of 105 professionals took part in the “Animus Association” Foundation trainings, thus exceeding the number of 88 that was 85 Ekzarh Yossif Str., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria originally expected. Thirty lecture discussions on the topic of human trafficking were delivered. A Volunteer Tel./Fax: ++3592 983 5205, ++3592 983 5305, Club, which received training, was founded and later [email protected] 40 Centre for Social Rehabilitation and Integration Empathy Association, Branch Silistra Project duration: March 2009 – August 2010 Project budget: 80,123.80 Euro

Background Achieved results People with specific needs face greater obstacles Specialized transportation was provided for 1950 for achieving equal opportunities, independence and people, 8 people every day or 150 people every month, economic and social integration. The fact that people 24 people passed the foreign language course (3 with disorders require more specific environment and/ groups of 8 people each), 2 people trained for work- or care, own and use aids, is not a reason for discrimi- ing with a computer with the help of a speaking soft- nation. ware. 1 man trained in Braille, 1 man trained in mobil- From our contacts with people from different ity, 6 people trained in folk dances, 6 people attended groups, it has become obvious that they are not able music therapy, 6 people attended art activities, 4 to move from one place to another by themselves. It people attended work therapy, 5 people attended a is very hard for them to be mobile and contact with cooking course. High quality equipment was pur- the institutions. chased. Most people with disabilities are not able to move 8 chairs were bought, 4 shelves, 2 computer tables, from one place to another without help and because 3 working tables, 2 computers and 1 with own funds. of that they cannot carry out daily activities such as 2 air-conditioners, 1 cooking stove, 1 massage bed, a shopping, going to work, going to health institutions. van with a platform for handicapped people, a multi- Over 90% of this group have a low income that’s functional device. Promotion of the Centre for social why they cannot afford to take a taxi. In addition, this rehabilitation and integration - printing of 530 bro- transportation does not offer the service of accompa- chures, 148 calendars, and 678 materials were dis- nying and mediating between the public institutions seminated, repaired, equipped and furnished rehabili- and the disabled people in need. tation centre. 5 rooms were established – a room for massage, a room for individual work, a room for work For them, the contact with the institutions is made therapy, kitchen and a dance room. All the rooms are by a social worker, who is the mediator between the with plaster walls and hanging ceilings with lights. people and the institutions. The workers in different institutions are not familiar with the specifics of working with disabled people. Contact information At present, there are no mobile services to make their Krasimira Ruseva Georgieva life easier and help them to integrate successfully in Dobrich Str., bl. 74, entrance B, app. 54 society. In the region of Silistra there is no specialized trans- Silistra 7500, Bulgaria portation for the disabled and handicapped people or vehicles with platforms.

Practice Main objective: Creating an environment and giving opportunities for the skilful people with disabilities for integration into the society. 1. Giving an opportunity for social services, training, and information and counselling, in a repaired, equipped and furnished rehabilitation centre. 2. Increasing the mobility of disabled people by specialized transportation of the Centre for social rehabilitation and integration. Activities: Repair work; Equipping the Centre for social rehabilitation and integration; Buying a vehicle with a platform for handicapped people and transport services. 41 Accept This Child – Centre for Consultation, Pedagogical Rehabilitation and Social Integration of Children and Juveniles with Down Syndrome Psychological Support Foundation Project duration: March 2009 – August 2010 Project budget: 22,589.34 Euro

Background - Establishing of program for development of skills for independent life and social adaptation for Approximately 72 000 children are born annually teenagers with Down Syndrome, brought up both in a in Bulgaria, 90-100 of whom are suffering from Down family environment and in an institution. Syndrome. Only 12% of the births of children with Down Syndrome are prevented with pre-birth diag- - Creating a set of children institutions for up- nostics due to the lack of information for the pregnant bringing of children at kindergarten age deprived of women and insufficient financial coverage of the Pro- parental care, and children with Down Syndrome in gram for prevention of inherited and congenital dis- the cities Russe – Orphanage “Nadezhda”, Pleven – eases of the National Genetic Laboratory. In Sofia the Orphanage “Detelina” and Sofia – Orphanage affected families are above 200. Most of the parents “Nadezhda”. In these three orphanages, a program are advised by the medical specialists in the mater- for pedagogical rehabilitation for children with Down nity hospitals, immediately after the birth, to abandon Syndrome was established, aiming at developing their the child in an institution. 10% of the parents accept intellect and social skills. the child in their home immediately after the birth and, another 10% abandon the child in an institution for about a year and then accept him/her back in the fam- Achieved results ily, and the remaining 80% relinquish their parental rights and the child remains in the institution for life. - 29 families of newly born children and chil- The team of the Foundation has been working on the dren in early age – up to 3 years old, who did not problems of children with Down Syndrome and their abandon the child with Down Syndrome, have been families since 2005 through projects financed by “Tu- covered. Two groups for support of young mothers lip” Foundation and the MATRA program of the Em- have been created – total number of participants – bassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria. 18. Acceptance for permanent upbringing in a family environment of two children from the orphanage “St. Ivan Rilski”, city of Sofia, was achieved – at age 1 year and 2 months, a girl, and an 8-month-old boy. Practice This was done after implementing pedagogical reha- - Prevention of abandoning the child with Down bilitation of the children in the orphanage and support Syndrome in an institution – establishing groups for therapy of their mothers. support of mothers of newly born and young children; - 6 children with Down Syndrome from orphan- consultation and psychotherapy of the mothers; train- age “St. Ivan Rilski” received intensive correctional ing the mothers in know-how and methods for correc- training for development of psycho-motor skills and tion training for developing the potential of the chil- speech ability, within the frames of the program for dren in mental and social aspects; establishing dis- pedagogical rehabilitation, developed individually for tant consulting through the Internet with parents from each child. The personnel of the orphanage became all over the country; positively inclined to the future inclusion of outside - Establishing, for the first time in Bulgaria, of specialists from NGOs in the everyday life of the chil- pedagogical rehabilitation of children at age 0 to 3 dren there. The practice of prohibiting outside people years old with Down Syndrome who are placed in the to enter the orphanage was stopped. institution “St. Ivan Rilski”, city of Sofia. The children - For the first time in Bulgaria, a program for with Down Syndrome in these institutions in principle development of skills for independent life and social do not receive enough care due to the lack of special- adaptation of teenagers with Down Syndrome placed ists and the big workload of the personnel with the in an institution, was established. The participants are day-to-day life of all other children. In addition, it is three children from Orphanage “P.Slaveikov” in the very difficult for people outside of the institution to be city of Sofia. The children visit and get closely ac- allowed inside to work with the children with disabili- quainted with the landmarks of Sofia – cultural and ties due to the strictly established permission regiment. historical; visit different kinds of stores in order to ac-

42 quire shopping skills; get acquainted with public trans- Contact information port routes and the possibilities to travel with it; get acquainted with the services of the different public Galina Kubratova, Director of the Project, institutions and learn to use them. The program for [email protected] teenagers was also offered to parents who raise their 6 Triaditsa Str., Office Center “Triaditsa”, Office 511 children at home. 6 children from Sofia and 1 child from Pernik were included in this program. Tel.: ++ 359 2 981 52 17, ++359 2 481 23 99 - A set of three orphanages for raising children Cell Phone: ++359 898 880 279; deprived of parental care where children with Down [email protected] Syndrome live was established in three cities in the www.ppfondation.hit.bg country. The pedagogues in the three orphanages were trained by the team of the Foundation to apply the program for pedagogical rehabilitation of children with Down Syndrome for development of their potential in mental and social aspects. The total number of the participating children with Down Sydnrome is 18. The program is also appropriate for other children with disabilities placed in these orphanages.

43 Equal Rights and Opportunities for All Children in the Town of Ruse Ruse Catholic Organization “Caritas” Project duration: March 2009 – July 2010 Project budget: 33,091.68 Euro

Background project provided the opportunity for communication between different children from different social groups. In the year of 2008, when the project was devel- The activity of the clubs included hiking and orga- oped, Caritas Ruse had been managing Center for nized urban events such as exhibitions. These initia- social rehabilitation and integration of disabled chil- tives made the activity known to the general public dren and disabled youths “Milosardie” for 9 years. More and showed that the equal participation of different than 50 children and youths with heavy physical dis- children is possible when there is a will for this and abilities were attending the center. good organization. Most of the children who came to the center did The projects affected all participants— the chil- not go to school. Though the disabled children had dren with and without disabilities, the team of hired the assistance of the volunteers supporting our volunteers, the partners and the followers. organisation, their social contacts were extremely re- stricted. The participation of children volunteers from Achieved results Bulgaria and other countries in joint events showed us that the children can easily and quickly find a com- As a major result of the project one can point out mon language and that they readily participate in joint the fact that the children without disabilities participat- organized activities. ing in the project later became volunteers of the organization. They discovered the pleasure of communi- Caritas Ruse is an organization experienced in cating with disabled children and participating in joint the development of interest clubs as an alternative of initiatives. the extracurricular activities. In 2009 Center Milosardie won a state grant and changed its activity to Daily The disabled children succeeded in overcoming center, which set limits to the access of many children the difficulties in communication and learnt new les- to the center and also limited the resources of the sons of life. One substantial result is that after the staff. The project “Equal rights and equal opportuni- project all people involved in its implementation got ties for all children in Ruse” intended to provide a good motivated to find ways of continuing the integration opportunity for integrated participation of an equal activities, because they saw the effect of them on the number of children with and without disabilities. personal development of everybody. Practice Contact information Integrated interest clubs were established under Joana Terzieva, Social activities and practices expert the project and children with and without disabilities Tel.: ++359 82 82 15 12 participated in them on equal basis. Specialists with Fax: ++359 82 82 15 13 professions interesting to the children were invited to [email protected] become leaders of the clubs. The team included not only Caritas employees, but other people as well, which www.caritas-ruse.bg brought considerable variety to the activities. Some of these people were representatives of public and cultural institutions, which resulted in the involvement of the institutions in the activity. The meetings of the clubs were held every day as part of the everyday schedule of the disabled children attending the daily center. What made the daily life of the center different was the fact that the clubs also allowed the participation of other children in them and these were children not using the services of the daily center – children from schools in the town, young volunteers, and children from institutions. In the course of the joint interest activities, the

44 Art Social Centre for Children Theatre Tsvete NGO Project duration: April 2009 – June 2010 Project budget: 27,269.75 Euro

Background emotional and intellectual impact have a big potential to enable children with different backgrounds to In the period 1997-2000 Theatre Tsvete carried out communicate and express themselves, they are a a number of socialization projects in the Home for powerful tool for educational and therapeutic work, boys and girls with permanent physical impairments but unfortunately are still not very widely used in in the town of Lukovit, together with their peers from Bulgaria. the ordinary schools in the same town. Impressed by the work of the team, the Centre for Independent Life recommended Theatre Tsvete to the Daycare centre for children with mental problems in the town Practice of Bansko, where we have worked periodically since 2003. In 2005 “Save the children”, Bulgaria, com- Theatre Tsvete’s team views all planned and imple- missioned us to develop a program for tolerance mented activities as very important, namely: education in primary schools, and for parents and - joint artistic activities of children with intel- teachers in the schools with integrated classes. lectual and physical impairments and their Years of experience of working with children with peers, aimed at achieving social integration permanent physical and mental impairments enabled - preparing artistic productions with the par- us to understand their problems, which in the pro- ticipants and presenting them to the com- cess we also learned to cope with. Arts, with their munity

45 - together with teachers from three Bulgar- The cooperation between Theatre Tsvete and the ian universities, we created a basic method- academic teachers allowed what the team had long ology to apply art social therapy of children awaited - the transfer in Bulgaria of the skills ac- with disabilities based on tested successful quired in the international workshops and trainings practices for implementation of good European practices. - training of volunteers to work in the Centre Having seen the practical effect of our work, our - pedagogues, colleagues from “Bratia Mila- supervisors are now negotiating the possibility of dinovi” community centre (“chitalishte”), stu- establishment Master’s programs based on the ex- dents, parents perience accumulated during the project in the Uni- versities of Sofia, Blagoevgrad and Burgas. - media events As a particular merit of the project we consider the forming of a multidisciplinary team working with the Contact information children with special educational needs. Besides the Theatre Tsvete members, it includes university Tsvete Yaneva, Project leader teachers, volunteering students, studying to be of Theatre “Tsvete” help to people with disabilities in the different areas. In the preliminary training that we did with those stu- z.k. “Mladost” 1, bl. 15, entr. B, app. 41, dents, they learned the basics of some art techniques Sofia 1750, Bulgaria for their future professional work. They highly ap- Tel.: ++359 2 884 54 71 preciated the training, given what they described as shortage of practical work in their academic stud- Cell Phone: ++359 886 319 605 ies. At the same time we took advantage of their [email protected] specific knowledge and skills when planning and analyzing our activities.

Achieved results In the process of working with groups of children and adults, the participants improved their social skills, which influenced their learning skills. One example is their higher level of concentration, or self- control, in the case of hyperactive children, the greater motivation for team work, especially for the shy and passive. The performances which the groups finally presented were also very important for the better integration of those kids in the community, and for the development of their new social skills. The audience awarded them with lots of applause, personal acknowledgement and complements. The progress of the children involved in the project has a long term effect since all the changes that took place in them were inner ones - they now have new communication skills , can cope to some extent with situations involving aggression or tension, new ways to express themselves, and to be open to the experience of the others. 46 Supporting Self-Help for People with Disabilities. Introduction of the Crisis Card Concept in the Bulgarian Context Global Initiative on Psychiatry - Sofia Foundation Project duration: March 2009 – April 2010 Project budget: 34,773.66 Euro

Background Practice People with mental health problems are among MAIN OBJECTIVES: 1) Reduction of discrimina- the most vulnerable groups of society. They have the tive practices towards persons with mental disabilities lowest rate of employment in comparison to any other through changing the existing negative attitudes of group of people with disabilities; they have a limited medical specialists and police authorities; raising the number of friends and social contacts; their family competence of the professionals and introduction of relations have often been disrupted and in most cases an innovative practice aimed to improve the quality they do not take part in any social or educational ac- of psychosocial rehabilitation and community-based tivities. Mentally disturbed persons do not structure care 2) Improving the quality of life of people with their leisure time and tend to spend their days in isola- mental health problems through creating conditions tion and solitude. This isolation is very explicit in mo- for overcoming the negative consequences resulting ments of psychiatric crisis. Many people, who have from a psychiatric crisis SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: 1) suffered critical psychiatric conditions, share that they Reducing the gravity of the psychotic episodes at the have experienced difficulty getting efficient and timely onset of a psychiatric crisis 2) Building the capacity of help due to lack of information on their illness and medical professionals and police authorities with view treatment and the possibilities of providing adequate to their work with people in a psychiatric crisis 3) Lim- help in the event of crisis, particularly when the per- iting the extent of possible abuse and violation of hu- son is out of the place where s/he lives or works. When man rights of people with mental health problems 4) having a relapse, a lot of users find it impossible to Harmonising the efforts of institutions related to men- organise appropriate care for themselves. In these tal health through attracting specialists of various fields moments they are in dire need of support from their in the process of introducing the crisis card and im- relatives, friends, people whom they trust, people who proving their communication in the direction of effect- are aware of the peculiarities of their condition and ing mental health reform in Bulgaria know what is best for them when they suffer a crisis. A Description of the crisis card practice: the crisis crisis card is crucial in such cases because it provides card (CC) is issued by an independent organisation contact information of the “trusted” people, informa- and the process of introducing this mechanism into tion about the illness and the hitherto treatment and practice encompasses a number of significant mo- about the so-called “crisis plan”, i.e. what should be ments: 1) preliminary involvement of institutions re- done when the person suffers psychiatric crisis. If per- lated to persons with mental health problems experi- sons with mental health problems do not receive sup- encing crisis by way of inviting them to participate in a port from their relatives or friends, it is highly possible support group, ensuring inter-institutional support by that they lose interest, courage and determination to concluding contracts and signing an agreement for fight against the disease. A crisis card is a document recognition and introduction into practice of crisis cards which aims to help people in a critical psychiatric con- for users of mental health services; 2) training of pro- dition alluding to their previous experience. The es- fessionals providing services to people with mental sence of the crisis card reflects the arrangements which health problems in crisis (police officers, specialists have been made in advance with them - when they working in the regional dispensaries for mental health, were in a stable condition. The introduction of the cri- centres for emergency medical help, social assistance sis card will guarantee that in case of hospitalisation directorates, etc.), training of the consultants who are due to psychiatric crisis, not only will the treatment going to prepare the crisis cards; 3) production of cri- and rehabilitation be accordant with the patient’s voli- sis cards, starting by advertising the product among tion but the social environment of the person in crisis the so-called end-users through conducting prepara- will keep on functioning so as to provide him/her sup- tory meetings with them and dissemination of infor- port in the recovery process. mational materials, succeeded by three meetings (usually) when the information which should be included in the CC is defined and clarified. The information gathered is consulted and developed also in the course of meetings with family doctors and psychiatrists, with 47 case managers and a trusted person. Then the CC is tion with regard to people suffering a psychiatric cri- issued it comprises two parts – a CC with the size of sis, which respects their right to participate in the pro- an ID card, which stays with the mental health user cess of their own treatment; a total of 205 crisis cards (who carries it with themselves all the time) and a have been issued and 1197 consultations with men- crisis plan, containing detailed information on what tally disturbed individuals, general practitioners, psy- should be done or avoided during crises. The latter chiatrists, case managers and trusted persons have stays with the trusted party. A CC enables its holders been carried out; as a result of the active work with to predetermine what would happen to them during media and the establishment of fruitful cooperation crises by previously organising their personal re- with reporters, more than 30 journalistic materials resources and the ones of their environment with view lated to the project have been be produced; a bro- to coping with the affliction of the psychotic episode. chure (with a circulation of 2000 copies) was produced and disseminated; a reader (500 copies) and a manual „Crisis Card for Users of Mental Health services” (700 Achieved results copies) have been published and circulated Created mechanism of empowering people with mental health problems with regard to their treatment Contact information when a psychiatric crisis occurs through introducing the crisis card (CC) concept; 102 professionals deliv- Elitsa Petrova, project coordinator ering services for persons with mental health prob- 66 Ivan Mihailov Str.; Blagoevgrad 2700, Bulgaria lems have been trained to develop their skills in dealing with crisis in a humane and non-discriminatory Tel.: ++359 73 83 59 21 way; setting up a procedure for institutional interac- [email protected]

48 Rehabilitation and Social Integration Centre for Children with Multiple Disabilities “Centre for Rehabilitation and Social Contacts of Children and People with Visual Disabilities” Association Project duration: March 2009 – August 2010 Project budget: 33,435.63 Euro

Background Achieved results The idea for the project came with the introduc- Two centres have opened their doors to children tion of integrated education of children with multiple with multiple disabilities in Varna and Gabrovo. An disabilities in public schools. The frequent problems it adequate environment and micro-climate have been causes lead us to believe that such type of programs created for individual and group work with these chil- and activities are needed to support the public educa- dren. Integration of children with multiple disabilities tion. The large number of integrated children with spe- in public kindergartens and schools is a fact, with the cial educational needs and the lack of experts makes help of a social assistant, of course. The integration it impossible to work with these children adequately system has been improved by decreasing the short- and on an everyday basis. This is why our educa- ages and stimulating the customers resources. tional program has been especially prepared for par- Families with children with multiple disabilities are ents and teachers and supports children’s integration. more informed of their rights and obligations. The per- The extra hours of work with a speech-therapist, a ception of contemporary society of such children has psychiatrist and a special teacher develop children’s changed and there a positive attitude was formed skills and abilities. The daily visits to the centre and through the mutual work of experts in these centres the constant work allow them to assimilate the knowl- with teachers and helping staff of kindergartens and edge and the skills they have obtained so far. schools. The provision of a program for early impact on children between the age of 0-6 years introduces the possibility for early intervention, educates parents and Contact information makes them more useful and efficient in raising a child with disability problems, thus preventing the risk of Stefan Radkov Nedyalkov abandoning a child due to inability to cope with the 2A Tsanko Tserkovski Str., Gabrovo 5300, Bulgaria arising circumstances. Cell Phone: ++359 898 985 678 [email protected] Practice The main objective of the project is to develop comprehensive social services – medical, professional and social rehabilitation of children with mental, physical and censor disabilities in the towns of Gabrovo and Varna. This objective was achieved through: locating and integrating children with multiple disability problems from the earliest age, pupils and teenagers; providing a set of social services related to social rehabilitation and children’s integration; implementation of educational and development programs, launching a program for early impact, assistance in the successful integration of children with special educational needs into the system of public education with view of their fulfillment in society, legal social consultations, preparation of individual programs for social integration, creating the optimum conditions for correctional-com- pensatory work with the consumers of these services.

49 Daily Centre – Reading Room for Prevention of Stress and Protection of Mental Health for the Blind and Needy Association for the Blind and Handicapped “Ahuri” Project duration: November 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 13,970.79 Euro

Background ing up mental resistance through methods of art therapy for blind people; 3. Individual and group au- The project’s target group are people who, due to dio and video studies for unemployed people for help- their sensory specifics, have less chance of becoming them in stress conditions resulting from long-term ing specialists and find professional realization, that redundancy. is blind people, most of whom have completed higher education. MAIN ACTIVITY: Creation and functioning of a Centre – reading room for stress prevention and pro- The project targets people with defective eye-sight tection of mental health for blind people and unem- who cannot find realization on the labour market be- ployed in need. STAGES: cause society disregards them as ‘invalid’. STAGES: The Ahuri association has become familiar with the problems arising from the sensory specifics of the 1. Setting up a Day Centre - Reading Room for blind and created a methodology for applied therapy the blind and the needy: to be put in practice in cases of altered senses. a. tender procedure to rent the premises, equip- HOW THE TARGET GROUP WAS SET UP: the ment (heater, shelves); and preparation of the centre needs of the people comprising the selected target for daily activities; group have been established: b. shaping visual appearance, dissemination of Typically, they do their best to find their niche and information leaflets about the project; a meaningful fulfilment. However, they need just a c. provision of the most useful materials for the little support: a certain period for tactile therapeutic daily activities, incl. work materials and consumables. trainings, audio-readings and video workshops to boost their positive attitude. Our target group is in need of 2. Development of all necessary aids for the work- qualified instructions and adequate materials for ini- ing group and of a state of readiness for the seminars tial acquisition of applied stimulating techniques aim- and meetings: ing to aid their motivation, relaxation and self-expres- a. translation and editing of the project’s manuals sion, as well as of extensive promotion to make their and aids; dissemination of manuals and aids for the accomplishments public. group’s members; JUSTIFICATION OF THE NEED FOR THE b. uploading on audio-carriers of manuals in Bul- PROJECT. SUMMARY: The Association deems the garian language fit for individual use by the blind; activities envisioned under the project to be especially important as far as the mental and physical health of c. contractual agreement for catering services for people with defective eye-sight are concerned and the coffee-breaks during seminars. those among them who remain unemployed for long 3/ Carrying out daily activities in the Reading- time spans. Room: a/ organization of workshops in the format of Mod- ules made up of reading groups; Practice b. individual and group stress and distress therapy MAIN AIM: to support the protection of the mental for blind people (know-how with a tactile therapy, 4 health of the most vulnerable social groups in the con- hours a day); ditions of an economic crisis – blind people, the needy and the unemployed. c. consultative audio and video trainings with long- term unemployed handicapped people to bolster their Objectives: 1. Providing a Reading-room and fund mental health (know-how for video-therapy with sched- of handbooks for reading during seminars with simul- uled talks, 4 hours a day). taneous translation for groups of blind people; 2. A series of studies for blind people and needy for build-

50 Achieved results Contact information 1. Established by the project and long existing after Tatyana Boyanova Bobeva, Consultant-instructor and its end a Centre – Reading club specially designed for lecturer use by blind people and people in need (by assump- 90 Lyuben Karavelov Str., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria tion more vulnerable to depression and stress in the aspect of mental health in the conditions of market Cell Phone: ++359 878 291468 stagnation and economic crisis; [email protected] 2. Created by the project and long existing after its end library, CD, DVD and audio fund for use of blind people directed to physical and mental health protection; 3. Created motivation in the members of the target group on the basis of consultations and art-therapy, conducted by a highly qualified instructor and aiming to boost their self-esteem and health.

51 Social Centre for Children and Families „Alternatives” Association Project duration: November 2009 – November 2010 Project budget: 31,126.46 Euro

Background ists from the social services in the municipality, edu- cator advisors and social workers from “Alternatives” The current project aims to develop and mobilize and “Balance” Associations, were conducted. the professional and public resources in the area of social services and care for children at risk on the In March, following the provision of equipment, territory of Aitos municipality. The analysis of the furnishing and restructuring of the centre premises, childcare system demonstrated the need for insuring the second main activity was undertaken — develop- better access to quality community-based services, ment and provision of services for children at risk. aimed towards prevention and counteraction of the The centre’s team developed their skills through 8 alienation, aggression and impaired communication group supervisions, one work visit for experience ex- between parents and children, self-injuring and de- change in “Association Animus” Foundation and dis- structive behaviour in children. One of the main goals cussions of different cases on regular team buildings. of the project was to ensure the access to these ser- The enhanced capacity made it possible to establish vices and their promotion. Part of the project activi- the Centre as a place providing professional and quality ties were directed towards the development of a psychological services. multidisciplinary approach and enhancing the capacity of the specialists working in the social services and schools on the territory of Aitos municipality. Estab- Achieved results: lishing an effective mechanism of working with the Thanks to the project, conditions for access to a State Agency for Child Protection (SACP) of the So- complex program of services for children, adolescents cial Assistance Directorate — Aitos (SAD) was set as and families at risk with 3 subprograms for interven- the basis for ensuring timely and accessible psycho- tion and providing help have been created. The 8 vol- logical services, based in the community of children, unteers and 12 specialists trained for work with chil- parents and families at risk, in order to prevent social dren and adolescents at risk and their families devel- isolation and deviant behaviour. oped the skills for leading a case and an approach for work with a multidisciplinary team and acquired knowledge in the area of identifying and formulating the Practice child’s problem, informing and motivating the parents The project “Social centre for children and fami- when looking for help. This is an innovative approach lies” started in November 2009. From the very start of for Aitos municipality. The Centre, established thanks the project, the team made every effort to attract as to the activities under this project, is currently the only supporters institutions working with children at risk psychological service in the municipality directed to- (without the former being official partners), so that it wards children and families at risk. could achieve maximum scope of project activities. A total of 64 clients have taken advantage of the SACP of SAD Aitos was actively involved in the ac- programs during this project. tivities related to directing users to the services offered in the centre. The developed programs and services were popularized in the municipality through the organization of In terms of the specific project objectives, activi- a press conference, a round table, dissemination of ties were mainly directed towards: over 500 flyers, 1000 stickers and 25 posters, which - developing the community capacity for sup- helped for providing access to quality social services. port of children and adolescents at risk and the introduction of a multidisciplinary approach Contact information - developing the capacity of the Social centre for children and families and presenting quality and Tatyana Stоyanova Vrabcheva-Ruseva accessible programs for children at risk and their fami- G-2 Orlovo Str., Aitos 8500, Bulgaria lies Tel./Fax: ++359 558 279 83 During the first part, two trainings for 20 special- [email protected] 52 Establishment of Information and Consultation Centre of Mental Health in the Town of Bourgas Centre of Emotional Psychosocial Research and Therapy, Bourgas Project duration: November 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 20,357.54 Euro

Background ders by rendering complex services in the community. The specific objectives were: 1. To enhance the The idea of the project “Establishment of infor- level of social integration, economic and mental well- mation and consultation centre of mental health in being of people with mental disorders and their fami- the town of Bourgas is based on the project team’s lies in the town of Bourgas and the region. 2. Imple- experience and is related to helping the process of mentation of a functioning model of psychosocial re- resolving existing problems in social recovery after habilitation – establishment of a team and ensuring mental illness and creation of a local model of social professionalism in the rendering of psychosocial and rehabilitation in the community. Another high priority rehabilitation services outside the hospital to the con- task for the project was to promote mental health and sumers of mental health services. 3. Promotion and to increase citizen knowledge about how to maintain prevention of mental health among young people in emotional well-being, early diagnostics and interven- the region – building of a culture for its preservation. tions not only for people with serious mental disor- 4.Raising awareness and attracting the attention of ders, but also for people with common mental disor- the media and society towards the problems of people ders. Promotion activities are part of the rehabilita- from target groups and reduction of stigmatizing atti- tion process and affect not only the social groups who tude towards them, and autostigma as well. need mental health help, but the whole society, with view of reducing serious illnesses and disability re- Main activities: 1.Organizational and technical sulting from mental illness. activity and supervision; 2.Rendering, development and integration of the following types of services: On the territory of the town there is one psychiat- psycho – social rehabilitation - „Supervision of a Case” ric clinic with 268 beds servicing the whole Bourgas and „Group for Sharing and Support”; psychological region, and in the other settlements there are no spe- consultation, medical consultation, „Group for Sup- cialized clinics or dispensaries. 25 665 people, 2317 port of Relatives Providing Care”; 3. Instruction activ- of which diagnosed with schizophrenia are registered ity: seminars for teachers and „Sunday School of there. The fact that only one quarter of them maintain Mental Health”; 4.Information, publications and dis- correct medicine treatment is disturbing; and 4 % of semination the sample have more than one hospitalization per year. The financial deficit and function of the local psychiatric clinic do not allow the staff to carry out activities outside medical treatment and do not offer Achieved results any kind of rehabilitation activities. Mental illness dis- Facilitated access to social services and dimin- rupts psychosocial functioning of an individual for a ished social isolation of the users of mental health long time – it diminishes social activity, reduces inter- services and their families – 301 beneficiaries. Estab- ests and initiatives; there is loss of job, social environ- lished a functioning multidisciplinary team for render- ment and contacts; there are deficits of skills for daily ing of psychiatric care outside the hospital and a func- activities; social relations are violated, the process of tioning model of psychosocial rehabilitation of patients daily problems solution is inefficient. with psychic disorders. Unified complex social ser- The main idea of the project was to demonstrate vices, delivered to 261 clients and 40 of their relatives that the social recovery of individuals with serious - developed skills and confidence for coping with ha- mental illnesses is possible to a great extent through bitual everyday life situations, developed skills for care professional help and the process of psychosocial re- and responsibility towards one’s health, increased habilitation. capacity for individual coping. Early detection of the psychic disorder and adequate medical treatment with significant financial effect for the families, early rec- Practice ognition of psychic disorders, increased number of those having duly looked for specialized help for di- The general objective was establishment and pro- agnosis and treatment – 44 beneficiaries and 93 psy- motion of a model of psychosocial rehabilitation out- chiatric consultations. Improved means of exchange side the hospital of people with severe psychic disor- of information, of sharing of practical experience, 53 adopted new techniques and strategies for address- Contact information ing problems, increased self-confidence and improved social integration of the beneficiaries as a result of the Krasimira Mineva group activity – 62 users and 40 of their relatives, 37 z. k. “Lazur”, bl. 20, entr. 4, fl. 4, p.o.box 4, group sessions carried out. Increased level of information delivered to participants about mental health Bourgas 8000, Bulgaria and mental illness, increased sensitivity, responsibil- Cell Phone: ++359 887 207 033 ity and skills of young people to take care of their own [email protected] mental health; adopted techniques of handling stress by 58 trained people through trainings and “Sunday school of mental health”. Turning social attitudes towards people with psychic disorders positive, overcoming of stigma by project’s team participation in media activities. The social workers worked long-term on 66 cases of social rehabilitation. “Mental Health Handbook” published (500 copies) and informational brochures – 1000. Two press conferences were organized.

54 Comprehensive Care Program for Children with Autism and Their Parents Civil Society „Alternative 55” – Stara Zagora Project duration: November 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 19,102.70 Euro

Background dren and their parents, application of contemporary educational and development specialized materials, In recent years, the number of children with gen- restriction of discriminatory practices and development eralized development disorders, as in Autism syn- of a supportive environment. drome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other specific deviations, has increased. It is well- The multi-disciplinary team of “Alternative” fam- known that a big part of the children with Autism have ily centre developed a specialized methodology and difficulty communicating with other people, many of worked successfully with children with Autism syn- them do not develop the ability to speak and this de- drome and ADHD from Stara Zagora and 3 other settle- prives them of the possibility to find their way in the ments from the region. A needs analysis and assess- environment, adapt and have an independent life. ment of the possibilities was carried out for each child, While 10-15 years ago statistics showed that every 2- an individual development plan was developed and 5 in 10 000 children have Autism problems, at present therapy was carried out by a psychologist, special this number is under 1 in 100 born alive. Early diag- pedagogue or art therapist, using specialized educa- nostics before age three, as well as timely rehabilita- tional and therapeutical aids purchased under the tion are of vital importance for development and inte- project. Trakia University trained at “Alternative” Cen- gration of these children. At the same time, there are tre also participated in the team. no adequate conditions in the country making that An important component of the project was rais- possible: there are no qualified specialists, the par- ing the awareness of the local community about chil- ents, being uninformed, seek help too late, the rel- dren with Autism and enhancing its responsiveness evant social services available for the families are extremely limited – such are available only in Sofia, and involvement to the development and integration Varna and Plovdiv and only 2 of them are delegated of children with special educational needs. A special- state activity. ized expert study in Stara Zagora region and a public discussion in partnership with Stara Zagora munici- This motivated us to develop a new pogram to pality were carried out focusing on the problems and “Alternative” Family Centre to provide the needed spe- the proposals for more effective regional and national cialized skills of the team and the material base nec- policy for work with this group of children. The analy- essary for work with children with generalized devel- sis report was provided to the interested institutions opment disorders and Autism, in particular, and their and its results were taken into account in the develop- parents, as well as to promote this good practice in ment of a Regional strategy for development of social the Stara Zagora region. services. The Municipal Council adopted a decision, proposing the development of the service as delegated state activity and a building was granted for use by Practice “Alternative” Centre for a period of 5 years. A comprehensive program for work with children with Autism syndrome and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their parents was devel- Achieved results oped and implemented successfully under the project. The activities under this project gave the exclu- A series of 10 specialized theoretical and practi- sive opportunity to 30 specialists, working with chil- cal trainings were carried out with the team of “Alter- dren with disorders in the region of Stara Zagora to native” Centre and experts from partner social ser- acquire specialized knowledge, information, and skills vice organizations from Stara Zagora and the region. in compliance with modern European practices, sup- The lecturers were university lecturers and experts porting them henceforth in their work with a difficult with extensive experience in working with children with group of children – the ones with generalized devel- GDD and the trainings focused on early diagnostics, oped disorders. “Alternative” Family centre popular- contemporary approaches to therapy (Montessori- ized and approbated a new social service - time-work therapy, A.B.А-analysis; PECS, TEACH), foundations care for children with Autism and hyperactivity with of planning and organization of work with such chil- attention deficit as well as supporting their parents. 55 The created material base, the good national and in- building for use by “Alternative” Centre and the pro- ternational practices studied, the rich practical experi- posal for provision of the service as delegated state ence gained by the team of the Centre in working with activity more than 20 children and their parents, provide the This will strengthen the network of centers pro- basis for provision of a stable social service. viding social services for children with Autism, thus The project also created a very good opportunity improving the quality of their life and the possibilities for raising public awareness, empathy and supporting for their development and integration. the children with special educational needs and their parents. The problems of these families became well - known for a large part of the local community thanks to the expert study carried out by means of inquiries Contact information and focus-groups in diverse towns of the region, the 110 Dimitar Naumov Str., public discussion and media campaign on World Au- tism Awareness Day. Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria Relations with all institutions involved in working Tel.: ++359 42 647 119 with children with special educational needs have been [email protected] established and strengthened. This was demonstrated by the decision of the Municipal Council to grant a www.alternative55.hit.bg

56 Community Centre for Prevention and Support of Children at Risk “Alternative Montana” Community Council on Education Project duration: November 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 18,051.77 Euro

Background work of an Anti-drug Campaign. Some members of the youth fraction of the above mentioned Committee In 2006 and 2007 ‘Alternative Montana’ Commu- also actively took part in that seminar. A national ex- nity Council on Education implemented a project pert in drugs and prevention participated as well. named “Centre for social prevention”. This project dealt with children with problematic communication, hyper- In this way, the main intention of the ‘Alternative active children, and aggressive children. Different Montana’ Association to combine efforts of all stake- kinds of psychological and corrective support were holders in the educational and upbringing process was provided for target groups. implemented. In 2008 another similar project (Children of the Rainbow) was implemented. The experts who took Achieved results part in the previous project participated again in work- - Established advisory cabinet to work with ing with Romany children. A special program for re- children at risk ducing deficits and supporting social adaptation for their families was developed by the project team. - Consulted over 130 children - Improved personal protective mechanisms to reduce the reasons for aggression in interpersonal re- Practice lations The ‘Community centre for prevention and sup- - Improved interactions among children, par- port of children at risk’ project has offered a model for ents and teachers social work focused on early detection of problems in - Improved children’s mental health families and children under threat of some kind of risk. All experts involved in the project reached people at - Facilitated social adaptation of children be- risk and provided them the necessary support in time. longing to marginal groups Collaboration between the project team and the - Facilitated Bulgarian language learning for local educational institutions, and children-care pro- bilingual children grams coordination as well, ensured transparency of - Corrected speech of 61% of the children and project implementation. improved speech of 39% of them Some of the project services were provided in schools and educational institutions where a high con- Contact information centration of children at risk was identified. In this way a number of positive outcomes were obtained; the Maria Dimitrova Boncheva, Chair main ones are listed as follows: Cell Phone: ++359 887 512 697 - Class-teachers, together with the specialists, [email protected] took part in activities for prevention of aggression. Chil- dren, being in their natural environment, felt more re- laxed and looked forward to group-working. - The activities implemented by the psychologists at kindergartens with mixed ethnical groups op- timized the whole process of educational and social integration of Romany children without separating them from the multi-ethnical environment. With view of achieving better results, the childcare activities carried out by specialists and pedagogues were coordinated. Pedagogues from all regional schools and those of the Local Committee for Control on Anti-social Behaviour took part in a seminar held in the frame- 57 Development of a Model for Social Services for Patients with Oncological Diseases In Terms of Follow-Up Care Association of Patients with Oncological Diseases (APOZ) Project duration: November 2009 - December 2010 Project budget: 51,932.04 Euro

Background view other than the usual medical point of view. Cli- ents have reported that the consultations, including Malignant conditions are of extreme social sig- those 24/7 on skype, the psycho-social services and nificance and are the second major cause of mortality the trainings they have been subject to, have improved in Bulgaria. This is due mainly to the fact that the dis- their knowledge and understanding of their patient eases are diagnosed at a later stage, when treatment rights and now they are capable of combating inhu- is extremely difficult or impossible. During the last mane and neglectful medical attitude. The Cancer twenty years the number of new cases has doubled. Patient’s Manual, which is the first of its kind for the This places the oncological patients in one of the riski- country, proved to be a reliable partner for every can- est groups of the population. Practice shows that be- cer patient. Another positive project practice is the ing subject of attention and specifically organized establishment of a team of volunteers, a social worker medical and social care, oncological patients show and a patient who have visited the homes of people higher survival rate which is due mainly to their moti- dying from cancer and their relatives. Following the vation to live. However, the healthcare system in the death of the patients, many of the relatives continued country still functions based on the anachronistic con- to get psychological assistance in the centers of the cept that the patient follows the system and not the three cities. However, the most valuable outcome of other way around. This creates a gap which should be the project is the developed standard for delivering a filled in with corresponding measures targeting better service named “Center for Social Rehabilitation and treatment, services and humane treatment which would ultimately result in improved socio-economic Integration of People with Oncological Diseases” tak- living conditions for all concerned. ing into consideration all regulations of the standard social service Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration but adjusting it to the specific needs of these clients. The challenge to get the standard institution- Practice alized and included in the Social Security Act follows The main objective of the project is to develop on our agenda. and apply a unified model of medical and social activities, which are not included in the national policy for cancer treatment, suitable to the specific needs of Achieved results oncological patients. The project has been implemented on the territory of three oncological dispensa- - 2192 psychological and social consultation ries in the cities of Sofia, Plovdiv and Burgas. Three hours have been provided to 291 patients and their consultative cabinets have been established – one relatives from Sofia, Plovdiv and Burgas for combat- per each dispensary. A multidisciplinary expert team ing cancer stigma. has been established for each consultative cabinet, - 196 hours of mobile psychological services consisting of social workers and psychologists whose have been provided by 3 social workers. professional work is based on the three pillars of the - 312 sessions have been held with the rela- psycho-social service delivery - client centered therapy, tives of cancer patients – psychological advice and group therapy and active social awareness and ad- social awareness and support. vice. The project clients have been differentiated in the following groups: cancer patients in remission, - 7 groups for self-support, sharing and therapy patients who have recently been diagnosed with can- have been set up (in the three cities), including 61 cer and cancer patients in lethal phase. Valuable cancer patients. A wide self-support network of pa- project practice, as reported by the clients, was the tients in the three cities has been formed. empowerment of the patients to help other patients. - 40 patients have been trained in two mod- Thus, after being trained, patients in remission started ules – Patient’s Rights and Supporting Behavior. 20 on a voluntary basis helping other patients for whom of them were volunteers and helped recently diag- the collision with cancer and hospitals was unknown nosed cancer patients. and hostile. Additional trainings have made physicians and nurses look at cancer patients from a point of - 46 health care professionals have been trai- 58 ned in one module on establishing a proper understand- Contact information ing of the disease and more ethical attitude towards patients. A working mobile group of 20 patients in re- Evgenia Adarska mission has been formed who have provided 1593 hours APOZ and friends of voluntary labor to 144 newly registered patients with cancer. 54 Vasil Levski Blvd., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria - A social service standard Center for Social Tel.: ++359 2 981 1091 Rehabilitation and Integration of People with Onco- Green Line: ++359 8001 1202 logical Diseases has been developed and presented before the Minister of Healthcare. As a result, the Min- Cell Phone:+ +359 889 490 089 istry of Health started drafting an ordinance on the www.apoz.eu implementation of the standard as mandatory for the country. - 1 000 copies of the Manual of the Rights of Patients with Cancer have been published. - Data portal www.oncobg.info has been set up. Nearly 13 000 visits have been registered since the launch of the portal.

59 Foster Care for Abandoned Babies in Srednogorie “For a Better Life” Association Project duration: November 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 17,671 Euro

Background tion sessions, 25 informal meetings with volunteers). Trained nine candidates for foster parents (1 The idea for the project was a result of the need in family, 6 individual foster parents and an approved Bulgaria for adequate services to children placed in foster parent in need of additional training). Enhanced institutions and to provide better opportunities for understanding of foster care within the Srednogorie placement in a suitable family environment. This was and the reasons for the abandonment of children in necessitated by the fact that in Bulgaria there are too early childhood. Established Child Commissions in the many children in institutions, which is unacceptable municipalities of the region. for a State member. The aim was to reduce the trauma of abandonment of the baby by providing foster care For better presentation of results, we made a com- and a decent family life. The main target group are 0- parative analysis of our achievements with a 3-year-old children placed in Zlatitsa orphanage. similar project implemented in 2007 by the Samaritans Association – Stara Zagora in 2007. * Association ”Samaritans” is currently the lead- Practice ing organization in providing the social service “Fos- ter care” in the Republic of Bulgaria with impressive The main objective of this project is to avoid plac- results. Our team was on a study tour with them, which ing the baby in the institution by preparing a foster contributed to the successful implementation of this family to provide adequate care. Implemented activi- project. ties to achieve the objective: training of specialists, conducting a mass information campaign, training of candidates for foster parents, placing children and Contact information subsequent monitoring. Petya Todorova Cholakova Macedonia Square, bl. 20, app. 8, Achieved results Zlatitsa 2080, Sofia Region, Bulgaria Conducted a massive information campaign (51 Cell Phone: ++359 888 256 056 general information meetings, 116 individual informa- [email protected]

60 CHANCE. Integrated Approach for Early Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency and School Dropping-out Crime Prevention Fund – IGA Foundation Partners: Center for Inclusive Education, Sofia Municipality Project duration: November 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 37,421.95 Euro

Background veloped, which clearly shows the process of inclusion of a case in project activities; This project developed from the idea of Sofia municipality to develop effective social services for - For early identification of special educational children in educational institutions of the city. This idea needs, deviations and antisocial behavior in adoles- was directly related to the “Programme for the wel- cents the general screening tool “What is your opin- fare of children of Sofia Municipality 2008-2009.” The ion” was developed. The tool is not specialized, mean- purpose of this program was to define the priorities ing that it can be used by non-specialists. It is in the and objectives for the welfare of children in Sofia. In form of a questionnaire and is intended for identifying seeking ways of practical realization of the program possible deviations, but is not precise. The tool aims and the personal initiative of Vice Mayors of the Met- the pre-selection or filtering of the sample, which ropolitan Municipality in education and social activi- serves to identify subjects identifying certain signs. ties fields, both organizations /the Crime Prevention The ones with “positive results” were subjected to a Fund - IGA and the Centre for Inclusive Education/ precise study by specialists; were invited to develop a pilot project for one of the - For the precise survey, the instrument “Pre- metropolitan schools. Originally, six schools were vis- SIOR” was adapted. It is based on “Structured tools ited. From those, 67th Secondary School “Vasil Levski” for risk assessment/SIOR/2007, ISBN 978-954-9492- was selected because of the possibility of using indi- 08-8, edition of the Crime Prevention Fund - IGA. It is vidual rooms to create a social center. Furthermore, a specialized tool for assessing the risk of making an the school was also chosen for a number of serious initial offense and includes elements seeking viola- problems: the large number of children with antisocial tions in learning ability and communicative disorders behavior, social and educational integration of chil- of development; dren and students from ethnic minorities and children with special educational needs, and high rate of early - Professionals were trained to work with the dropout from school. package of tools, and teachers participated in part of the training, which ensured assistance and support During project development the partners agreed from the school. on the problem of the so-called “pathway to offend- ing,” which most often begins with difficulties during - After the training, the specialists undertook the initial assessment - screening with “What is your the learning process, continues with low self-esteem, opinion” tool of part of the students in the school and deviations in behavior and school dropout, and inevi- subsequent evaluation with “Pre-SIOR.” In this way, tably ends with illegal activities. Children who have the experts were given a clear picture of the current difficulty learning (e.g. dyslexia, which is the most status of the interviewed children and hence the need common cause of such disorders) are at very high for further services; risk of falling into this cycle because of the specific difficulties experienced in the learning process. - The next stage of the project activities were related to targeting one of the following services: >> Social counseling and mediation - the mildest Practice form of consultation. Assisting the child to cope with their daily environment (family, school, neighborhood), The main objective of the project was the devel- personal and external factors leading to deviant be- opment of an integrated approach to prevention of havior and risk of dropping out of school; child antisocial behavior through the implementation of complex interventions aimed to identify and elimi- >> Logopedic consultations - including speech nate the main factors for such behavior at an early evaluation, education and social support of children; stage and to rehabilitate children who have already >> Family counseling services; developed deviations. >> Psychological counseling addressing deviant Milestones in the realization of this objective were: behaviour and / or learning difficulties; - First, the “framework for services” was de- >> Legal advice - caused great interest among 61 the children. Covered the main aspects of Bulgarian Achieved results legislation. - Model developed to provide specialized so- - Implemented a preventive program, “I Learn cial services to children in a school, which represents to Choose” a notebook “To Prevent Drugs and Vio- an integrated approach in the prevention of antisocial lence”, published by the Fund IGA. The program is child behavior; designed to prevent violence and drug use, raise awareness of the harmful effects of using drugs, posi- - 14 experts trained for implementation of the tive influence on attitudes to prevent the use, and for- model. mation of a mature and responsible behavior in chil- - Selected and equipped premises for the dren and adolescents; project, selected personnel, conducted 7 trainings for - Conducted monitoring and supervision by the deployment of methodologies; experts of both organizations. - Developed and implemented software prod- - A key element of the project was the devel- uct “Assessment and Management of a Case”; opment of specialized software “Assessment and - 130 children covered by the provided com- Management of Cases,” which is integrated through- plex and individual therapy, educational and training out the “Framework for services” model and which programs, group programs and activities, information supports the documentation of activities and results and consultation within the project (120 children of the assessment, planning, management and su- screened with the instrument “What is your opinion”; pervision of cases. In the development of the soft- 50 children surveyed with “Pre-SIOR”; 98 Social con- ware, all the necessary requirements for maintaining sultation with 48 children; Logopedic consultations with the confidentiality of personal data and personal in- 6 children; Psychological consultation with 28 children; formation of customers was taken into account, in Legal advice with 40 children; Family consultations compliance with the law. with 10 families).

Contact information Marina Manolcheva, Chair of the Board of Directors 8 Alexander Stamboliiski Blvd., Pazardzhik 4400, Bulgaria Tel.: ++359 34 44 23 89 [email protected]

62 Psycho-social Prevention and Promotion of Mental Health of Children at Risk Psychotherapy Institute of Social Ecology of Personality (PISEP) Partner: Bulgarian Association of Art Therapy (BAAT) Project duration: November 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 31,433.77 Euro

Background portive peer context established for the children. Some of PISEP experts have extensive experi- - Developed inner capacity in their families to ence in psychiatric ambulatory services and clinics, respond flexibly to the evolving needs of these chil- qualification and extensive practice in family consul- dren in the process of their growth. Fostered rehabilitation and family therapy, as well as good knowledge tation in the family of 56 mental patients, improved of the dynamics of family systems in which one of the quality of life, empowerment with respect to their treat- parents has a mental disturbance, and the risks this ment. Raised awareness and improved skills in 51 presents for the children. PISEP established (in the partners of mental patients for coping with psychiatric period 2000-2004) groups for development of emo- crises, seeking help, as well as enhanced social ac- tional competence and social skills of children from tiveness. poor families, which often included children of par- - Raised sensitivity of 38 volunteers and of 352 ents with mental disturbance. 9 years of follow-up representatives of professionals from all over the coun- observation established the sustainable protective try, institutions and the media to the need for adequate effect of such preventive measures in combination preventive programs and policies concerning children with consultations for the parents. of mentally ill parents. Enhanced knowledge of spe- Although international commitments have been cific techniques for raising mental resilience of chil- undertaken and signed, in Bulgaria there are no poli- dren, for coping with stress and good parenting. cies or preventive programs focusing on those chil- Broadly disseminated information about opportunities dren. for receiving specialized support. Good partnership between PISEP and BAAT in - A self-organizing activity was initiated aiming past joint projects focusing on children, for example at changing the widely present stigmatizing and dis- with homes for children and the staff working with these criminating attitudes and practices towards “those who children. are different”. Prerequisites created for its viable development. Practice Establishment of a Center for psycho-social sup- Contact information port and respect for difference: Implementation, for Roumen Hristov Georgiev, Chair of Board, PISEP, the first time in Bulgaria, of a Preventive program, [email protected] focused on children and families in which one of the 23 Solunska Str., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria parents has a mental disturbance. A Program based Tel.: ++359 2 981 50 62 on eco-system approach, consisting of a set of mutu- Cell Phone: ++359 888 537 376 ally-reinforcing activities: individual work with children; [email protected]; family and parent consultations; children’s group (age: http://www.psychotherapy-bg.com/ 6-10) for development of psychological, social and instrumental skills; summer occupational and study hall (age: 3-6); youth teams for social activities (age:10- 18); supporting the organization and initiatives of two self-help groups – of people with mental disability and of their partners. Achieved results - A Center for psycho-social support and respect for difference was established; approbated and implemented preventive and promotion program in the sphere of mental health, constituting a structure of well-synchronized elements. - Reduced risks to the mental development of 74 children of parents with mental disabilities. A sup- 63 With Mama Development – Rakitovo Project duration: November 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 13,981.60 Euro

Background - Charity campaign in order to get additional funding. Child volunteers aged 12-18 took part in the cam- The project “With Mama” was officially launched on paign helping with distribution. November 11, 2009. The project was designed to prevent placement of children in orphanages. It is devel- - Registration of at-risk mothers after reports oped by “Development- Rakitovo” in cooperation with submitted by GPs, neighbors, the specialist of women’s “Future foundation”, Rakitovo and was financed by the consultations or by the consultant in the Roma neigh- NGO fund - Bulgaria 2008-2010. borhood . The main project objective was to prevent the place- - Consultation with at-risk mothers with the goal ment of children from the municipality in orphanages, of reversing their decision to place their children in an to offer help and support, consultations with families at orphanage, the family is assessed and a decision is risk. Some of the project activities were to provide train- made on what action to undertake. ing courses for at-risk mothers, prevention of early preg- - Development of training courses for parenting nancy and to reduce placement of children in orphan- skills - they learn how to feed the child, how to wash ages by underage parents. the child; how and when to attend women’s consulta- The target group comprised of unmarried pregnant tions and how to be good and responsible parents. women, unemployed pregnant women, single mothers They receive certificates for taking a parental skills with children up to 3 years old. course. Financial support is given only to those who have certificates. Project duration: 14 months - Support and going with the mother to the maternity ward. Being with her when she leaves the hospital. Providing her with a package for the new- Practice born, consumables and going home with her and the - Identification of at-risk groups – pregnant baby. Spending the one-time financial aid on the child. women, mothers with children up to 3 years old at risk - The social worker who works with the project of being placed in an orphanage. visits the mother every week and helps her with the - We help pregnant women and mothers with child. He /she prepares a report on the visit and adds children up to 3 years old who are at risk: it to the mother’s file. >> consultation and emotional support; - Each case is observed for six months. In the event of a problem, precautionary steps are taken. In >> material support; some cases the child is given to a foster family. >> courses for parental skills training - Development of training courses for young >> practical support and care of new-born chil- people in “Kliment Ohridski” school, Rakitovo; “Hristo dren Smirnenski” school, Kostandovo, “Hristo Botev”school, Dorkovo. The lectures are on the following themes: >> advocacy of at-risk groups in social institu- “Prevention of an unwanted Pregnancy”, “Conse- tions responsible for these groups. quences of children living in orphanages” . Young - Advertising the project in the local media- people fill in a survey and analysis is made for the (newspapers “Zname”, “Tempo” and local radio broad- training course casting), development of a Web site describing project objectives, activities and results. Achieved results - Production and distribution of posters, placed - Partnership with child welfare institutions and in the vicinity of the city-hall, child welfare institutions, with a woman who does the consultations for preg- women’s consultation in order to create awareness to nant women. women at risk and the general population. - Registered 35 at-risk families who participated 64 in the project; support provided to 30 families. Contact information - Working on and introducing new standards Development - Rakitovo for working with at-risk families in order to decrease the likelihood that these families will put their children 22 Todor Tuparov Str., Rakitovo 4640, Bulgaria in an orphanage (with the use of surveys and files for Cell Phone: ++359 899 915 569 everyone) [email protected] - Reversed 30 families’ decision to put their children in an orphanage. - 10 mothers took a parental skills course - Material support was given to 11 families with children to help enhance the security of the children and the children were not placed in orphanages. - Provided support for the children, not just disbursement. - Raised 700 and collected clothing and other consumables for children, worth 500 euro - Examining the problems and making the activities of the project known throughout the community and getting public support. - 100 people participated in training and acquired the necessary knowledge.

65 SOS Children’s Villages Bulgaria Initiative for Responsible Parentage Project duration: November 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 45,524.83 Euro

Background Practice The idea for this project was born due to the so- The main project objective was development and cial situation in Veliko Tarnovo Municipality in 2009 dissemination of a new model of a social service for and the serious problems identified by the Associa- children and families at risk, aimed at early risk pre- tion in working with children and families at risk. Ac- vention through formation of responsible parentage cording to data of the Child Protection Department, skills. Veliko Tarnovo, the predominant protection measure To this end, a Programme for formation of skills is placing children in a specialized institution. There in responsible parentage was developed, containing: are also many cases when measures are undertaken Methodology for group work for parental skills train- for protection in family environment and the highest ing, including theoretical and practical aspects, and a percentage of families supported by the Social Assis- Methodological guide including 10 training modules tance Directorate is that of families with many chil- for group work with parents. Six parent support groups dren and single parents. The unemployment rate were established comprising 12 parents each – two among women is high, approximately 30% of chil- groups in the town of Veliko Tarnovo, and one group dren and adolescents live outside the municipality in the town of Debelets and the villages of Resen, centre, in small settlements where the unemployment Sheremetia and Vodoley each. The groups were es- rate and low level of education of the parents lead to tablished on the basis of the work of volunteers, the unsatisfactory quality of life of the children, high school multi-disciplinary team, individual work of social work- drop-out rate, and frequently – antisocial behaviour. ers and volunteer parental participation. The group In small settlements, the access of children to social trainings were conducted by 2 experts. In the course services related to prevention of risk behaviour is dif- of group trainings, sharing, mutual support and infor- ficult, no alternative forms of support for the parents mal contacts between parents were encouraged. In are developed, and the capacity of active local com- the course of 10 months, each group underwent 10 munities is not utilised. The Association’s experience group trainings where the parents’ awareness of is- in working with children at risk has shown that special sues related to meeting child needs was raised and treatment of issues on early prevention is necessary they interactively “practiced” new responsible parent- – overall support for the family before and after birth, age models. assistance in child upbringing, orientation for parents in terms of child problems and creation of the possi- The practical value of the project lies in the change bility for parents to learn how to meet their children’s of attitudes and stereotype ways of thinking, change needs adequately. of the attitude and behaviour of parents towards their children. The group work program includes topics such The target group of the project was families from as child development, the place of the child in the the town of Veliko Tarnovo, town of Debelets, and the family, child play, the child and school, child anxiety, villages Resen, Vodoley and Sheremetia, where there the phenomenon of communication, and others. is a risk of child abandonment or placing the child in a specialized institution, families at risk of deterioration/ The 60 trainings that were carried out provided termination of family ties, single parent families, fami- the opportunity for the 57 parents who participated to lies with children dropping out of school, and families have a dialogue, a safe place to pose important prob- seeking advice on raising and educating their children. lems and review them from the “inside” – as own ex- The establishment of six parent support groups and periences – and from the “outside – as the experi- their participation in a ten-module training on respon- ences of the same or similar situation of the other sible parentage helped develop new skills and knowl- participants. In the group trainings the parents were edge in the parents on how to be responsible and meet active participants in the process, encouraged to self- child needs. evaluate themselves and recognize the existence of different parentage models. The group training represented an active seeking of answers, not their passive memorization. As a new model of working with parents, the group training focused on the functioning 66 of the family and works for positive upbringing and Contact information RESPONSIBLE PARENTAGE – before a crisis or a risk situation arises. Plamen Stoianov, Project leader 8A Paskal Todorov Str., Sofia 1618, Bulgaria Albena Prokopieva, Project coordinator Achieved results 4 Dimitar Naidenov Str., Practical changes for the target group achieved in project implementation: Veliko Tarnovo 5003, Bulgaria - The establishment of parent support and Tel.: ++359 62 65 00 36 psycho-social support helped develop mutual support Cell Phone: ++359 885 999 546 among the parents, overcome stereotype ways of thinking, in minority ethnic groups in particular, en- [email protected] hance the skills and knowledge of parents related to orientation about child problems and finding an adequate approach to meet the child’s needs. Group work helps overcome the social isolation of parents at risk and provides them with new coping mechanisms. - The guide with materials on group training on responsible parentage, information brochures for parents “Booklet for brave and unbrave parents” and “Pass on the good parent experience” are disseminated among professionals and parents in the municipality of Veliko Tarnovo. The methodology for group training of responsible parentage skills was promoted in State Agency for Child Protection, Social Assistance Agency, Social Assistance Directorate and social services providers and helps enhance the capacity of professionals for group parent training. - Enhances sensitivity and awareness of the public regarding the problems of children and families at risk.

67 Integrated Support for Children, Victims of Domestic Violence NAIA Association Project duration: November 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 24,359 Euro

Background support; 1 women who exercised domestic violence received help and consultations; 3 men who exercised NAIA Association has been providing the social domestic violence received help and consultations; service “Center for social rehabilitation and integration 287 psychological consultations conducted; 127 legal of children, victims of domestic violence” since 2006. consultations conducted; 116 conducted social con- We have carried out a large number of campaigns for sultations; 11 cases initiated under the Law on protec- improvement of the awareness and sensitivity of the tion against domestic violence; 9 measures for pro- society, trainings for various groups on the topic “Do- tection decreed, 2 claims withdrawn. mestic violence on children”. However, up to the moment we have not worked with kindergarten and school b. Improved capacity of school and kindergarten teachers. Kindergarten and school are extremely im- teachers from Targovishte municipality to recognize portant for restricting the number of cases of violence the signs of violence over children and direct them to on children through early identification of the problem. social services. Often the teachers are the first people who can ob- Implemented activities: 6 two-day seminars held serve the signs of domestic violence, provided that they for 58 school and 16 kindergarten teachers from have the necessary knowledge and skills. Since launch- Targovishte municipality to increase their sensitivity ing the service of support for children –victims of do- to the subject “Domestic violence on children”, to teach mestic violence we have established interinstitutional them how to recognize the signs of violence on chil- cooperation with the Police and Department for Child dren and direct them to social services. Protection. However, this experience needed further enhancement and improvement for us to establish inter- c. Enhanced capacity of the human resource of institutional cooperation with more institutions; to have the institutions and the organizations that offer sup- a common and shared vision of the reasons for do- port and protection to children within Targovishte mu- mestic violence on children and how we could help, to nicipality. work together and to act together, covering in such way Implemented activities: 2 two-day seminars held more children – victims of domestic violence. for 22 professionals of institutions and organizations that work with children, victims of domestic violence and their families to raise awareness and sensitivity Practice towards acts of domestic violence on children; acquiring competences for work on cases, as well as skills The main objective of the project is to restrict do- in networking. mestic violence over children within Targovishte municipality. d. Provision of integrated support (multidisciplinary and interinstitutional) to children, victims of domestic Specific objectives: violence and their families from Targovishte munici- a. Extension of the range of the services offered pality. by Center for social rehabilitation and integration of Implemented activities: Interinstitutional coopera- children victims of violence (domestic violence, sexual tion and establishment of a network. The institutions violence and trafficking). concerned were involved, and work meetings with their Implemented activities: Provision of social ser- representatives were carried out for discussion of vices for children, victims of domestic violence and cases of children – victims of domestic violence (De- their families – psychological, social and legal con- partment for Child Protection as a part of Social Sup- sulting; hot line for children – victims of domestic vio- port Directorate, Police, schools, Municipality, Labour lence; initiating legal proceeding under the Law on Office, other NGOs and providers of social services, protection against domestic violence and representa- etc.) - 15 interinstitutional work meetings carried out; tion in court - 47 children, victims of domestic vio- 23 cases of children – victims of violence submitted lence, received help and support; 39 women, victims for solution; 4 Agreements for cooperation with insti- of domestic violence, received help and support; 3 tutions working with children prepared and signed. men, victims of domestic violence, received help and 68 Achieved results domestic violence and their environment in a network with the other institutions, sharing resources and re- - Increased number of children – victims of sponsibilities; domestic violence and their families from Targovishte municipality, who received help, support and protec- - Information folder issued and disseminated tion; in circulation of 1200 copies; - Created conditions for rendering effective and - “Manual for integrated support for children, timely support and protection for children – victims of victims of domestic violence” for professionals issued domestic violence and their families from Targovishte and disseminated in circulation of 300 copies. municipality, involving the institutions concerned – schools, the Police, Department for Child Protection, Municipality, “Association NAIA”, etc.; Contact information - Cases of violence on children identified by school and kindergarten teachers from Targovishte Svetla Borisova Sivcheva municipality and directed to social services and pre- 37 Antim I Str., Targovishte 7700, Bulgaria ventive activities carried out; Tel./Fax: ++359 601 62889 - Practice, created and proved its efficiency, that it is necessary to work with children-victims of [email protected]

69 Protected Area and Reintegration of Children, Victims of Violence Positive Personal Skills in Society Foundation - PULSE Foundation, Pernik Project duration: December 2009 – December 2010 Project budget: 35,523 Euro

Background tic Violence Act, the Child Protection Act and the Law for Protection against Trafficking. Networking with the CPD, Our clinical experience has shown that usually Police, prosecutors, court and NGO sector in Pernik was victims of violence do not know where to seek help essential for the successful implementation of these regu- and support, they act incoherently and uncertainly, and latory mechanisms. children living in such family environment are at constant serious risk of neglect, physical and emotional The PULSE team relies on the competence of abuse. Specialized work with children helps them ac- psychologists, social workers, lawyers and doctors to quire new social skills that are left aside in the situa- work with children, victims of violence, which makes tion of conflict between the spouses/partners. Timely the service comprehensive and useful. Providing a intervention in these cases reduces the risk of future protected space for children and their parents / care- problems such as development of an aggressive givers, victims of violence, helps the successful func- model of relating to others. tioning in the community, equal representation in school and normalization of their contacts with peers, Pernik is a city with a population of about 80 000. It prevents social exclusion, etc. The rehabilitation of is mainly an industrial city (mining and metallurgy). Many children victims of violence or witnesses of violence educated people from the city work in Sofia which is 35 significantly reduces the risks of social exclusion and km away. For Pernik, the legacy of the post-totalitarian follow-up risks, such as behavioural problems. On the reform includes hard industrial jobs with low payment, other hand, assisting the parent in finding a safe space high unemployment rate, disintegration of community for the child and herself helped for better parenting entities and traditional families. It is characterized by a and prevented the risk of exposure to harmful or un- high range of cases of family violence, child abuse and healthy living conditions for the child. teenage delinquency. On the other hand, it has very few resources to support and protect children at risk. Opening a crisis centre for children, victims of violence, Achieved results was an absolute necessity. One of the results of this project is that all institu- On many occasions PULSE Foundation has had tions that could be referrals/ gates for clients of the to refer crisis cases needing a safe place and protec- Crisis centre are informed about admission proce- tion to the Crisis Centre of Animus Association Foun- dures, the needs of the target groups and the services dation due to the lack of suitable accommodation, provided in the Centre. They are already familiar with which prevented the child from going to school and the philosophy of the organization and the mission of the parent from going to work and hampered coordi- this project. The Crisis Centre was announced as a nation. The Protected Area will not only serve for the new resource of the municipality, which can be used emergency cases, but also for the long-term work with by child care and social care professionals in Pernik. clients for overcoming the trauma and better social The Youth Club at the organization helped a lot in integration. disseminating the information among young people. Providing alternative care for children and moth- Practice ers improved the mental health care in Pernik as a The main objective of the present project was whole. Training in parental skills became part of the improving the existing services for children, victims way to overcome the risk of abandonment or next of violence, by providing a protected space for a life child abuse/ neglect. without violence. The second more specific objective of the proposal Contact information was to maintain and develop a crisis unit for children and Ekaterina Veleva, Aksiniya Stoimenova their parents who are at risk of domestic violence - physical, emotional and sexual/ or forced prostitution. The next 2 Sredets Str., Pernik 2300, Bulgaria step was the establishment of a program for rehabilitation Tel.: ++359 76 60 10 10 and reintegration of victims. One of our permanent aims Tel./Fax: ++359 76 60 33 60 is to work for the effective implementation of the Domes- [email protected] 70 PRIORITY AREA 3.

DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL SOCIETY AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

71 Advocacy Campaign for Personal Assistance and Human Rights of Disabled People Centre for Independent Living – Sofia Project duration: 4.03.2009.- 31.11.2010. Project budget: 60,524.02 Euro

Background of the social model of disabilities; (2) having disabled people empowered to stand for their human rights, The Personal Assistance (PA) scheme, which and particularly the right to live independently through serves to compensate the deficit caused by impair- access to PA, and last but not least (3) raising aware- ment, is a social practice in many European coun- ness among the governmental bodies responsible for tries. The Centre for Independent Living (CIL), as an social policies and individual policy makers about the organisation with extensive international connections, PA scheme as an alternative to the existing services explored the existing mechanisms in Europe and US and a tool for empowerment and participation of dis- and run a pilot project back in 2002 with 30 disabled abled people in the communities. people in Sofia. External donor funds (NOVIB – Dutch Organisation for International Development) helped Thus, we started the project with a set of research the Bulgarian users to recruit and hire their assistants, activities. The research methodology came first: it was manage the assistance time and quality of services based on the values and principles of IL, containing and change their assistants, when they found this nec- both quantitative and qualitative elements (statistical essary. Along with administering the scheme, CIL ran data and personal stories in structured interviews) with a wide public campaign to promote the mechanism a purpose to provide for reliable results that could be itself and the results achieved. Ever since then, all used in the advocacy activities to come. All assistance government cabinets have introduced different assis- services were subjected to evaluation and the find- tance services but none of them supports – in any ings showed that the variety of arrangements on pa- way – the social inclusion of disabled people by allow- per did not necessarily provide real freedom of choice ing individual assessment, empowerment of the ben- for the disabled people. All generated documents were eficiaries and control of the service provided to its uploaded on the project web-site (www.lichna- users. The lack of real support for independent living pomosht.org) as well as on the web-sites of the Bul- (IL) made several organisations of disabled people in garian partners. In addition, most of the MPs, political Sofia, Vidin, Bourgas and Stara Zagora look for a sus- party leaders, decision-makers and other stakehold- tainable solution on the national level, which will meet ers received them on a memory stick. the needs of over 10,000 severely disabled people who Dozens of meetings were held with government are determined to live independently and have con- officials from the relevant ministry and the Social trol over their daily activities. Results of this meeting Welfare Agency, with MPs and other decision mak- were shared with the leadership of ULOBA – the dis- ers. Partners from Bourgas, Vidin and Stara Zagora ability organisation which initiated the PA scheme in met hundreds of disabled people and helped profes- Norway and hosted a visit of a small group of Bulgar- sionals to present the evaluation results and the ma- ian disabled people in 2008. Actually this trip to jor difference between the existing disability services Drammen, Norway had a serious effect on the Bul- and the PA scheme as a tool for social empowerment garian visitors and created a strong determination in and inclusion of disabled people. The awareness cam- all of them to advocate for a legal regulation of the paign also included numerous articles on the subject PAs in Bulgaria and ULOBA activists committed to published by disability organisations in other European become partners in such project. countries and translated into Bulgarian. The exchange visits between ULOBA and the Practice Bulgarian partners left deep memories on both sides along with valuable experience and lessons learnt: The main goal of the project was to have dis- Bulgarians in Oslo and Drammen found out that even abled people exercise their human rights through ac- in 2010 and despite the achievements of the Norwe- cess to personal assistance and independent living in gian social policies, Norwegian disabled citizens con- the communities they choose. Its achievement was tinue to be politically active and demanding from their impossible without (1) raising awareness among dis- government to be treated as equal to the rest of the abled people and their organisations of the PA scheme population; Norwegians tried “to vote” in the parlia- as a tool for equal opportunities and policy application mentary elections in Bulgaria in 2009 and quickly came

72 to the conclusion that the Bulgarian political process two marches in the city of Sofia and show an impres- is not accessible for disabled people. Everyone sive performance during the Freedom Drive march in realised that the human rights battle is not over yet, Strasbourg (2009). All actions of the Bulgarian dis- anywhere in the world, especially when it comes to abled citizens are dedicated to the demand for legal attitudes, prejudices and vested interests. regulations of the PA scheme, which has to replace the limited provision of services on a programme- In the three-month’ extension of the project – Sep- project basis. The Government – through the Ministry tember through November 2010 – additional reports of Labour and Social Policy – makes clumsy efforts to were finalised and promoted: financial estimates were modernize the existing services and bring them closer prepared of the PA Law (which was itself drafted with to the IL concept, demonstrates political will to intro- extra funding raised as a result of work on the project), duce “personal budgets” but the low administrative Disability Policy Review and Review of the Calls for capacity of its agencies prevents it from offering the Proposals announced under the Human Resource “real thing”, which will guarantee that disabled people Development Programme (operating with EU Struc- will be allowed to enjoy life in the communities of their tural Funs). All research results show that the current own choice. Some light in the tunnel could be seen at disability policies in Bulgaria are too “generous” in the end of 2010 when the Minister of Labour and So- terms of the public budget and meager for the citi- cial Policy, Totyu Mladenov, officially invited CIL and zens – all because of poor targeting and lousy imple- the rest of the Bulgarian project partners to partici- mentation practices which ignore the individual needs pate in a task force on the Draft PA Law. This is an of disabled people and place them in isolation. encouraging start, which would have never happened without the efforts of all project participants and the assistance of the NGO Support Fund 2008 – 2010 Achieved results under the European Economic Area Financial Mecha- As a result of all activities under the project, poli- nism. ticians, public administration and disabled people became more familiar with the idea of IL, but this did not affect the policies. Despite the weaknesses of the Contact information existing assistance services exposed in the research, the Government did not get the courage to change Kapka Panayotova the approach and give a chance to disabled Bulgar- 60 Ekzarh Yosif Str., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria ians who wanted to assume responsibility for their lives by managing the services they receive. The growing Tel.: ++359 2 983 25 15 IL Movement, however, managed to utilise the project Cell Phone: ++359 888 504 325 results and raised extra funding to draft a Bulgarian PA Law in a wide consultative process, to organise [email protected]; [email protected]

73 Citizen Control Over Waste Management in Yambol Municipality IDEA European Initiatives Club Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 30.06.2010. Project budget: 7,906.78 Euro

Background - 8 mobile teams for filming of illegal dumpsites involving 62 young people were established - 100 The problem of illegal dumpsites has been cen- dumpsites in all residential areas were filmed, 50 tral for EIC IDEA’s team and its supporters for a long time. The waste thrown around in residential areas, dumpsites were cleaned; school territories, recreation areas, along the banks - 4 landscaping activities in Yambol with 67 of Tundzha river not only offend our eyes, but also participants were conducted; cause illnesses. Therefore we decided to design a - A poster contest Green Yambol conducted, project to demonstrate that environmental protection 120 works were received, 21 awards; is not solely the duty of the local authority, to prove - Materials for the information campaign were that our commitment does not end when we pay the developed; waste tax, but that it is also about not tolerating those who litter our cities. One way to do this is by explain- - A photo exhibition including photographed ing the benefit of separate waste collection, pointing dump sites, cleaned sites, landscaping activities etc. out the closest waste containers, introducing sepa- was arranged and presented to 15 schools; rate waste collection of paper, PVC, glass and metal - Information materials were published on the at home, explain what its benefits are to our family web pages of EIC IDEA and Yambol municipality - and friends, inform ourselves of different ways to save www.ngoidea.com; www.obshtinayambol.org energy and resources in order to lessen our ecologi- - Closing youth eco-happening was held at cal imprint. We have repeatedly discussed with our which the 21 winners received their awards; youth environment protection issues and relevant activities to start with and change people’s self-aware- - European and Bulgarian best practices in the ness. As we think that the best mediators of good ideas area of urban environment protection were studied; are young people, we took the decision to target project - Two conferences were held – at the begin- activities towards young people at educational age, ning and the end of the project; young people between 18 – 35 and representatives of - Brochure with achieved project results was NGOs in Yambol. published.

Practice Contact information The main project goal was to raise the ecological Milena Georgieva consciousness of young people and their awareness 1-6 Tsar Simeon Str., fl. 6, Yambol 8600, Bulgaria of opportunities for their involvement in environment Tel./Fax: +359 46 910980 protection activities in the town of Yambol. Cell Phone: ++359 885 935 050 We conducted a survey among 500 people in order to analyze youth attitude towards city environment [email protected] protection. We established 8 mobile youth teams to take photos of illegal dumpsites and provide information to the municipality of Yambol. Landscaping action was conducted. A poster contest Green Yambol was arranged. An information campaign as well as a traveling exhibition were conducted among 15 schools in the town of Yambol. Project activities included research and promotion of best European and Bulgar- ian practices in urban environment protection. A closing youth eco happening was also held.

Achieved results - Survey among 500 people was conducted, report drawn up and presented; 74 Prevention – Effective Reaction Against Women and Child Trafficking Centre Maria Association Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 30.06.2010. Project budget: 19,061.96 Euro

Background institutions, the Local Commission for tackling antisocial behaviour of children, educational and social in- During a work meeting conducted in Centre Maria’s stitutions interested in the problem and media repre- office in April 2009, teachers, psychologists, social sentatives. During the meetings the results accom- workers and other specialists working in different in- plished so far were discussed, opinions and attitudes stitutions in Veliko Turnovo District, united over the on concrete problems that emerged were exchanged idea that the prevention of violence towards women and feasible suggestions for their solution were pro- and children is the most effective measure to combat vided. this phenomenon. This is how the idea of Centre Maria to develop a new project for prevention of women and 2. Trainings on prevention of women and child child trafficking came into being. The project was to trafficking with the participation of children and youth improve further upon already accomplished results from High Schools, Primary Schools, Elementary from other projects on the prevention of violence in Schools and social institutions, specialists from edu- five municipalities in Veliko Turnovo District (Gorna cational and social institutions, and unemployed young Oryahovitsa, Lyaskovets, Zlataritsa, Polski Trumbesh, women. The trainings were delivered by two lectur- Svishtov).. ers, members of the project team – a psychologist and a lawyer. They worked on a previously agreed We specified the direct users and their needs – schedule appropriate for the specific group by using unemployed young women up to 30 years of age, listed contemporary interactive methods of training. The in Labour Bureau Directorates; High School, Primary participants in the seminar were thoroughly introduced School, Elementary School students; youth social in- to the phenomenon of traffic and sexual exploitation, stitutions; teachers, pedagogue counselors, psycholo- the ways of being drawn into traffic schemes, the dan- gists, social workers from educational and social insti- gers and the risks, the available resources for help, tutions in Veliko Turnovo District who needed to de- the legal basis, the state policy and strategies in com- velop their skills in working on traffic prevention and bating human trafficking. detecting vulnerable children and youth, thus protect- 3. Information campaign under the motto „Be in- ing them from being involved in prostitution and traffic. formed!” The main objective was to inform as many people as possible of the existing problem of women and child trafficking as a social phenomenon, to en- Practice sure publicity and transparency of the objectives, the progress, the implementation and the results achieved Project objective: To help alleviate the risks of so far. The campaign stressed on the social aspect of being involved in women and child trafficking in five human trafficking. municipalities from Veliko Turnovo Region. In most municipalities we were assisted by volun- Project goals: teers who enthusiastically decided to take part in the 1. Enriching the knowledge of children, youths and campaign. In order to carry out the campaign, we pre- women at risk of their rights, and developing skills to pared information and prevention materials: fliers „Hu- resist the ways of being drawn into traffic schemes. man trafficking”, pamphlets “Women and child trafficking – useful information”, posters “Women and child 2. Enhancing the capacity of specialists in schools trafficking – time for action” and a handbook “Let’s and institutions working on prevention of women and make it together”(used during the trainings for the child trafficking. unemployed). We also published five articles in local 3. Raising the awareness and sensitivity of soci- newspapers, produced a video on traffic prevention, ety on the human trafficking problem and engaging it containing information on counteraction to traffic and in concrete activities on this issue. we secured its broadcast in the whole Veliko Turnovo Region. In addition to this, we periodically updated Cen- Accomplished activities: tre Maria’s website with the newest information on the 1. Work meetings of Centre Maria’s team with issue. representatives of local authorities and governmental 75 4. Closing round table: in this forum we were able - Increased public awareness and sensitivity on to share and discuss the positive experience gained the issue of human trafficking; visible publicity and under this project with a wider circle of participants. We transparency of the objectives, progress, implemen- managed to discuss the possible ways and forms of tation and achievements under the project as well as improving the coordination between the child protec- the donor’s contribution; five articles in local newspa- tion institutions. The focus of our work was on imple- pers were published; 3000 fliers, 600 pamphlets, 150 menting a Coordination Mechanism of interaction in posters - published and disseminated; a video on cases of children, victims or those at risk of violence, counter reaction to women and child trafficking was by using the accomplished results under the project. produced and broadcasted. The suggestions that have been brought up (to update - Enhanced professional and institutional ca- the curriculum by increasing the number of discussion pacity of Centre Maria Association for dealing with sig- classes and the topic of violence and traffic prevention nificant social problems in cooperation with local au- to become mandatory; to train homeroom teachers, thorities, state institutions and NGOs; increased lecturers, school psychologists, police officers, and influence of civil society in taking decisions on current students for direct work on prevention of these phe- problems at the local level; established effective sys- nomena; the need to also work with the parents them- tem for monitoring the work on traffic prevention; en- selves; to promote the National phone line for children gaging the local community’s attention in finding so- 116 111; to examine the interests and the needs of the lutions to the problem, mobilizing the local resources children; to rationalize the students’ free time; to use for effective and constant preventive work among the all available resources of institutions and NGOs; to groups at risk, securing social and institutional assis- activate a broader media campaign; to work on increas- tance. ing the efficiency of the multidisciplinary teams on site in line with the Child Protection Act) will be used in our further work on prevention of violence and women and child trafficking. Contact information Lyudmila Tsvetanova, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Centre Maria Association. Achieved results 11 Tzar Osvoboditel Str., fl. 3, - Increased awareness of students, youth from Gorna Oryahovitsa 5100, Bulgaria social institutions and women at risk on the potential danger of being involved into traffic, established pro- Tel./Fax: ++359 618 221 81 tection skills – we have trained 271 children from public [email protected] schools, 33 boys and girls from social institutions and 18 unemployed young women from five municipalities from Veliko Turnovo Region on prevention of women and child trafficking. - Expanded and enriched capacity of teachers and social workers through contemporary teaching instruments of carrying out traffic prevention among groups at risk – we have trained 28 specialists (teachers, pedagogue counselors, psychologists and social workers from the five municipalities) who work directly with children and youths.

76 Monitoring and Assessment of the Central Register of Legal Non-for-Profit Entities Bulgarian Centre for Not-for-Profit Law Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 31.10.2010. Project budget: 16,085.53 Euro

Background ter of NGOs (CR) at the Ministry of Justice in order to achieve transparency of the activities and the status The main reasons behind the idea of developing of the registered NGOs. Specific objectives included: the project can be viewed from two perspectives. On the one hand, since its establishment BCNL has been - Assessment of the activities of the CR con- working to improve the legal and financial framework cerning its functions and powers in relation to NGOs; for civil society organizations. Our experts are at the - Development of a mechanism for periodical core of justifying the concept of public benefit organi- assessment of CR activities; zations (PBO) and their registration in the special - Improvement of the effectiveness of the CR Central register. An effective register is an essential through formulation of concrete recommendations prerequisite for transparent governance of the orga- and an action plan for their implementation; nizations and their visibility to the general public. An - Promotion of the assessment and the mea- effective register can also be considered a reliable sures for improvement of the CR activity. tool for raising awareness among the general public and media about the profile of PBO. As a supporter of The main activities included: preparation of an the idea to have a Central Register for Public Benefit assessment report on the activity of the CR based on Organizations, it was our professional interest to de- the methodology developed and information gathered velop such a project. Thus we aimed to assess whether from different sources; formulation of a set of recom- the Central Register, almost 9 years after its estab- mendations for improving the operation of the CR. lishment, plays the role and serves the purposes en- The recommendations were widely discussed with all visaged at its inception. Moreover, such an assess- stakeholders, such as NGO representatives, repre- ment had not been made before. On the other hand, sentatives of the institutions who interact with the CR, some other important factors provoked the implemen- like court, prosecution, the National Revenue Agency, tation of such a project, namely: as well as representatives from CR. The recommendations were discussed at expert level meetings as - Since CR establishment till now the number well as during the round table public discussion on the of public benefit organizations has increased signifi- assessment of CR. cantly. At the same time, many of the registered organizations complain of inefficiencies in the register operation, leading to outdated information related to PBO Achieved results status; The main results are the existence of an indepen- - The increased number of refusals for regis- dent external assessment of the operation of the CR tration; and elaborated recommendations. The recommenda- - Lack of clear information on how the CR con- tions are grouped in two categories – recommenda- trols the registered organization; tions related to the organization of work of CR and With view of the above, the target groups affected recommendations related to the legislative amend- by the project were clearly defined as CR administra- ments. The organizational ones are feasible in the short tion and registered organizations. The registered term without the need for accumulation of financial NGOs are directly affected by the transparent and resources for their implementation. effectively functioning CR. More broadly, the existence of a good and effective record of public benefit organizations would have a positive effect on the gen- Contact information eral public and media as they will have access to up- to-date information on the activities of public benefit Ralitsa Velichkova organizations. Bulgarian Centre for Not-for-Profit Law 6 Dobrudja Str., fl. 1, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Practice Tel./Fax: ++359 2 981 66 17; ++359 2 988 81 66 The overall objective of the project was the im- [email protected] provement of the effectiveness of the Central Regis- 77 We are All Equal, We Are All Different Alliance for Regional and Civil Initiatives (ARCI) Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 31.10.2010. Project budget: 28,935.84 Euros

Background criminatory approaches in the educational system was submitted to the educational institutions. In addition, Children living in isolated communities to a great information meetings for promoting the results and extent inherit the community’s cultural and educational the possibilities for exchange of best practices with perception, which hinders their social integration and other educational centres were conducted at several leads to manifestation of discriminatory behavior and places. inequality. The major needs of the target groups are connected with the creation of conditions for raising awareness and understanding between different ethnic groups in schools. A similar effect can be achieved Achieved results through systematic efforts to overcome prejudice, ste- The results can be divided into the following: reotypes and discrimination on ethnic grounds. This led to the idea for the implementation of a project in Qualitative: two different multicultural societies in different geo- The project supported the development of civil graphical regions, but with identical problems. society in mixed ethnical regions by mobilizing four school communities to reduce instances of ethnic discriminatory behavior and human rights abuse in the Practice educational system. A new approach - “educational theatre” - was developed. Teachers from the corre- Project activities were implemented in 4 schools sponding schools applied it in four ethnically isolated – in the Municipalities of Ihtiman, Silistra and Sitovo schools in the Municipalities of Silistra, Sitovo and (Iskra Village). The project aimed at limiting the mani- Ihtiman. Its application had a positive impact on stu- festation of discriminatory behaviour on ethnic grounds dents, their parents, teachers and institutional repre- and human rights’ abuse in the educational system. sentatives and made them realize the consequences Several teachers from the schools passed through of the different forms of discrimination, including on specialized training for introducing the informal inter- ethnic grounds. Successful partnerships were estab- active approach “Educational theatre”. Under this ap- lished aiming to protect human rights and limit the proach, representatives of the different ethnic com- instances of discriminatory behavior. A significant im- munities change their status in the form of games. petus was given for overcoming the stereotypes and The chilldren emotionally „take the role“ of the other constraints which lead to dropout of students from and start seeing and feeling the world through his/her school. As a whole, the project succeeded in creating „eyes“. The “Educational theatre” approach was ap- a supportive civil environment for equality in the edu- plied in schools during the school year. At the end of cational system and contributed to the civil society project activities, several open classes were conducted development in two geographical regions of Bulgaria. with the participation of parents and teachers, and the results were summarized and analyzed. The project Quantitative: events included conducting multicultural activities – „Educational theatre“ approach developed; entitled “Children’s parties of tolerance” with the participation of mixed groups of children from the se- – Report „Research and analysis of best prac- lected schools and parents from Ihtiman, Sitovo and tices and anti-discriminatory approaches in the edu- Silistra. Joint sports events were implemented, where cational system“ developed; the children had the opportunity to participate in mixed – Principal proposal to the institutions submit- teams and to feel the spirit of the team and friendship. ted; Information on project activities was also available on – 16 teachers trained for work with the new ap- the web site developed under the project. A report proach; „Research of best practices for antidiscriminatory approaches in schools“ was developed and presented – 64 individual classes and 16 open classes at a round table held in Sofia in September 2010. A dedicated to the „Educational theatre“ approach con- proposal for applying the new and creative antidis- ducted; 78 – 6 joint tolerance parties held; Contact information – 6 sports events held; Tsvetelina Yordanova Neshkova, Project manager – 400 children trained; 167A „Evlogi Georgiev“ Blvd., fl. 1, – 780 children, included in the joint events; Sofia 1504, Bulgaria – 193 parents involved in project activities Tel.: +359 2 944 63 89 Fax: +359 2 944 13 50 [email protected]

79 Fair Trial for Victims of Human Trafficking Bulgarian Judges Association (BJA) Project duration: 4.03.2009. - 30.04.2010. Project budget: 29,104.70 Euro

Background Achieved results The project idea was initially formulated in the The project has improved the quality of law en- summer of 2008 and represented an initiative sup- forcement on human trafficking cases not only by ported simultaneously by many members and making available expert and comprehensive analy- organisations within the judiciary (inter alia, the Su- ses of a strong practical bias and the organised train- preme Cassation Prosecution Office and individual ing events, but also by shifting professional attitudes courts), which launched a spirited discussion on con- to new practices and approaches to working with the tradictory court practice in relation to cases of human victims. The process has involved both professional trafficking in the wake of conducting a check and es- groups concerned in criminal law enforcement as well tablishing a critical backlog of court cases and corre- as legal researchers, higher education practitioners, sponding rulings which had not been studied and junior magistrates, court witnesses and professionals analysed. On the basis of a survey of the professional engaged in the support activities addressing the needs training and needs of BJA members, human traffick- of the victims of violence and human trafficking, in- ing emerged as a major concern. The results indi- cluding social workers. cated judges felt inadequately equipped to interpret The following good practices were developed in and apply the law and insufficiently informed about the course of project implementation: human trafficking as a criminal and social phenomenon and its implications for the victims. 1) Ongoing monitoring of activities and the condition of the target group. Constant contact with the target group, not only involving it in project activities Practice and assessment, but also ensuring ongoing needs analysis with view of adapting the project accordingly. The main goal of the project was to improve the This allowed the project to become highly flexible in efficiency of law enforcement, with a particular focus case of new needs arising and fostered initiative-tak- on human trafficking, by raising the professional coming in the target group to request specific trainings. petence of judges in the area of law interpretation and 2) Where risks with implications for partner ac- application and their awareness and knowledge of the tivities were identified, support was provided in a timely specific nature and main characteristics of the crimi- manner by integrating the expert knowledge of a third nal offence. For this purpose, specialist research and similar professional organisation; analyses were conducted aiming to explore the phenomenon, the profile of the victims and perpetrators, 3) A high standard of team work and a decision applicable legislation in this area, relevant court prac- making process underlined by a broad consensus tice and good practices in the area of working with the among all project partners and a constant exchange victims. A training module was designed on this basis of information, in an environment of mutual trust and and training events were conducted for approximately professional support. Therefore, the achievements of 10 percent of all judges in Bulgaria whilst the target the project can be attributed in equal measure to all group was expanded to include prosecutors and in- members of the project team and all external associ- vestigating police officers. Published research was ates and demonstrates that risks and challenges are disseminated to all stakeholders and was widely pub- best tackled by dedicated joint effort; licized within the community of legal practitioners. The 4) External consultants were used within the training events were also used as a platform for the framework of all analytical and training components promotion of good practices from other European of the project and services were provided by experi- countries with similar provisions on human traffick- enced professional in the relevant field. This enhanced ing. Research and training activities were organised the representativeness and usefulness of end prod- and conducted in partnership with a number of ucts vis-а-vis the target group; organisations, which formed a network and continue to work actively, as well as carry out further research 5) Strict adherence to professional standards for and training. conducting research and training events on the basis

80 of the needs identified by the partners involved in 9) The training materials, the book with research project implementation; and recommendations made on the topic of the project, reached over 1100 respondents. The originally pre- 6) Use of an interdisciplinary approach to select pared 120 folders with analytical materials for the first the project team and target groups; training in Plovdiv reached over 100 judges and pros- 7) Four training sessions were held in different ecutors who attended the general meeting of BJA. parts of the country to achieve a larger project scale After the preparation and printing of the book FAIR and to involve more professionals and district areas TRIAL FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICING in affected by increased sensitivity to human trafficking. 1000 copies, containing the same materials, it was These cities were: also sent to the libraries of the appellate courts and - Sofia prosecution offices in the country to the sections of the BJA and deposited in the National Library. - Plovdiv - Veliko Tarnovo - Stara Zagora Contact information Rumen Tzonkov 8) The project has covered a much wider group of respondents than originally anticipated and targeted. Cell Phone: ++359 896 600 720 The training sessions were attended by judges, pros- [email protected] ecutors, police officers and other professionals. The total number of people covered by the trainings is as follows: - Judges - 110 - Prosecutors and police investigators - 58 - Victims of trafficking - 31 - Other experts - 41

81 Establishment of a Model of Work with Children at Risk (from 11 to 15 Years of Age) in the Sphere of Human Rights Defence and Prevention of Abuse Association UNESCO Club Project duration: 4.03.2009. - 31.08.2009. Project budget: 11,154.99 Euro

Background 1. Training activities: During the period 2004 – 2006, the team of Training of the target group of 30 children, aged UNESCO Club Association in partnership with other 11-15 years old, on the topics: “Rights of children in a NGOs implemented initiatives to acquaint students at changing world”, “Sustainable to risks behaviour” was the upper school level with the phenomenon of hu- conducted by a team of the partner organization man trafficking. In 2007-2008 specialists from our or- through interactive methods of education. Training ganization established professional contacts with modules “Rights of children and trafficking”,”peer to teachers and psychologists from the local commu- peer education” and “Educational Theatre - method- nity. Many of them shared the opinion that there was ology and application” were conducted for volunteers urgent need of undertaking measures aimed at pre- from UNESCO Club Association. venting the violation of rights of children from risk 2. Practical activities with children for building groups, as well as lack of effective educational sustainable behaviour: programmes for children on their rights and building up behaviour that is sustainable to risk. Thus, the idea The “Educational theatre” methodology was ap- for this project was generated. plied since it is very suitable for the target age group. The children participated in the sketches and games The preliminary survey on local activities related on the topic (“trafficking”) based on their past and cur- to the problem of child trafficking established that sev- rent experience. eral projects dedicated to children’s rights and child trafficking and targeting students from the upper school We developed thematic units related to building level had been implemented in the municipality. How- up behaviour sustainable to risk. The sessions with ever, no such projects had been implemented target- children were assisted by the young volunteers. The ing children from risk groups, the ones that are most “peer to peer” training method proved to be very effi- threatened by abuse. On the other hand, after consul- cient for acquiring new behavioural patterns. tations with psychologists, we came to the conclusion On the basis of the developed sketches, a sce- that preventive measures should be undertaken for nario and a theatre play „Every child has the right to younger age groups /10-15 years old/ when the child …” were created. It was performed four times and matures socially and effectively absorbs patterns of was attended by children, parents, teachers and rep- behavior. resentatives of NGOs working with children. Therefore, we defined the following target groups 3. Working in a supportive environment: for the project: children aged 11-15, from different ethnic groups, with low social status, risk of dropping out A self-assistance group comprising teachers from of school, from institutions, and children with deviant both schools was established. There, professional is- behaviour. sues and methods related to work with children at risk for education on protection of children’s rights and The project was implemented in two model schools developing sustainable behaviour were discussed. In – St. Cyril and Methodius Secondary School and Nikola the parents’ self-assistance group, participants shared Vaptsarov School in the town of Haskovo, where the problems and difficulties, and provided mutual sup- percentage of those risk groups was very high. port and assistance for their solution. 4. Resource activity: Practice The following were developed, published and dis- The main project objective was to develop inno- seminated among schools, social institutions for chil- vative approaches for work with children (11-15 years) dren and NGOs working on child problems: at risk in the field of human rights, child abuse and - A practical guide I Know. My Strength Is That prevention of child trafficking. The following activities I Know for teachers teaching in secondary schools, con- were implemented. taining interactive methods for work with children, a description of the “Educational theatre” approach,

82 sample exercises and role play. Contact information - An information leaflet with advice to children Veneta Antonova at high school age aimed at preventing child abuse and child trafficking. 2 Han Kubrat Str., Haskovo 6300, Bulgaria Tel.: ++359 38 620 248 Cell Phone: ++359 889 346 836 Results achieved [email protected] Thirty children were educated on human rights and skills to counter risk factors for child abuse; peda- [email protected] gogical skills of 15 teachers to educate children on human rights and prevention of trafficking increased; parental competence of 12 parents in trafficking and abuse of children at risk increased; skills of 7 young people to work with children aged 11-15 on children’s rights and prevention of trafficking increased. In- creased awareness of the local community, children, parents, teachers, institutions for children on the prevention of child abuse by promotion of new methods to address prevention of child trafficking; capacity of UNESCO club on problems of child trafficking increased. Established good partnership with “Open World” Centre, Haskovo and the Regional Educational Inspectorate.

83 Future Friendly - Third Generation Human Rights - New Generation Citizens Future Now Community Centre (Chitalishte) Project duration: 4.03.2009. - 28.2.2010. Project budget: 37,826.54 Euro

Background skills and attitudes needed to work on the validation of collective human rights helped us a lot to find the This project was the logical continuation of our right way to reach the youth. efforts for a change in the area of civil and ecological education. Sharing of common values and the joint We managed to activate the young people by in- work of people all over the world to guarantee the cluding them in the program for face to face and dis- rights of future generations and the sustainability of tance education in the area of third generation human the planet made us think how to promote these rights rights and civil participation. in Bulgaria. Youth participation and willingness for a On our web site www.futurefriendly.bg they had change have always motivated us and we believe that access to high quality information materials (texts, young people have to be inspired to act. Our main audio tapes, videos) presenting the project and the goal was to foster youth participation through intro- work on the program. ducing them to the new generation of civil rights and thus create a higher level of civil culture. The lack of Including young people in a social network for systematic and interactive civil education, the lack of exchange of ideas, creating possibilities for joint work knowledge about the third generation human rights, and sharing of experience and good practices in the the lack of active participation of youth in implement- sphere of collective human rights gave very good re- ing their own ideas and projects inspired us to start sults – by the end of the project there were 25 youth this project. initiatives developed. Work on them and the social ”Future friendly – third generation human rights, network will continue in the future as well, since the new generation of citizens” was quite successful in network is becoming increasingly popular among addressing the need for a platform, a space for devel- young people. oping and implementing young people’s ideas in the That is how we accomplished the increase of context of the future of our world and collective hu- knowledge and skills of capable and motivated young man rights. people with a global view on the problems and solu- Through our Ideas Workshop we helped many tions connected to third generation human rights in young people to start thinking about their community the community, the region, the country and the world. and how it can be moved forward in a more sustain- The culmination of this process was the Ideas able, friendly and beautiful world. Workshop, where young people joined their creative power to work on the ideas and projects in the context of new generation human rights. Practice Our main goal was to foster the development of the Bulgarian civil society through creating an action- Results achieved friendly environment and a youth program in the area Change can be seen mainly in the lives of the of third generation human rights and civil participa- young people that participated in the project, as well tion, including the specific new knowledge, skills and as all the others who joined and helped in the imple- techniques required to work in the area of collective mentation of their projects and all the beneficiaries – human rights. We reached our goal with a lot of work elderly people, retirees, other young people and chil- and the active participation of youths from all over the dren, all of whom learned a lot about third generation country. We would not have been successful without human rights. Through the web site their willingness for a social change. But what was www.futurefriendly.bg, young people keep on learn- most surprising for us during the implementation of ing every day how to be more responsible towards the project was their initiative in the implementation their community and the people around them. They of their own ideas in the context of collective human learned how to put words into practice and how to rights. attract proselytes and resources to make their ideas a Preliminary research on the specific knowledge, reality. The importance of the project for local com- 84 munities will continue to grow in the following years. Contact information All youth initiatives addressed the needs of the community in the context of the project for new genera- Teodor Vasilev tion of citizens (like online TV for deaf-mute people; 26 Elemag Str., Sofia 1113, Bulgaria campaigns for AIDS prevention; donation of blood; web sites for children with disabilities and special edu- or cational needs; donation of smiles to elderly people, Gudevitsa Village 4792, etc). Smolyan Municipality, Bulgaria Cell Phone.: ++359 878 558 576 [email protected]

85 Together for Human Rights and Against Violence Bratstvo Community Centre (Chitalishte) Project duration: 4.03.2009. - 28.02.2010. Project budget: 20,243.74 Euro

Background press conference for announcing the project results; The organizations, partners under the current 3. Selection of participants for the trainings; project, have extensive experience in organizing vol- 4. Establishment of a Youth Volunteer Club for the unteer campaigns and their activities are oriented to- needs of the project; wards young people. The topic of violence against children and youths as one of the most important prob- 5. Organizing and carrying out four-module training; lems of our society is often discussed at the meetings 6. Lectures on the topic of „Peer Education”; and the events which we carry out with them. That is how the idea was born for the development of a project 7. TV discussions; to help systematize work on the solution of this impor- 8. Carrying out round tables; tant problem. 9. Creation of an internet webpage for the needs of The needs of the target group were related to en- the project; hancing the capacity for protection of their civil rights, 10. Carrying out information campaigns for: May 9th – building local capacity for prevention of violence, build- Europe Day, August 12th – International Youth Day, ing instructive and methodological competence for November 19th – International Day on Prevention of work with volunteers, support of volunteer initiatives Child Abuse, December 10th – Human Rights Day, and creation of a venue where the volunteers can creation and broadcast of a 1-minute video clip for communicate and get easy access to information. the Youth Volunteer Club, creation and broadcast of a 5-minute video clip on the topic of violence. Practice The overall goal of the project is to increase so- Results achieved cial sensitivity in the municipality of Kyustendil towards - provided opportunity for easy access to infor- violence against children and youths and to create mation about the protection of the fundamental hu- mechanisms for protection of the rights of the vulner- man rights and freedoms; able groups and prevention of violence. - a new and up-to-date internet page of the project The specific objectives of the project are: – focusing the attention of Kyustendil community on - To put the problem of violence against chil- looking for solutions to the problem of violence; high dren and youths in the centre of the social debate by number of visitors and considerable interest shown in carrying out an information campaign, broadcasting a the topics discussed on the webpage; visualizing the video clip, organizing TV discussions, creating a opportunities for the solution of specific problems of webpage. the people victims of violence and violated human - Research, sharing and development of good rights; practices for prevention of violence against children - a large-scale information campaign carried out; and youths through provision of access to informa- TV discussions filmed and broadcast –wide publicity tion. for the problems of violence and human rights viola- - Building capacity of the organizations for work tion in order to raise public awareness on these is- with volunteers and their active inclusion in the pre- sues; vention of violence against children and youth by hold- - a four- module training carried out – 20 partici- ing trainings, lectures, discussions and round tables. pants were trained for youth leaders in the area of Activities implemented for the accomplishment of prevention of violence; the participants gained skills the goals and objectives: for carrying out peer education, knowledge and skills for teamwork, effective communication and conflict 1. Preparation of the launch of the project; resolution skills, skills for tackling violence situations, 2. A press conference at the start of the project and a skills for holding preventive and training campaigns; 86 - round tables and lectures on the topic of Peer Contact information Education carried out – increased awareness and knowledge gained on the topic of violence, provision Ivan Andonov of social and institutional support for development and 11 Otets Paisii Str., Kyustendil 2500, Bulgaria introduction of mechanisms and models for prevention of violence against children and youths, good prac- Tel.: ++359 78 52 91 95 tices shared between the NGOs. Fax: ++359 78 52 91 95 [email protected]

87 The Village Takes the Floor - Citizen Monitoring of the Implementation of the Municipal Programme for the Development of Small Villages, Pleven Municipality Municipality Pleven Community Fund - Community Centers (Chitalishta) Project duration: 4.03.2009. - 30.04.2010. Project budget: 25,726.96 Euro

Background Practice The strategic document, subject to citizen moni- The main practice introduced was citizen monitoring, was developed and accepted by local authori- toring. This approach included activities which were ties as a result of an advocacy campaign carried out not only supplementary to citizen monitoring, but also in 2005 by our association with the help of the com- established new information channels that were eas- munity centers within Pleven Municipality. Although ily accessible and suitable for village residents. the programme was developed by experts, it contained In the beginning our organization made a survey measures and actions that did not correspond to the of best practices of citizen monitoring on the basis of real needs of village residents and not even a small which a methodology for the particular project task part of it was implemented. The general feeling among was developed. people from small villages was that local authorities were not interested in small settlements and that they This was followed by a series of public forums in were not on the agenda for development. Although the twenty-two villages in the municipality. There, we the Programme was developed to stimulate the pro- presented both the programme (it turned out the ordi- cesses of territorial development, it sometimes hin- nary village residents were not familiar with it) and the dered local people’s initiatives. An illustrative example project objectives. These were followed by structured is the fact that in 2008 the Mayoralty of Koilovtsi, the discussions to identify the most significant commu- community center and an Initiative committee devel- nity problems and possible solutions. These public oped a project proposal for introducing a new social meetings made people active and ready to partici- service in the village under the PHARE programme, pate not only in a dialogue with the authorities, but namely establishment of a daily center for elderly also in the solution of local problems. people in the municipal building of the closed down The public forum approach made it easier to iden- village school. This proposal was rejected outright by tify the informal community leaders, who were later the municipal administration with the explanation that involved in project implementation as civil observers. under the Development Programme for small villages within Pleven Municipality, the building was planned After the selection of community leaders, made to be a home for elderly people. This was at the same under our methodology, they were trained for the pend- time when a social service reform was launched in ing activities. the country, looking for opportunities to close down A really important step was the two-day meeting social institutions (like homes for elderly people) and between representatives of the two partnership orga- introduce social services in the community (such as a nizations, the local authority and the observers. This daily center for elderly people). The negotiations with set the ground for settling disputes regarding the stra- the Municipality were not successful and the proposal tegic action plan. At this meeting all the fears, dis- was rejected. This, together with other similar cases, agreements and uncertainties were overcome by the inspired two partner organizations and ours to pro- participants, which was an important prerequisite for pose the introduction of citizen monitoring on the imple- the successful implementation of the action plan. mentation of the Programme in order to find out what were the possible constraints to its satisfactory imple- The several-month monitoring produced an ana- mentation. The main purpose was to update this stra- lytical report that was periodically discussed by the tegic document with the active participation of village project team and the now established Community residents. In order to conduct an effective dialogue council. Parallel to the monitoring process, some new with local authorities and come up with constructive information channels were created - an information solutions, village residents should be well informed newsletter providing information on the approved de- and competent on all issues discussed. This was the cisions and orders of the local executive and legisla- reason why activities such as training, information ture authority; consultations in local community cen- campaign organization, development and dissemina- ters on problems of local importance; an Information tion of an information newsletter, provision of mobile reference book including contact information of all consultations, etc. were planned. public authorities and institutions.

88 In the decisive moment for putting pressure on - New practice “citizen monitoring on the imple- local authorities, a different approach for communi- mentation of strategic documents” with the active par- cation with authorities was proposed by the project ticipation of local village leaders introduced; team, partners and the Community council. The dis- - Agreement between NGOs and local authori- cussion forum planned under the project was held at ties for update of the Development Programme for a place outside the Municipality so that, according to small villages within Pleven Municipality signed the ancient Roman tradition, the decisions should be taken with the active participation of all stakeholders involved (representatives of the partner NGOs, local authorities and citizens). An official Note was signed. This note played a significant role during the ne- Contact information gotiations with local authorities. Once signed, it for- Daniela Dimitrova, Executive Director malized the decision taken with consensus. 1 Vazrazhdane Sq., room 311, 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria Achieved results Tel./Fax: ++359 64 83 65 58 - Active citizens within village communities; Cell Phone: ++359 896 66 92 05 - New information channels to inform village [email protected] residents about the management at local level introduced;

89 Strengthening the Capacity of Civil Society through Training of Human Rights Activists, Journalists and Attorneys in Human Rights Bulgarian Helsinki Committee Project duration: 4.03.2009. - 31.12.2009. Project budget: 13,682.30 Euro

Background trainings for 62 professionals and published two human rights manuals on the standards of these rights The idea for the project originated at the end of and the mechanisms for their protection, as well as a 2008. The year was marked with several cases, which series of other smaller translated materials. undermined the situation with free speech and the right to life and protection from torture: the giving of the Chernorizets Hrabar young journalist award to the outspoken racist Kalin Rumenov, the attacks over jour- Achieved results nalists, including the attempted murder of Ognyan In the framework of the two trainings, the BHC Stefanov, the murder of writer Georgi Stoev, the ex- trained 62 participants – lawyers, prosecutors, an in- tremely ineffective regulation by the Council of Elec- vestigating police officer, journalists, human rights tronic Media on hate speech, the attempts to control activists. The participants were trained how to offer Internet activity; the increased number of deaths dur- more effective protection against violations of the right ing police detention and the excessive use of force by to freedom of expression and protection from torture police officers in detention. The project relies on and other inhumane and degrading treatment and strengthening the capacity of the groups which are punishment; to advocate more effectively for the pro- supposed to combat these abuses through training tection of these standards through public speech; and and enhancing their capacity to use domestic and in- to counteract violations of these rights. ternational mechanisms for protection of these two rights. Contact information Practice Desislava Simeonova The main goal of the project was to improve the 7 Varbitsa Str., Sofia 1504, Bulgaria knowledge among Bulgarian civil society about the Tel.: ++3592 944 0670, ++3592 943 4876 standards and mechanisms for protection from tor- [email protected] ture, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment and in the sphere of freedom of expression. To achieve this aim, the BHC organized two human rights

90 Citizen Monitoring of the Activities of the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission - Monitoring of the Implementation of the Involvement of Citizens in the Advisory Process and the Activities of SEWRC as Provided by Law Foundation “Open Society Institute” – Sofia Partners: “Institute for Public Environment Development” Association and Bulgarian National Consumer Association Project duration: 4.03.2009. - 31.12.2009. Project budget: 33,375.59 Euro Background members carried out on-site monitoring as well as monitoring of media reports on the activity of the com- The idea for this project originated as a result of mission. the tension that was created with the increase of the prices of water, electricity heating and gas and the A monitoring report was written and published, consequences of that increase for the different users. containing recommendations for enhancing the interaction between the commission and the citizens. Citi- Spokespersons on the subject were above all the zen awareness of opportunities for participation in state bodies and representatives of the business. The SEWRC activity was raised through the development media asked questions, but most of the time the an- and the dissemination of an information booklet and swers were not concrete and comprehensible for the specialized publications in the media. common people. The results of the monitoring were presented at a The following problem was identified: the citizens round table with the participation of all stakeholders. and their organizations did not seem to know enough about the activity of the state regulatory agency or the opportunities for civil participation and control on its policy and practice. Results achieved Citizen awareness was raised and better opportunities for citizen participation and control on the ac- Practice tivities of the commission were created. The SEWRC publicly undertook the commitment to implement citi- The main goal of the project was ensuring effec- zen recommendations in its activity. tive citizen participation in the decision-making process of the State Energy and Water Regulatory Com- mission. In order to achieve this, conditions had to be created for clear, transparent and effective dialogue Contact information between the regulator and the users, monitoring had Antoaneta Tzoneva to be carried out on the activity of the regulatory agency and citizen awareness had to be raised regarding the 121 Nishava Str., existing mechanisms for citizen participation in the Sofia 1408, Bulgaria activities of the regulator. Tel.: ++359 2 958 24 33 A Coalition for citizen monitoring of the activity of [email protected] agency was established and a training of the members in the monitoring teams was held. The team

91 Social Theatre for Empowerment, Support, Activity and Legislative Innovations “Centre for European Initiatives” Foundation Project duration: 4.03.2009. - 28.02.2010. Project budget: 13,343.64 Euro

Background A manual about the implementation of the „forum theatre” approach was developed for the first time in In accordance with the process of synchroniza- Bulgaria. A documentary about the project results was tion of Bulgarian legislation and strategic documents made. A total of 620 participants were involved in the with the priorities in EU policies, the Centre for Euro- activities. pean Initiatives (CEI) studies successful models and practices from other European countries and adapts them to Bulgarian specifics and environment. Our objective is to implement innovative apporoaches in Results achieved solving traditional major problems for Bulgarian soci- Problems that have been identified as important ety. Since the end of May 2008, after a successful by local communities have been discussed. Equal op- project in Birmingham, UK (CEI participated as a part- portunities have been provided for every participant ner organization), we have been studying the possi- by the use of innovative methodology. bilities and the implementation of the “social theatre” method. It is an approach with a high rate of adapt- Local capacity for civil participation in policy mak- ability to various communities and mostly to ing regarding the problems of marginalized groups marginalized groups, because it allows all direct par- has been enhanced. ticipants to independently propose diverse solutions Participation of marginalized groups in local pub- to a given case and to agree together on the most lic activities has been stimulated and tolerance towards useful solution based on personal responsibilty and differences has been promoted. New models of good tolerance. Public indifference towards social conflicts governance have been promoted. and forms of discrimination, as well as the passive- ness of marginalized groups, is a problem for which there is no single universal solution. We believe that the introduction of new alternative approaches should Contact infromation be a priority in the development of local policies. Krasimira Kamenova, Project manager 29 Tsar Kaloyan Str., office 60 Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria Practice Tel./Fax: ++359 42 97 92 78 Main objective of the project: Implementation of Cell Phone: ++359 887 094 124 the social theatre as an innovative approach for inclu- [email protected] sion of marginalized groups through enhancing the www.lex.bg/members/fcei1 capacity of civil society for participation in local policy making aimed at overcoming social discrimination. The project was implemented by CEI – Stara Zagora and the Community centre in the village of Trud, Plovdiv region. Additional partners were attracted during the implementation of the project – local authorities, media, the Ombudsman of Stara Zagora. A team of 16 experts, trained to use the methodology of the “forum theatre”, was formed. After studying, defining and prioritizing the problems of local communities, the volunteers developed and presented before citizens 4 forum plays addressing the following issues: problems with administrative services provision, animal waste pollution, prevention of substance abuse among young people, communication problems between generations. 92 Public Awareness Campaign on New Standards in the Access to Information Area Access to Information Programme Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 31.12.2010. Project budget: 35,430 Euro

Background Results achieved The Council of Europe Convention on Access to The Campaign: 26 public discussions in the re- Official Documents was adopted by the Committee of gional cities of Bulgaria were held. 1,137 participants Ministers on November 27, 2008 at the 1042bis meet- from 60 municipalities took part. Among them – 10 ing of the Ministers’ Deputies and opened for signature Mayors, 4 Regional Governors, 165 representatives of on June 18, 2009 at the Council of Europe Conference the administration, 21 municipal councilors, represen- of Ministers of Justice in Tromso, Norway. Bulgaria did tatives of regional offices of state authorities, judges not sign the Convention. and lawyers, local ombudsmen, journalists, headmas- The Access to Public Information Act (APIA) came ters, librarians, citizens, 51 civil society organizations into effect in July 2000 and has been amended several and students. Those public discussions were covered times. The APIA amendments as of December 5, 2008 by 190 materials in the press and online media. Two brought the Bulgarian law into compliance with the stan- leaflets were printed within the framework of the project. dards set forth by the Convention with regard to: the Expressed Will for the Ratification of the Con- necessity for balancing public interest and protected vention: On July 26, 2010, AIP organized and held a rights and interests in disclosing information; the obli- one-day conference under the auspices of the Chair- gation for provision of partial access to information; the person of the National Assembly, Ms. Tsetska obligation for proactive disclosure of information online; Tsatcheva. The purpose of the conference was to out- the extension of the scope of obliged bodies to the re- line the results achieved for the ten years of APIA imple- gional offices of public authorities; the trainings for public mentation and to put forth the question about the politi- officials. cal intention with regard to Bulgaria’s accession to the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Practice Documents. Representatives of the legislative and ex- Why Raising Awareness Campaign? ecutive power expressed government will to ratify the Based on the accumulated experience in advocacy Convention. for higher standards in the access to information area Project goals were completely achieved: Higher and for their application in Bulgarian legislation and number of officials and people exercising their right of implementation practices, Access to Information Prog- access to information are aware of the standards set ramme (AIP) considered that continuous efforts for rais- forth by the Convention and of the APIA amendments ing awareness on the right of access to information are with regard to the implementation of the law. necessary. We hope that the raising awareness campaign will To launch the campaign, a comparative analysis contribute to the faster ratification of the Council of on the consistency of Bulgarian legislation and the Con- Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents. vention was necessary. The team of AIP not only made an unofficial translation of the Convention and the Ex- planatory Report, but also prepared the comparative Contact information analysis on the consistency. Gergana Jouleva, PhD, Executive Director of AIP 76 Vasil Levski Blvd., floor 3, apt. 3, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Tel./Fax: ++359 2 988 5062, ++359 2 981 9791, ++359 2 986 7709 Cell Phone: ++359 887 21 81 60 [email protected] www.aip-bg.org

93 Methods of Effective Resolution of Discrimination Practices in Providing the Water Supply Service in Sliven Region Public Barometer Association – Sliven Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 31.10.2010. Project budget: 15,690 Euro

Background nation was developed in the form of an Internet portal; The project idea built upon the steps initiated in B. Innovation 2006-2007 against the discrimination practice of the For the first time on the territory of Bulgaria, citizen local water supply company in the Sliven region. The resources are mobilized on the problems of water sup- Public Barometer Association – Sliven lodged a comply services; no such practice existed either on the plaint against the local water supply company, which local or national level; a National Association of the was registered as No. 67 by the Commission for pro- Consumers of the public service drinking water supply tection against discrimination. The decision of the (NAC of DWS) was established and registered in court Commission of February 25, 2008 established exist- in September 2010; ence of direct discrimination practiced by the management of the water supply company. This resulted C. National scope in a series of relevant recommendations and prescrip- The project was launched on a local level, but it tions. was concluded on the national level. The local community was involved in the solution of problems regarding drinking water supply (through seminars, round table Practice discussions and working meetings). Local MPs were involved – queries to the company Principal, the Minis- The general objective of the project was provid- ter of Regional Development and Public Works. A na- ing access to information and communication re- tional strategy was developed for solving problems in sources, legal advice and a just process for victims of the provision of drinking water supply; development of one of the forms of price discrimination a system for citizen control on the provision of this Specific objectives of the project are: service and on the state bodies carrying out state control on the quality of the service; 1. Evidencing the inequitable treatment of consumers of water supply services in Sliven region in D. International expertise terms of price-formation Selection of different EU management practices in 2. Enhancing civic competences concerning the the sphere of water supply services to be considered level of rights and obligations of local authorities, state and/or followed; control bodies and the mechanisms for citizen partici- E. Court cases pation and control Currently in Bulgaria there is no court practice re- 3. Establishment of an antidiscrimination (con- lated to the establishment of direct discrimination in sumer) organization in the field of provision of water the provision of the domestic drinking water supply; supply services. we are not aware of such existing within the EU. This project promoted two court precedents of the Com- mission for protection against discrimination in Sofia Project results related to direct discrimination established in the Sliven region in the sphere of water supply services. The Establishment of an effective model for consumer project also introduced citizen control through provid- protection in the field of water supply services pro- ing access to information on the process of water sup- vided in the Sliven region incl.: ply based on the Law for access to public information; A. Transparency system several analyses were conducted to reveal the financial, social and juridical aspects of the discrimination Currently there is no system to inform citizens about policy of the water supply companies in Bulgaria; Pub- water supply services. Using the legal opportunities lic Barometer Association – Sliven managed to ini- provided by the Law for access to public information in tiate: order to acquire complete information concerning water supply companies and regulators (incl. requesting it - a collective claim damages in the court of through court). An E-platform for information dissemi- Sliven; 94 - two claims in the Commission for protection Contact information against discrimination; and Yurij Ivanov Ivanov - a claim for access to public information in the Administrative Court of Sofia. Chair of the Board of Trustees, [email protected] F. Social effect Alexander Stambolijski Str., bl. 88 – А – 19 In addition to the direct violation of the civil and 8800 Sliven, Bulgaria constitutional rights of Bulgarian citizens, the discrimi- Cell Phone: ++359 887 530 138 nation practiced by the management of the Sliven Wa- ter Supply Company also causes direct property damages. This is the first project to review the social effect of direct discrimination in the sphere of water supply services. One of the underlying objectives of NAC of DWS is protection of the social approach in the provision of domestic drinking water supply – protection of the health, safety and economic interests of the consumers of the public service drinking water supply through prevention of the violation of their rights or restoration of violated rights, elimination and sanctioning of already existing discrimination practices and prevention of such; harmonization of the legislation connected with the public service drinking water supply with international and European standards as well as improvement of the regulation system regarding consumer rights in the sphere of drinking water supply, environmental and clean water protection. There is no Association in Bulgaria aimed at achieving the above mentioned goals.

95 Sexual Exploitation in Bulgaria: Myths and Reality RiskMonitor Foundation Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 31.10.2010. Project budget: 18,562.64 Euro

Background human trafficking were presented at a conference organized in the National Assembly and attended by Sexual exploitation in Bulgaria has emerged as ministers, ambassadors and members of parliament. one of the main activities of organized crime in the The event attracted a significant number of electronic country. The extent of the problem first became vis- and paper media who covered the event and the main ible following a research on international human traf- conclusions from the project reports. The wide media ficking. In contrast to human trafficking, the problem coverage of the conference, which continued during of sexual exploitation in Bulgaria has been far less the weeks following the event through participations studied. Thus its scale, forms, relation to organized of the project experts in various broadcasts, contrib- crime and violation of human rights are being under- uted to raising the public awareness and intolerance estimated and do not attract sufficient attention from towards sexual exploitation in all its forms. As a result both the government and the NGO sector. At the same of the project, the research carried out and all the in- time, the legislation related to sexual exploitation is formation gathered, the capacity of RiskМonitor and outdated and ineffective and the organization of coun- its experts to implement its mission, namely develop tering the phenomenon is not at a sufficient level. For public policies for controlling and combating human these reasons, the implementation of a comprehen- trafficking and organized crime significantly increased. sive study of sexual exploitation and related criminal This will also contribute for the development of future activities provided grounds for an increased adequacy related projects, enhancing the sustainability of the of public and institutional reaction against these phe- current project results and their practical implementa- nomena. Furthermore, it created conditions for increas- tion. ing the social adequacy of the legislation and practices of its implementation in criminal proceedings. Achieved results Practice A significant amount of information has been gathered and analyzed within the project, including 80 in- The main objective of the project was to support depth interviews with victims, social workers, police the civil society in Bulgaria through development of officers, prosecutors and others (the in-depth inter- public policies for preventing and combating sexual views with victims were conducted through social exploitation of women and children. Within the project, workers from non-governmental social centers in experts conducted five studies of different aspects of Sofia, Pazardzhik, Blagoevgrad and Sandanski); docu- sexual exploitation in Bulgaria. Based on the analysis ments on 50 lawsuits for sexual exploitation; national of a significant amount of data, each of these studies representative public opinion polls; surveys among outlined the problems in the given aspect and pro- clients of paid sexual services; secondary analysis of posed concrete solutions. Most of the recommenda- various information sources, including relevant legis- tions were focused on improving the legislative mea- lation in 17 EU countries, etc. Five separate analyti- sures for combating sexual exploitation and state pro- cal reports were developed on the basis of this infor- tection of the rights of the victims. Specific recom- mation, related to the main problem areas within the mendations were made for the organization of coun- phenomenon: the interrelation of sexual exploitation tering sexual exploitation and reduction of human traf- to organized crime; sexual exploitation of children; ficking, especially of women and children. The mea- the active legal framework; international legal prac- sures developed as a result of the study were pre- tices and the violation of human rights as a result of sented before the respective governmental institutions. sexual exploitation. The papers were compiled and For example, the proposals related to the organiza- published in a collective report. The main findings and tion of countering sexual exploitation were presented recommendations were presented during a conference to officers within the Ministry of Interior with view of that took place on the premises of the National As- their implementation. The recommendations for im- sembly of Republic of Bulgaria. The event was orga- proving the legislation regulating the countering of nized in partnership with the National Commission for sexual exploitation and the protection of victims of Combating Trafficking in Human Beings with the Coun- 96 cil of Ministers, and the Parliamentary Committee on Contact information Internal Security and Public Order in the 41st National Assembly of Bulgaria. This public presentation advo- Stefan Popov, Executive Director cated the objectives and specific goals of the project 29 Tzar Osvoboditel blvd., among ministers, parliamentary members, ambassadors, media, civil society representatives, governmen- Sofia 1000, Bulgaria tal officials and others. Tel.: ++359 2 980 3245 Fax: ++359 2 988 4429 [email protected]

97 Youth Workshop for New Ideas and Innovations Strategies, Ideas and Activities for Sustainable Development of Opaka Association Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 31.12.2010. Project budget: 12,255.04 Euro

Background people - young people themselves implemented 3 youth initiatives. They established a local Volunteer Opaka is a small municipality with a high unem- Center in the town of Opaka and built a pavilion with ployment rate and located far away from the regional tables and barbeque in the area ‘Hizhata’, visited by centre – Targovishte. There is a lack of clear vision the whole population of the town. In the village of for supporting the development of young people. Goljamo Gradishte the young people designed a flower Young people are de-motivated and migrate to bigger lane and built benches and playground facilities in the towns and cities, where there are more opportunities park. In the village of Krepcha young people estab- for work and fulfilment. The idea behind our initiative lished a youth club in the local community center was the fact that people in the Municipality of Opaka (chitalishte), which they furnished with tables for play- (including young people) are isolated from the pro- ing chess and other games. cesses of regional development and few people are prepared to work for the benefit for the local commu- A particular achievement was the development nities. Nevertheless, we knew that there were edu- and approval of a municipal strategy for the develop- cated young people of entrepreneurial spirit from dif- ment of youth activities in the period 2010-2015. The ferent ethnic groups in the Municipality of Opaka. strategy included ideas by young people from the Therefore, we decided to focus our initiative on these Municipality and young people from the newly founded young people and develop their skills and youth organisation. competences, to train them and to enable them to get involved in the community life of the municipality. As Results achieved an ultimate goal, we planned to set up a youth We managed to motivate the young people from organisation and produce a strategy for the develop- the Municipality of Opaka to participate in public life ment of youth activities for a five-year period, which and develop their citizen skills. The youth initiatives would be the first big step towards solving the prob- which were accomplished, the development and rati- lems of young people in the municipality. fication of a municipal youth strategy, and the founding of a youth organisation all contributed to enhanc- Practice ing the capacity of young people and achieving sustainability of the project. The main objectives: - To raise awareness among young people in Contact Information: the Municipality of Opaka about the process of Euro- Diana Yakimova pean integration and the participation of civil society 76 Bulgaria Str., fl. 2, Opaka 7840, Bulgaria in the process of harmonisation and application of EU Cell Phone. ++359 894 68 28 70 legislation. [email protected] - To develop young people’s capacity for active participation in public life in this region by training, consulting and implementing need-based mini- projects. - To ensure stability and perspectives for young people to participate in the solution of significant community problems by establishing a youth NGO /workshop for ideas/ Young people from three areas within the municipality were included in the project. They participated in 2 training modules on need analysis and project development and implementation. Three important events happened for the first time in the Municipality of Opaka which provoked public opinion and contributed to the self-confidence and motivation of young 98 The New Citizens – Mobilizing for Action Through Establishing Contemporary Infrastructure for Civic Participation Yantra Regional Association of Municipalities Project duration:. 6.11.2009. – 31.12.2010. Project budget: 17,086.40 Euro

Background approaches of civic participation; Creating new partnership and cooperation forms between citizens and The problems and the challenges which local au- local authorities for coping with public micro crisis and thorities face rarely correspond to the administrative problems going beyond the territorial level; and territorial division of the country. Very often one problem has an effect on several (non) neighboring Main activities: Assessment of the level of civic municipalities and a successful solution can be found participation and legitimacy of municipality units; A only through actions coordinated in time and logic. In survey on the communication policy of municipalities addition, very often it is cheaper and much more ef- with civic organizations and structures (a desk re- fective if the solution of a problem in a specific town search); Comparative research on ways and meth- or village is carried out by the mobilization of the insti- ods of civic mobilization at the local, regional and na- tutions of a (non) neighboring municipality rather than tional levels; Ad hoc academy developing specific skills the one which is administratively responsible for it. for civic participations; 5. Workshops in policy mak- This is why it is necessary to have developed institu- ing process and application of good practices; Dis- tional procedures of interaction in place, something cussion forums about topics in public education, health which would be impossible without the active involve- care systems and regional and local infrastructure; ment of civil society structures. Moreover, the nature Open lectures (public lecturers) on education, health- of the challenges which stand before the local authori- care, and infrastructure; Establishing committees on ties today requires a new infrastructure for civic par- school problems (primary and secondary education) in ticipation in the process of priority set up, and proce- municipalities; Developing an on line platform for civic dures and policy making to allow the mobilization of participation; Developing a nominating system along the resources of the local administration, businesses, with index of civic organization efficiency + civic seis- experts, NGOs and citizens. And it is at this point that mograph for forecasting ‘seismic public areas’. we face a cascade of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Even if the local administration or city coun- cils have a positive attitude towards the participation Results achieved of civil structures in the process of defining and controlling public policies (and that is by far not the case Implementation: Ad-hoc academy - Negotiation for most of the country), problems arise. Thus, the skills; Management of change and transition, presen- knowledge of new mechanisms for mobilization of civic tation skills, Assertiveness for maximum impact; 3 participation and control becomes a key prerequisite Workshops - Instruments for civil participation; Civil for carrying out adaptive, synchronized, consistent and seismograph approbation; Mass Media; 4 Discussion long-term public policies. forums - ‘Unsolved problems for the Municipality and Bulgaria’; Euro Fund;Education; Public health; 4 4 Public Lectures – About budget 2011 and is there more; Values of democracy and democratization of values; Practice About internet, democracy, freedom and cyber revo- The new forms of civic participation in the public lutions and digital aborigines; The future of cohesion policy making are still underdeveloped in Bulgaria. policy. This is why the project asserts the following: Participation: More than 60 representatives of Project objectives: Increasing the efficiency of civic the target groups in the sessions (workshops/discus- organizations in the local and national policy making sions/ad-hoc academy), over 40 representatives of process through building pilot models for civic partici- the target groups in the forums and more than 40 pation; Improving the quality of public policies through representatives of the target groups in the public lec- approbating and tailoring good international practices tures. and models for civic participation; Ongoing develop- Research: Assessment of the level of citizen par- ment of civic society through promotion of institutional ticipation in Bulgaria and institution legitimacy within mechanisms for transparency of policy making and the municipality; Review of the communication policy decision making, and through introducing innovative of municipalities with citizens organizations (Desk 99 Research ); Comparative research – Citizen participa- Contact information tion and control, published in 1000 copies, 50 pp.. Yantra Regional Association of Municipalities Developed: Web portal system and civil seismograph; Training materials, handouts, auxiliary instru- 2 Maika Bulgaria sq., ments and other resources on concepts used in the Veliko Turnovo 5000, Bulgaria workshops are uploaded on the web portal. NGO participation in the platform is expected to increase Tel./Fax: ++359 62 63 01 39 the technological skills of the participants in the pro- Cell Phone: ++359 885 431 831 cess and to contribute to the development and manifestation of the whole potential of the NGOs. The plat- [email protected] form represents an additional communication chan- www.ram-yantra.eu nel between NGOs and state institutions. The platform is hosted in the internet under www.newcitizens.eu.

100 Citizen Monitoring of Public Services NGO Links Project duration: 6.11.2009. – 31.12.2010. Project budget: 14,496.62 Euro

Background Achieved results The issue with waste collection and disposal in - developed software for filling and analysing question- Sofia is a crossing point for different interests — po- naires litical, economic, civil - which in most cases go in dif- - 390 students participated in the monitoring ferent directions. So far solutions to the problem have been sought at the political and economic level, while - 6 NGOs participated in the monitoring the citizens only mobilize in times of serious crisis. - 37 building managers involved This is why citizen involvement initiatives have been limited to local civic groups resisting certain decisions. - 1212 filled questionnaires for three months on a weekly The NGO Links project aimed at supporting the pro- basis cess of finding solutions to the problem by involving - two brochures with the monitoring results published all three stakeholders — citizens, local authorities and waste collection companies - in the process of moni- - Cleanliness Index – four-degree scale to monitor the toring the waste collection and disposal activities in waste collection and waste disposal services – meth- two Sofia regions, Slatina and Lyulin, thus mobilizing odology and definitions for grades of Cleanliness the citizens and improving the control over this public - developed 10 recommendations to the municipality, service. the business and the citizens - designed poster to communicate the monitoring goals Practice - request to include additional schools to take part in The main project objective was to establish a the monitoring working mechanism for citizen monitoring of the waste collection and disposal services in the regions of Slatina and Lyulin in Sofia Municipality. After consul- Contact information tations with the local authorities and the companies, Teodora Gandova NGO Links translated the rights and obligations of the three stakeholders related to keeping Sofia clean into 40A Graf Ignatiev Str., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria understandable terms. The information leaflet “Idea Tel.: ++359 2 491 28 90 for Clean Sofia!” was disseminated to the registered building managers and four schools in the two regions. Fax: ++359 2 491 28 94 A questionnaire was developed which the monitoring [email protected] volunteers used to carry out the monitoring for a period of three months on a weekly basis. The results from all 1212 questionnaires filled were processed and summarized using software specially developed for the purpose and published in two brochures. The schoolchildren taking part in the monitoring also took part in the Idea for Clean Sofia Contest by writing a letter with proposals and ideas for a cleaner city to the Mayor of Sofia. The four best letters were awarded at special discussion events where the mayors of the two regions answered the questions of the children and commented on their proposals. Upon analyzing the monitoring results NGO Links worked out a Clean- liness Index — an instrument which ensures more transparency in the municipality, better control over the business performance and improved civil awareness and involvement. 101 Proposals for a Legal Framework, Standards and Mechanisms for Effective Citizen Participation in Public Policies Inter Ethnic Initiative for Human Rights Foundation Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 31.12.2010. Project budget: 36,029.27 Euro

Background policy: the Civil Sector Draft White Paper on Citizen Participation in Bulgaria. Having gained the support The project was conceived in response to the need of over 320 civil sector organisations, many of which for fundamental changes in the forms and mecha- contributed their own proposals during the drafting nisms of consultation between institutions, citizens and process, this document presents a unified and coordi- civil sector organisations in drafting and conducting nated civil sector vision on the urgent changes republic policy. The latter process is largely closed to quired in terms of participation on all levels: legal, in- the public and outside its control. Sporadic consulta- stitutional and social. This document provides a basis tions (usually conducted under NGO projects) do not on which civil sector organisations can confidently lead to effective and sustainable results and only continue their dialogue with institutions. emphasise the shortcomings in the current model. The link between this and the rampant corruption in the Another strength of this project is that it strikes a country is abundantly clear. Changes in the field of balance between proposals for considerable vision- citizen participation must be arranged at the highest ary and conceptual changes in terms of participation political level, accompanied by changes in the institu- and purely practical products to assist public officials tional environment and, last but not least, with the and civil servants to cope with the difficult practical active involvement of citizens. tasks involved in conducting proper consultations with citizens. To this end, the project produced document The project is also a response to the lack of uni- templates and sample forms for the establishment of form standards and of precise and synchronised legal consultative bodies and for conducting consultations regulation for conducting consultations between insti- on the basis of the proposed uniform standards. A tutions and citizens in public policy making. special practical handbook was published, setting out in clear detail the action and steps to be taken to conduct them. The project thus created the material con- Practice ditions necessary to enhance the administrative capacity of institutions to work on these issues. The main aim of the project was to contribute to the enhancement of the participation of citizens and In the course of the project, attractive messages stakeholders in decision making on public policies in were disseminated among the broad public audience Bulgaria through the creation of a favourable legal, by means of a public campaign aptly named “Hear institutional and public environment. the Citizens”. Those who joined the campaign supported it and contributed to it with suggestions on the In order to achieve this, a number of mutually contents of the Civil Sector Draft White Paper on Citi- linked and specific objectives were implemented. zen Participation in Bulgaria. The campaign and its Through these, a set of proposals for uniform com- messages gained public visibility by means of audio mon principles and standards for the conduct of con- and video clips broadcast on national radio and tele- sultations between institutions and citizens on public vision. This was the first time that the publicly owned policy issues and documents was drafted and submit- media committed themselves en masse to broadcast- ted to the responsible central and local authority insti- ing such messages over six whole weeks. There is tutions for adoption, along with proposals for changes broad and public support for the campaign and at- in the relevant legislation in line with European stan- tracted sections of the public outside the NGO com- dards and practices. This represented a considerable munity such as actors, artists, scholars and academ- step forward in the creation of a package of mutually ics, the business community, etc. linked and complimentary mechanisms which have The fact that participants in the “Hear the Citi- the potential to lead to major progress in the regula- zens” campaign have expressed a wish to continue tion and effectiveness of citizen participation issues if until successful results are achieved has turned the taken up and adopted by the responsible institutions. campaign into an initiative which transcends the con- Equally significant was a concept document pro- fines of a project and the individuals and civil sector duced under this project, setting up the strategic pa- organisations taking part in it have consolidated into a rameters of the required changes in participation “Hear the Citizens” support network, which will con- 102 tinue to put civil pressure on the target institutions to (to the extent that their introduction falls within local achieve the required change after the end of this authority jurisdiction) than the central executive and project. legislative authorities. The difference in the reactions of the Council of Ministers and Parliament on the one The campaign materials were also a key factor in hand and target municipalities on the other is a clear involving the media in promoting the aims of the project illustration of this. The municipal authorities under- and the “Hear the Citizens” campaign. took to pilot the proposed standards and legal regulation in their everyday practice. There are strong indi- cations that after the end of the project, this piloting Results achieved process will extend to other municipalities, especially Expert and information products for use by all tar- since a wealth of resource materials is now available get groups: as a result of this project. 1. Civil Sector Draft White Paper on Citizen This project has genuinely left in its wake a con- Participation in Bulgaria siderable amount of material in the form of the products described above. A very large number of central 2. Proposals for uniform minimum standards in legislative and executive authority representatives (the relation to all forms of interaction between institutions latter in key positions up to the highest level of gov- and citizens ernment) received in person a pack of the expertly 3. Draft law on amendments and supplements drafted proposals and products handed to them on to the Law on Normative Acts, the Administrative Pro- behalf of the “Hear the Citizens” network (including cedural Code, the Administration Act and the Local the Civil Sector Draft White Paper on Citizen Partici- Self-Government and Local Administration Act. pation in Bulgaria, the proposals for uniform minimum standards and for amendments and supplements to 4. Sample consultation council regulations the 4 key items of legislation affecting citizen partici- 5. Template for an Order of the Chief Municipal pation listed above and proposals for amendments Executive (Mayor) for the establishment of a consul- and supplements to the regulations governing the tation body Council of Ministers and Parliament). Now there will be no longer any grounds for anyone to claim that the 6. Template for a Municipal Council Decision to inadequate level of citizen consultation is the result of establish a consultation body lack of information, but the lack of political will among 7. Guidelines for amendments and supplements the central government authorities in Bulgaria for a to municipal council regulations genuinely working citizen participation process will be clearly visible. Proposals for amendments and supplements to the following: 8. Structural Regulations of the Council of Min- Contact information isters Kalina Bozeva 9. Regulations for the Organisation of Parlia- mentary Activities Inter Ethnic Initiative for Human Rights Foundation 10. Municipal Council Regulations for Karlovo 9A Graf Ignatiev Str., and Montana Sofia 1000, Bulgaria 11. Handbook entitled “The Voice of Citizens in Tel.: ++359 2 9801716 Public Policies” [email protected] 12. “Hear the Citizens” campaign brochure 13. Audio clip for the “Hear the Citizens” campaign 14. Video clips for the “Hear the Citizens” campaign 15. Research paper on consultation mechanisms, practices and expert resources in central and local institutions and in the civil sector A general observation on the project results is that local government bodies showed considerably more involvement and commitment to regulating citizen participation in line with the standards put forward in the project and the proposals for legislative change

103 Blind Game Association IKAR - Haskovo Project duration: 6.11.2009. - 31.12.2010. Project budget: 19,779.76 Euro

Background - 120 children were provoked to adopt new ways of thinking and to obtain social skills and atti- In its active work so far, IKAR has implemented tudes towards the problem known as “human traffick- three successful projects on the topic “prevention of ing”. trafficking in people”. They have all demonstrated that the interactive methods are a very good way to in- - The project was popularized in the most ef- volve the teenager target group. Role play and fun, in fective and emotional way possible relevant to the combination with serious issues, such as people traf- target group of children and to the wide audience of ficking, are attainable and effective working methods adults and parents. This was achieved through the of a dynamically developing NGO in Bulgaria. Taking blog and forum on the project and the Facebook page into account the good partnerships we established in which are listed below. different towns and successful activities with the tar- - 4 000 brochures were prepared and dissemi- get groups, we believe that the “BLIND GAME” project nated on the topic which could reach an additional is our most mature experience for professional activi- 15 000 parents, relatives and members of the target ties with adolescents so far. group as well as citizens from the four project towns in three different administrative districts in Bulgaria. - 500 posters were disseminated and posted Practice and 200 CDs were prepared with video clips and the The main objective of the project is: Develop- key moments of the project. ment of a sustainable model for teenage trafficking prevention among teenagers from 6 high schools in Dimitrovgrad, Kardzhali, Rakitovo and Kostandovo. Contact information These also include special high schools - a special Antoaneta Stancheva care school, a health school and a Social educational and professional center in the four towns. 35, Petar Berkovski Str., Haskovo 6300, Bulgaria During project implementation we created a multimedia product on the topic of “people trafficking”. Cell Phone: ++359 878 13 63 13 We implemented a 4-month interactive module in 4 [email protected] theatre and discussion clubs with children from the 4 my.opera.com/theIKAR/blog/ project towns. A photo group was formed and 3 photo www.facebook.com/ exhibitions were held in the towns. We trained and photos.php?id=100000621255755 motivated contact groups of volunteers in each of the project towns for contact with the institutions, citizens www.facebook.com/video/?id=100000621255755 and media. The final project forum-production was presented in three open happenings for the community of each of the project towns accompanied by three photo exhibitions. Visual materials developed under the project were disseminated.

Achieved results - By means of art, a contemporary innovative method was used to disseminate information about the problem known as human trafficking among the risk target group of adolescents from 4 towns in South Central Bulgaria.

104 105 Implemented Good Practices under the NGO Fund, Bulgaria 2008 – 2011 within the framework of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism

Publication of Foundation for Local Government Reform and Bulgarian Environmental Partnership Foundation within the framework of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism

Sofia 2011

ISBN 978-954-755-030-8

Foundation for Local Government Reform Mladost 1, Yerusalim Str. bl. 51 Office building, office 2 Sofia 1784, Bulgaria Tel.: ++359 2 976 89 89 Fax: ++359 2 976 89 30 [email protected]

Bulgarian Environmental Partnership Foundation 13 Felix Kanits Str., fl. 1, Sofia 1612, Bulgaria Тel./Fax.: ++359 2 951 54 79, ++359 2951 54 46 [email protected]

106 107 Foundation for Local Government Reform Mladost 1, Yerusalim Str. bl. 51 Office building, office 2 Sofia 1784, Bulgaria Tel.: ++359 2 976 89 89 Fax: ++359 2 976 89 30 [email protected]

Bulgarian Environmental Partnership Foundation 13 Felix Kanits Str., fl. 1, Sofia 1612, Bulgaria Тel./Fax.: ++359 2 951 54 79, ++359 2951 54 46 108 [email protected]