Projects and Research

Bulgaria
Past projects

Project:

Building Civil Society by Strengthening the Life Skills of Institutionalized Children Newly Emerging Needs of Children

Project Manager Iordan Iossifov

Van 2004
Tot 2007

Partner
Free and Democratic Bulgaria Foundation

Donor
MATRA Projects Programme, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands

Project:

Enhanced Capacity in Child Protection  in Bulgaria

This project, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ran from October 2008 until July 2009. The main aim was to support the Agency for Social Assistance (an executive structure of the Bulgarian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy) to develop its training programmes for social workers at the 148 child protection departments around the country. The project included an intensive training component for social workers and other professionals working with children. The project was successfully completed with all planned training sessions having taken place and a total of 241 professionals having been trained (exceeding the number originally planned).
 
In 2009, two more rounds of training sessions for social workers were organized in the Vratsa and Sozopol regions of Bulgaria. Topics included ‘working methods with children’, ‘child development’, ‘recognizing and dealing with child abuse’, ‘cooperation with stakeholders’ and ‘the role of social workers’. These trainings were positively evaluated by the participants. We also developed a Training Manual which can be used for years to come.
 
A study visit to The Netherlands was organized for 15 Bulgarian social workers and representatives from the Agency for Social Protection. The group visited several Dutch agencies, like the Youth care bureau, Cardea Youth care and the Dutch Ministry for Children and Families. The study visit was designed to provide the participants fresh ideas and inspiration to take home.  
 
Another important project activity was the drafting of a policy advice document by ICDI for the Agency for Social Assistance on developing ongoing training support for social workers in the child protection system. This document was well received and presented at a concluding seminar held in Sofia, which was attended by more than 50 people.

Project Manager Iordan Iossifov

Van October 2008
Tot July 2009

Partner
FICE Bulgaria Movisie The Netherlands

Donor
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Matra Flex programme)