Description
The project addresses the need to unite the efforts of the NGOs working with children and families to ensure better advocacy and monitoring of decision-making and deinstitutionalization (DI) in particular. The project aims at creating intersectoral partnerships between the NGOs and the authorities and strengthening NGO coalitions. First, the 18 members of the applicant’s network will enhance their capacity through a series of seminars, webinars and round tables to exchange data on intersectoral cooperation, impact assessment and coordination. Second, 50 staff of the coalition members will be trained in risk management, advocacy and social impact assessment. Third, 3 working meetings will be held between the coalition members to plan the next actions. Finally, the project results will be presented to the stakeholders at a 2-day conference. The project will benefit the coalition members, children and families, NGOs and decision-makers.
Summary of project results
Prior to the project, it was necessary to strengthen and further develop Childhood 2025 Coalition which meant the need of better cooperation with the national authorities, patter partner relations within the Coalition and improved capacity. The Coalition members passed 4 training sessions on topics related to change and risk management, children’s participation, monitoring, advocacy/policy-making, social impact assessment, networking and inter-sectoral partnership. 9 meetings were held for professional exchange of information and good practices among all Coalition members as well as looking for solutions to specific issues related to deinstitutionalization. In addition, two opinions of the Coalition were drafted: • Opinion on updating the Action Plan implementing the National Strategy on Vision for the Deinstitutionalization of Children in Bulgaria; • Appeal to the Bulgarian Government about Deinstitutionalization in Bulgaria. A two-day conference was held in Sofia as a final event to present the project achievements, discuss the lessons learnt and follow-up steps in the context of deinstitutionalization. In the course of the project, the participants felt supported and worked in partnership with all institutions on specific issues related to deinstitutionalization. The level of communication and coordination was significantly improved and dialogue was strengthened on all levels. The project gained greater recognition of the Coalition in the broad public.
Summary of bilateral results