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Description
The project aims to increase the capacity of the National Association of Volunteers to deal with the wave of refugees, to ensure the continuation of the integration process and increase the effectiveness of the organization''s efforts to deal with the crisis. Ukrainian refugees face a number of difficulties. They need adequate reception and orientation, finding shelter and establishing a safe place to live, they need basic support of food, basic necessities, as well as provision of medical care, work with institutions, overcoming the language barrier and orientation in the current situation. As in recent months, NADRB actively participates in all the activities listed above, but it does so with entirely voluntary efforts, which leads to accumulation of fatigue and an urgent need to systematize efforts. With the present project, activities will be implemented leading to exactly overcoming these problems: Development of a methodology with rules, procedures and distribution of responsibilities; Designation of a humanitarian corps for actions on the wave of refugees, composed of the most experienced volunteers; Practical assistance to refugees who have sought protection throughout the country. With the implementation of these activities, it is expected to improve and continue the adequate response of our society to all the challenges we face, caused by the wave of refugees, as well as to enable an easier and faster integration of the Ukrainians themselves refugees.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to increase the capacity of the National Association of Volunteers in the Republic of Bulgaria to cope with the refugee wave in order to ensure the continuation of the integration process and increase the effectiveness of the organization''s efforts to address the crisis.
A "Methodology containing the basic rules, principles, tools and instructions by which the Humanitarian Corps will work" was developed. A total of 18 volunteers were trained and 5 of them were assigned as team leaders of different teams in the Corps.
From February to July 2023, the Humanitarian Corps participated in the organization and implementation of two webinars on "Guidelines for Access to Education" and "Medical Rights for Ukrainian Citizens with Temporary Status in Bulgaria". An action was organized to help Ukrainian students who were left without financial support from their parents - 39 students received assistance in the form of basic food items.
The corps held another such campaign in April 2023, this time students received vouchers worth 100 leva for a large food chain. The total number of students who received vouchers was 45.
A "Refugee Day" was held in the city of Blagoevgrad. The event was attended by several dance and vocal groups from the Ukrainian refugee community as well as local organizations and clubs.
Improved capacity and strengthening of NAVRB as a responsible organization, working also towards the integration of refugees from Ukraine in our society, which will lead to increased public confidence in it.
During the project, a total of 237 Ukrainian refugees benefited in one way or another directly from the activities of the corps -
- Support for inclusion in the education system in the country.
- Support in receiving adequate medical care - a huge problem they had faced since coming to Bulgaria.
- Opportunities were provided for them to interact with local communities; etc.