Description
The project addresses the challenges faced by NGOs in Kyustendil District in their attempt to be a bridge between the civil society and the municipality. The project aims at enhancing communication and cooperation between NGOs, the public and local authorities. First, the opportunities and benefits from NGO involvement in local decision-making will be presented to the stakeholders at 2 information meetings. Second, a SWOT-analysis of the existing cooperation practices will be prepared. Third, a regional NGO network of at least 25 members will be set up and a 2-day training will be held to enhance its capacity. Next, a Civic Centre will be set up as a coordinator between the network and citizens. Finally, the network and the centre will be presented to the stakeholders in 9 municipalities. The project will benefit the relevant NGOs, the local authorities and the public in general. The 2 partners will support the project with their expertise and will ensure its sustainability.
Summary of project results
The main challenge facing NGO participation in Bulgaria in the decision-making process and setting policies on local, regional and national level is related to the insufficient expert capacity and the inability of the NGO sector to mobilize public support for advocacy of issues in the interest of groups of people. Thus the project aimed at promoting the NGO inclusion in the processes of policy-making and decision-making together with the institutions on local, regional and national level. The project contributed to increased communication between citizens and the local authorities and to the opening of new interaction channels between NGOs, the citizens in Kyustendil District and the local authorities. An important project outcome was the setting up of a Civil Centre attended actively by the citizens and successfully meeting its function to be the main connecting unit between the NGO Network and the citizens. The setting up of the NGO Network made up of 30 members supported the work of the Civil Centre and provided a broader basis for reasoned opinions and recommendations by the NGO sector in Kyustendil District to the municipal structures which was to the benefit of the network members. As a result the local authorities recognized the NGO network as a reliable partner to refer to in policy-making and to get an expert opinion. With its advocacy efforts the NGO Network bridged the gap and met the need for a body such as “public intermediary” or “public ombudsman” that the nine municipalities of Kyustendil District lack. An important project outcome was the online platform
www.netngo.net which facilitated contacts with the public and contributed to raising public awareness about current policies and decisions of the local authorities.
Summary of bilateral results