Description
The project addresses the need of active involvement of citizens in decision-making. The project aims at developing the skills and knowledge of NGOs in the 3 cities of Varna, Veliko Tarnovo and Blagoevgrad and meeting the need by creating an education programme for strategic planning of advocacy campaigns. First, the target NGOs and activities will be identified. Second, 15 NGO members in each of the cities will be trained in strategic planning, advocacy, civil campaigns and work with the media. Third, 5 NGO members in each of the cities will be trained to become trainers. Next, 3 advocacy strategies will be planned and implemented. Finally, the project will provide for long-term pressure and monitoring of the institutions by means of agreements with the institutions, standing public councils and networks of NGOs. The project will benefit not only the NGOs and activities involved but the local communities which will be actively involved in decision-making.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the need of active involvement of citizens in decision-making. It aimed at developing the skills and knowledge of NGOs in the 3 cities of Varna, Veliko Tarnovo and Blagoevgrad and meeting the need by creating an education programme for strategic planning of advocacy campaigns. The project has achieved the following results: 1) a Facebook page (
https://www.facebook.com/tvorcheskiiskri?fref=ts) and a webpage (
www.akademia-iskri.com) were created, which are updated on a regular basis after the project completion with information about projects which have similar goals; 2) a short documentary was made and is being broadcasted in local media presenting what has been achieved and what ideas have been promoted; 3) a research project with 3000 inquiries was conducted. Based on the results of the research a position paper was elaborated in regard to changing the role of art in Bulgarian school curricula which will act as a basis of future discussions on the topic; 4) a network of people sharing the views of the organisation and supporting its activities was established; 5) organized were nearly 20 events (concerts, workshops, exhibitions, competitions, a festival) which have attracted hundreds of people to become dedicated to the cause and to start believing in the huge influence of art over children and adolescents. The target group’s reaction was very positive, which was particularly clear in all public events. This has also been proven by the readiness of many participants to get involved with other projects with a similar aim. An extensive network of children, adolescents, school teams, and citizens, united for a common cause was established and is being functional with the aim to promote the role of creativity for all children and adolescents in Bulgaria. The key word was UNITY and a powerful unifying force of art was put in practice for young people.
Summary of bilateral results