In the period of February 16 - 17, 2006, FLGR organized a study tour within the Improving the Social Environment Program, funded by Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The study tour aimed at exchanging experience between organizations, working in social sphere. Coordinators of the 23 projects, implemented within the Program, had the opportunity to visit experienced national organizations that shared successfully implemented projects and initiatives. The coordinators were from municipalities of Bracigovo, Bobovdol, Godech, Kresna, Peshtera, Sapareva banya, Sopot and Strumyani.

Participants visited four organizations that presented their experience and possible solutions of existing problems at local level related to minority integration, role of chitalishta, social counterparts, youth activities and volunteer initiatives, care for disadvantaged people: Counterpart International - Bulgaria, "Community Development and Participation Through the Chitalishte Network" ("Chitalishte"), Center for Independent Living and Foundation "C.E.G.A. - Creating Effective Grassroots Alternatives".

As very useful were considered the following activities: meeting and personal contact with people from other organizations, working on a wider field; learning about the projects implemented within the Program - opening the position of a social assistant, encouraging volunteer initiatives among youth, establishing special centers and consultancy for people with disabilities, children in risk.

FLGR team expresses its cordial gratitude to Counterpart International - Bulgaria, "Community Development and Participation through the Chitalishte Network" ("Chitalishte"), Center for Independent Living and Foundation "C.E.G.A. - Creating Effective Grassroots Alternatives" for their hospitality and useful exchange of experience, which will enrich and help the organizations within the Program in their future activities.