Innovative Practices 

in Bulgaria

2005

Published by
Foundation for Local Government Reform

with the financial support of international Local Government Information Network (LOGIN) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Sofia 2006

Dear Readers,

We are pleased to present our new selection of Innovative Practices’ 2005 in local government in Bulgaria.
The Innovation Practices database is maintained for the eighth consecutive year and consists of over 760 innovative practices. The innovative practices are available online at http://www.flgr.bg organized in 16 categories.
In 2005 FLGR conducted two Innovative Practices Competitions on different topics.
In the first competition on European Integration: Provision of Information and Successful Implementation of European Projects (May 2005) participated 50 innovative practices, submitted by municipal experts, regional associations of municipalities and non-governmental organizations. St. Kliment Ohridski High School – City of Elhovo received first award in Provision of Information category. Its practice “Young Elhovo, young Europe” explains on promoting the European idea among the young people at local level. Municipality of Dobrich in partnership with Hristo Botev General Education School were nominated for their practice “Municipality and school working together towards European integration” in Successful Implementation of European Projects category.
In the second competition (September 2005) on Municipal Cooperation and Public-Private Partnership were shared 22 practices from Bulgarian municipalities and their civic partners.
The first prize in category Municipal Cooperation was awarded to Municipality of Mezdra. The practice “The municipalities of Mezdra and Vratsa: the development of a cooperation” presents the intermunicipal cooperation in the field of solid waste management. The first prize in category Public-Private Partnership was awarded to Remark TurClub Association in cooperation with municipalities of Troyan, Apriltsi, Teteven for their practice “Balkania Tourism Region”.
In 2005 FLGR awards for the fourth consecutive year the Innovative Municipality Award. The national prize of Innovative Municipality Award for 2005 was won by the Municipality of Svishtov that shared 59 practices and that in the last few years has never stop working and encouraging its employees and partners to strive for improvement and innovation in their activities. Municipality of Mezdra won the second place within Innovative Municipality 2005 Competition for sharing the impressive number of 29 practices. The third place winner with 15 practices, implemented in cooperation with civic organizations, is Municipality of Sliven. 
For the period from October 1, 2004, to October 1, 2005, the Innovative Practices database was expanded with 177 practices, shared by municipalities, regional associations, civic and business organizations. Most practices are on the following topics: international cooperation and European Integration, economic development, public-private partnership, intermunicipal cooperation, sustainable development and administrative services. 
We believe that in the following 2006 municipal experts and representatives of civic and business associations will not only develop and implement valuable ideas and projects, but will share the acquired experience with colleagues through Innovative Practices database of FLGR. The most interesting and creative approaches and solutions can be replicated in other places and municipal administrations by simply describing the project progress and refilling the Innovative Practice format and submitting it to the FLGR Innovative Practices database. 
Criteria for innovative practice are:
1. Innovative approach – the practice should present new methods and improved procedures; it should build on existing practices not only at local but at national level as well (within maintained Innovative Practices database);
2. Impact and sustainability of achieved results – what are the results of the implemented practice and does the achieved effect positively on citizens, administration, NGOs, local community; is the innovative process a consequence of result-oriented efforts (a single event can be identified as innovative practice); how is maintained the sustainability of the practice; does the practice contributed to saving valuable resources as time, money etc.;  
3. Applicable according environment – is the practice applicable in other Bulgarian municipalities without spending additional financial resources for expensive methods and technology; is the practice well received by the local community; 
4. Partnership – is the initiative result of partnership and cooperation between municipality, NGO, business and citizens; how is the partnership accomplished and does it contribute to positive changes. 

FLGR would like to extend its warmest thanks to all innovators who spent time and efforts and shared their successful practices. We expect your practices and enthusiasm within the following Innovative Practices Competitions and the 2006 Annual Innovative Municipality Award!

Ginka Kapitanova,
Executive Director,
FLGR

Preserving the natural resources of the Balkans
Municipality of Sliven
Standing Committee on Environment at the Youth Parliament

Category 
Environment and nature preservation, social partnerships

Summary 
Two youth organizations from Bulgaria and Macedonia established contact via Internet and shared basic priorities and possible joint actions in solving environmental issues and strengthening peace on the Balkans. The organizations became ambassadors of a peaceful world, void of violence and ethnic prejudice. The project meets the need for expanding young people’s knowledge of environment and environmental preservation on the Balkans. 

Background 
Youth organizations from Sliven and its twin cities have established partnerships. A decision was made to expand these partnerships in the field of environment. 

Practice 
In 12 days during work visits to Sliven and Bitola, young people worked together at the Sinite Kamani Natural Park, the Sliven House of Water, the Pelister Natural Park, the Prespa and Ohrid Lakes. They discussed the preservation of the natural resources of the Balkans, used simulation games to solve problems and tasks, cleaned recreation areas in the Bulgarian and Macedonian natural parks, learned about the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the two countries (using city decoding method). In their free time, the youth had the opportunity to interact at Biosphere’s fifth anniversary and participate in concerts and meetings in the Karandila area of the Sinite Kamani Natural Park. They had meetings with other youth organizations and developed projects for future initiatives. Together with the local media, they demonstrated the opportunities provided by best practices in youth activities shared during the project. 
The participants acquired sustainable positive attitudes and skills with regard to understanding and preserving the environment. The activities during the youth exchanges in Bulgaria (August 8 – 17, 2005) and in Macedonia (September 7 – 12, 2005) contributed greatly to the understanding of the natural resources of the two countries. The evenings dedicated to presentations of the respective countries provided ample information about their customs, traditions, cultures and cuisine. The young people understood that besides close languages, their two countries share same cultural values. They had no differences in terms of views and culture, overcame the communication barrier by informal interaction and worked in harmony to achieve project goals. The exchange of best practices and positive results from previous initiatives was very important. It enriched the young people and gave them confidence to develop new projects and to expand the network by including other communities in preservation of natural riches of the Balkans and the world and in increasing the environmental awareness of large youth community.

Results
The project was successful and very beneficial to the young people from the Standing Committee on Environment of the Sliven Youth Parliament and from Biosphere, Bitola:
-	Lasting contacts and friendships were established between the youth from the two countries, as well as aspirations for development of future projects;
-	The natural landmarks of the two cities were toured and described;
-	A CD-ROM was developed to present the natural, cultural and historic landmarks of Sliven and Bitola; a website is under construction;
-	The participants implemented joint actions to clean polluted areas in the two countries;
-	The youth exchanged best practices on environmental preservation and on the role of the young people in this process;
-	The young people gained confidence as citizens of Europe, committed to the preservation of the common European home.

For additional information, please contact:
Tanya Evtimova
Sliven
Youth Home
20, Asen Zlatarev Street 
tel.: (044) 625 366
tanyaevtimova@abv.bg

Municipality and school working together towards European integration
Municipality of Dobrich City
Hristo Botev General Education School

Summary:
The Municipality of Dobrich City and the Hristo Botev General Education School, Dobrich partnered in using attractive and mutually complementing projects to make children and parents party to the idea of Bulgaria’s European integration and to build young people’s confidence of Europeans.

Background:
In the year declared by the Council of Europe the Year of Citizenship through Education, the Municipality sought to give its contribution to the overall aspiration of the nation and the civil society to modernize the educational system and preserve the prerequisites for quality education.  On its behalf, the school sought partnerships with public organizations in its natural social environment. The link between Municipality and school was made effective by the combined efforts of municipal employees and teachers at the Hristo Botev General Education School.

Practice:
A School European Club (SEC) has existed at the Hristo Botev General Education School for the past six years. As a member of the National Association of the Bulgarian European Clubs (NABEС), its activities are focused on three sections: Roots, Environment and Foreign Language Training. Since its establishment, SEC has been a partner to the Municipality and the Dobrich European Club, and has implemented international educational projects. In the beginning of the 2004/2005 academic year, SEC began working on the “I’m a citizen of Europe, and Bulgaria Deserves to be EU Member Country” project.
In geography and history classes, 6th and 7th grade students collected information on EU member countries. In foreign language classes they learned about the lifestyle, culture and holidays of other nations. The parents were involved in the formulation of the educational process on the topic. At the same time, the Municipality participated in the modernization of school facilities (equipping a new computer studies hall, reconstructing the school’s façade under Beautiful Bulgaria).
This year SEC participated as a partner in a municipal project, Christmas with Friends. Drawings and description of Christmas customs (Bulgarian and foreign) decorated a Christmas calendar.  SEC representatives and the deputy-mayor of economic development and European integration, Galina Miteva, were invited to the Bulgarian National radio’s night show. The Christmas with Friends project gave birth to the idea to consolidate the resources and to create a common organization of the eight School European Clubs in Dobrich. The topic of the common European family united the SECs and now they’re interacting, exchanging information and supporting each other’s activities. One of the initiatives included the development of information and materials for the newspaper published by the Dobrich Writers’ Association, as a part of a project won by the Association and related to the European integration topic.
The Spring in Europe 2005 initiative of the Ministry of Education was used as a conceptual framework. The teams involved in the project made the information available to others. The vision of the collection activity is planned in three aspects: Changing Europe, a contour map of member countries, color coded for the accession stages and containing information about capital, population and accession date; The Beginning - the unification idea, the European institutions and their leadership; and Bulgaria’s Way to Europe - from the conception of the idea to April 25, 2005. 
In IT classes project team members uploaded the collected information, processed it and printed it by highlighting the most important aspects. Children from a primary school were also involved in project activities. They expressed their messages for friendship and peace by drawing. Children sent environmental messages to children in neighboring Romania via the guests attending a work meeting of the municipal leaderships of Dobrich and Constantsa. The fourth graders arranged some of their expectations for the future in the form of a wall made of leaflets.
The usefulness of the teaching practice in this case is in the changed attitude of the teacher in this type of communication - from a teacher to an intellectual partner.
The project also aspires to mobility. The product includes: information on citizen education; CD-ROM information for the two computer halls; a role game for geography classes (puzzle contour map) in the 6th and the 7th grade; an animated English lesson for the 3rd grade.
Municipal administration representatives participated in all initiatives as coordinators. By using contacts, dialogue and real activities, the Municipality prepares the future members of its civil society to meet the challenges of the dynamic changes.
On March 17, a holiday under the Spring in Europe project, the events were attended by deputy-mayor G. Miteva, members of the Standing Committee on Regional Development, International Cooperation and European Integration, the Peace Corps volunteer, parents and school board members.

Results:
-	Active partnership between school and Municipality;
-	Enriched educational process;
-	Modern teacher - student relations;
-	Involvement of the parents;
-	Networked School European Clubs;
-	European self-confidence of the Dobrich children.

For additional information, please contact:
Donka Kyupribashieva
Municipal councilor
Assistant Principal
Hristo Botev General Education School
Dobrich
tel.: 058/ 602-410; 058/ 602-440
kupri@abv.bg
dobs@dobrich.org
www.dobrich.bg

Young Elhovo, young Europe
Municipality of Elhovo

Summary
The project aims to promote the European idea among the young people at local level. A school Eurocenter was established, providing information and services in the field of European integration. 50 young people completed trainings on the EU expansion process. Youth Eurodays were held, where more than 300 participants discussed the role of the citizens in the accession process. A 30-minute documentary video was filmed. Three youth newsletters were published and disseminated.

Background
It turned out that in a small community the knowledge of both the young people and the public as a whole on the mission of the European Union and its expansion is insufficient. The public, the organizations and the companies didn’t have enough information on the European organizations. To fill this gap, it was decided to implement a series of initiatives involving young people as volunteers.

Practice
Establishing a school European center
The Center is located at the St. Kliment Ohridski High School. Since its establishment, 312 young people have used the Center’s services. Information was provided on: EU structure, mission and goals; the European integration process and related activities; youth European forums; positive practices on youth’s role and participation in decision-making at local level; open EU programs financing youth activities and initiatives. Ten youth volunteers were recruited to provide services at the youth Eurocenter. The Center was equipped with computers, printer, projection screen, chairs, slide projector, telephone and magnetic board.
Publication of youth newsletter
The purpose of the newsletter was to promote the activities during project implementation. Three issues were printed (once every two months) in a circulation of 300; the copies were disseminated in schools, community centers, libraries and other educational institutions, non-governmental and business organizations and media in the municipality of Elhovo, as well as in the municipal administrations of the neighboring municipalities.
“Europe and Us” trainings
The purpose of the trainings was to improve young people’s awareness of the European Union and the European integration and were organized at two levels: focus group trainings; and trainings for a wider audience.
Youth Eurodays
This event was the culmination of project implementation. Within five days, the public attention was focused on the promotion of the European idea. Some of the events organized as part of the Youth Eurodays included: student essay competition under the motto Young Elhovo, Young Europe; a business exhibition; Elhovo on the Way to Europe discussion forum; promotion of the Young Elhovo, Young Europe video.
Filming a documentary
All project activities were filmed, in order to be promoted through the Strandzha Cable TV and other media, as well as to provide for the long-term use of the experience accumulated as a model for youth participation in the promotion of the EU goals and policies.
The membership in the Trakia Regional Association of Municipalities provided the Municipality access to expert assistance in the implementation of some project activities.
The results and the best practices from the project will be disseminated and used as basis for future joint European integration activities by the Municipality of Elhovo and its twin city of Lalapasha, Turkey.

Results
A School European Center was established to provide information and services in the area of European integration. So far, 312 young people have used the services provided by the Center.
50 young people completed trainings on the European expansion process. Youth Eurodays were organized, where more than 300 participants discussed the role of the citizens in the accession process. A 30-minute documentary video was filmed. Three youth newsletters were published and disseminated. The young people in the municipality of Elhovo gained confidence and the public was provided much needed information on European integration issues.

For additional information, please contact:
St. Kliment Ohridski High School
Elhovo
Krasimira Petkova
Student 

Converting a military base into a modern business zone 
Municipality of Razgrad

Category
European integration

Summary
By implementing the project on the conversion of a military base into a modern business zone the Municipality of Razgrad encouraged local economic development, met businesses’ expectations, recruited investments and created 900 new jobs.

Background
The restructuring of the armed forces resulted in the closure of many military facilities. The buildings in the former barracks were doomed to looting and destruction. At the same time, the closure of the military bases had a negative effect on the unemployment. Considering these consequences from the military reform, the Municipality of Razgrad sought ways of re-using the former military base for civilian purposes that would encourage business development and job creation. The NATO-sponsored military base conversion project, which was later financed under EU PHARE, provided such an opportunity. Razgrad is one of the two Bulgarian municipalities that were included in the project, which will result in EUR 2 million in investments in infrastructure, building reconstruction and new development in the former military base by the end of 2006.

Practice
In 2002 the Municipality of Razgrad initiated a study of the opportunities for the conversion of the former military base. The study identified interest on behalf of local and external companies in the development of a business zone for their production or commercial activities. Following the elaboration of a detailed development plan, the Council of Ministers transferred the title on the 210,000 square meters of the former military base to the Municipality. A conceptual design and a business for the transformation of the property into a business zone were developed. The EUR 2 million project was submitted to EU PHARE and funding was approved. The signing of a memorandum with the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and PHARE representatives in the middle of 2005 gave the start to project implementation. The next months were used to establish the project management bodies and to select a construction company. Construction works are scheduled to start in September and include both underground and ground infrastructure: water, sewer, gas-supply, alleys, approach roads, etc. Some of the existing buildings will be reconstructed. New buildings will also be constructed to meet companies’ needs: an exhibition hall for agricultural products, mushroom growing facilities, pastry shops, repair shops for agricultural equipment, etc. Banks and business support institutions will also locate in the business zone. Entertainment facilities have been planned, too. Projections show that more than 900 new jobs will be created in the zone. The business will invest an additional EUR 2 million in machinery and equipment.

Results
-	Creation of a modern, well-developed and functioning business zone;
-	Support to local businesses and recruitment of external investors;
-	External investments in the amount of EUR 4 million;
-	Creation of 900 new jobs and reduction of unemployment in the municipality;
-	Improved business climate;
-	Creation of new production facilities and expansion of existing ones;
-	Improved social status of the residents;
-	The effects with regard to revenues from social and health insurance, taxes and reduced social assistance costs are calculated at EUR 1,055,000.
-	Building the capacity of local specialists.

For more information, please contact:
Elka Nedelcheva
Department Head
Spiritual and Youth Activities and Public Relations Department
Municipality of Razgrad
Razgrad 7200
37 A, Beli Lom Blvd.
tel.: (084) 660 095, 660 230
fax: (084) 660 090

European integration, social activities
Municipality of Zlatograd

Practice Title
United municipal centers – a model for social integration and employment for people with disabilities in the municipality of Zlatograd

Summary
The purpose of the project was to expand the social services available to people with disabilities and to create new opportunities for sustainable employment and for improving their work skills. This was to be achieved by consolidating and developing the existing centers, the Social Integration and Rehabilitation Center, the Information and Training Center and the Information and Administrative Services Center. The project resulted in: 1. Expansion and delivery of social services (legal and psychological consultancies; rehabilitation; personal assistants; home care); 2. Hiring of experts to meet the special needs of the target group; 3. Training to meet the needs of the newly created positions; 4. Purchase of support equipment for the needs of the newly employed disabled persons.

Background
Zlatograd Social Assistance Directorate data by June 30, 2003 indicate that 253 individuals with disabilities and reduced work capacity of up to 70% were receiving social assistance and the existence of 48 unemployed individuals with reduced work capacity of up to 70%.  To deal with this issue, an Economic Development Strategy and an Employment Program were adopted that provide a review of the problem and the alternative employment opportunities for people with disabilities.  
In an attempt to help the people of unequal status to find employment and enhance their social adaptation, the Municipality of Zlatograd established a Social Integration and Rehabilitation Center. The specialists employed at the Center used surveys to study the needs of the people with disabilities. The results indicated that most of the people with disabilities needed rehabilitation, legal and psychological assistance and social protection. 29 of the interviewed had no one to take care of them and lived alone and isolated. All interviewed persons with disabilities of working age wished to go through professional re-training courses and to have adequate employment opportunities provided.   

Practice
The project was implemented from December 1, 2003 through November 30, 2004 by the Municipality of Zlatograd in cooperation with local NGOs under the Social Integration Project. The latter is financed by EU PHARE, with the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works in the capacity of contracting agency.
The existing Social Integration and Rehabilitation Center, Information and Training Center and Information and Administrative Services Center were consolidated and upgraded to provide services to people with disabilities. Experts were hired to expand support for the special needs of the target group: a legal expert, 3 rehabilitators, 10 technical and administrative assistants, 2 social workers, a psychologist, 3 training experts, 30 personal assistants and 16 staff for home care teams. 
The following major activities were implemented under the project: 
-	Organization of courses for personal assistants and home care staff, courses on basic communication skills, organizational and administrative skills, as well as practical computer skills;
-	The psychological consultancy was established and provided 34 consultations; 
-	152 rehabilitations were conducted; 
-	The legal consultancy provided 36 consultations; 
-	Social Activities Bureau – 316 social consultations and other services provided;
-	Employment was provided to 58 individuals from the target group; 
-	Salary subsidies were provided for the employment of people with disabilities: legal expert, rehabilitators, 10 technical and administrative assistants, 30 personal assistants and 16 staff for the home care teams;
-	A hotline was established.

Results
The social services available to the people with disabilities were expanded.
New opportunities for employment and professional training of people with disabilities were created.
The Social Integration and Rehabilitation Center employs experts that support the special needs of the target group. 
The project helped improve the employment opportunities available to people with disabilities and to the members of their families.
The salaries of positions for people with disabilities were subsidized. The purchase of support equipment helped provide adequate working conditions to the newly employed people with disabilities.
The Social Integration and Rehabilitation provided 538 quality services to people with disabilities. 56 labor contracts and 4 civil contracts were signed with people with disabilities. A hotline was established for the target group.

For additional information, please contact:
Minka Salagyorova
Public Works, Construction, Projects and Environmental Preservation Director
Zlatograd 4980, 
1, Stambolov Street
tel.: (03071) 25 87
zlatograd@unacs.bg

The young people in Boichinovtsi reconstructed a playground in the downtown area
Municipality of Boichinovtsi

Category:
Youth initiatives

Summary:
As part of the International Earth Day campaign, on April 22, 2005 the young people in the town of Boichinovtsi reconstructed and landscaped a playground in the downtown area. The initiative was organized and implemented by the Future for Boichinovtsi Youth Association with the support of mayor, Stefcho Georgiev.

Background:
Every year the Municipality organizes local cleaning and landscaping activities as part of the International Earth Day. This year the Municipality selected a playground in deplorable condition. The playground is adjacent to the medical clinic and is a natural center of one of the most populated neighborhoods in the town.

Practice:
Under the initiative, the young people in Boichinovtsi used own materials and labor to reconstruct and paint the playground’s fence. The area was thoroughly cleaned and planted with decorative shrubs, trees and flowers. 
The youth continued to keep the playground in good condition even after the end of the initiative. This served to prove not only the effectiveness of the youth idea, but also that the young people sincerely love their town and are willing to work together with different institutions to improve the urban environment. In the implementation of the initiative the Municipality partnered with the Future for Boichinovtsi Youth Association.

Results:
The initiative transformed the playground from an empty and badly kept place into a pretty place for recreation and games. A kiosk is planned to be installed in one of the playground’s corners. The implementation of this idea generated good ideas for the improvement of the green areas and the parks in the town.

For additional information, please contact:
Municipality of Boichinovtsi
Galina Zdravkova
tel.: (09513) 21 21 
fax: (09513) 25 84

5 years of student labor in public works in Mezdra and an international student streetball competition
Municipality of Mezdra

Category: Youth activities

Summary: 
For the fifth consecutive year, students in the municipality of Mezdra took part in a unique effort to improve public works in the town and the villages. 141 young people were involved in: paving streets, replacing curbs and sidewalks, cleaning shoulders and drainage ditches, reconstructing the stadium, pouring slabs and sidewalks and constructing infrastructure facilities in the largest village in the municipality, Zverino. This year for the first time the students’ efforts ended with a streetball competition of 6 student teams from the country and abroad.

Background:      
The students in the municipality of Mezdra have been working to improve the infrastructure of their town for five consecutive summers:  26 students in 2001, 50 students in 2002, 84 students in 2003 and 109 students in 2004. This tradition is a part of the Municipal Program on Working with the Youth, which is to be updated this October.

Practice:            
From July through September, 2005 the students worked on eight sites: 
 - Lokomotiv City Stadium - cleaning and shaping the track and the green areas; construction of support wall and patching of aisles with concrete; cleaning and shaping of ditches along access roads; construction of two restrooms; 
 - Al. Stamboliiski Boulevard, section three - filling and landscaping works;
 - Al. Stamboliiski Boulevard at YUSHAN Co. - construction of sidewalk; slab placement;
 - Yanko Sakuzov Street - placement of small and large sidewalks curbs; shaping bed for pavement;
 - G. Dimitrov Street - placement of small and large sidewalk curbs; slab placement;
 - throughout the town - stormwater drain cleaning;
 - Mezdra and Dolna Kremena -  street paving;
 - a slab and curb production group at Chistota Municipal Enterprise;
 - a group in Zverino  -  street paving in the villages of Zverino and Oselna; drain and ditch cleaning;
Volume of works completed by the students:
 - Placement of:  street curbs - 1,720 m; garden curbs - 2,100 m; sidewalks - 1,300 m2; 
 - Green area shaping and landscaping - 34,000 m2;
 - Paving - 450 tons of asphalt;
 - Production of: slabs - 7,800 pcs.; street curbs - 4,000 pcs., garden curbs - 4,300 pcs.;
 - Drains cleaned - 70.
As usual, completed works were assessed weekly (at close of business on Friday) and the students received their wages the following Monday. For the whole period, the students were paid BGN 55,799.
This year for the first time the students’ efforts ended with a streetball competition, which was held on September 12 - 15 at the town square with the participation of 6 student teams. 
	                                              
Results:       
Once again the students did a good job improving the infrastructure of their home town and municipality. Their efforts were covered by the local and the regional media. The interest in the summer campaign grows every year. Students from the upper classes of the schools and recent graduates also get involved. There is even interest by residents of the neighboring municipalities, Vratsa and Roman. Sometimes the municipal administration finds it difficult to provide materials, equipment, financing and technical supervisors to all groups and sites. However, the tradition has been established and we hope that it will continue over the years to come.      

For additional information, please contact: 
Nina Dankolova
Municipal Secretary
Municipality of Mezdra
tel.: (0910) 925 21
fax: (0910) 923 21 
mezdra@mail.bg

Different, a youth TV show
Municipality of Razgrad
Citizen Education Advisory Club

Category   
Youth initiatives

Summary
A TV show was developed to announce the needs of the children and the youth and to involve them in the decision-making process on issues that concern them. The point of view presented in the show is that of the youth ombudsman who consolidates the will and the efforts of the institutions, families, civil society and the media in Razgrad.

Background
The Community Forum program is implemented by the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency (SDC), FLGR and Balkan Assist Association. Funding is provided by SDC and by own contribution of the municipality in which the program is implemented. One of the priorities identified by the Razgrad Community Forum was the need to provide to the young people opportunities for career development, leisure and entertainment.
It was decided that these expectations may be combined by the development of a youth TV show that would announce the needs of the children and the youth and would involve them in the decision-making on issues that concern them. 

Practice
The Youth bench of the Razgrad Community Forum initiated a meeting of youth representatives. One of the issues brought up at the meeting was the insufficient number of youth organizations and the fact that the issues are rarely discussed with them. 
After the fifth session of the Community Forum, the Regional Teaching Center assisted in conducting a survey among the students at 4 primary and 8 secondary schools in the city. 82% of the interviewed declared a need for a regional youth TV show, while 86% of the respondents proposed many and various topics for such a show. The major topics included: friendship and love problems; school and family problems; free time issues. 32% of the students declared their willingness to participate in a TV show.
Activities prior to the pilot show:
A casting for anchors, reporters, script writers, actors and make-up artists resulted in the selection of 26 youth aged 15 to 21.
The youth selected the name of the show, Different. The name reflects young people’s aspiration to seek the differences of their uniqueness, to discuss different aspects of an issue, to cover different opinions and topics.
Training was organized for the teams. The show got its logo and headers and the youth team helped develop promotional videos that were broadcasted by the regional cable TV operator, Evrocom ABC, and the local radio station, Oberon MAX.
Five workshops were organized for all project participants. Some of these were facilitated by consultants from Darik Radio and Nova Television.
The first pilot show was broadcasted on January 28, Razgrad Day. 
This date was chosen for two reasons: the team was ready to present itself to the audience and wished to state that something new was happening in town thanks to the Razgrad Community Forum. Razgrad Day symbolizes the common will of the local residents to make their city an attractive place for young people to live and work. 
What happened next?
Every show is planned jointly by the Citizen Education Advisory Club, the Regional Teaching Center and the Evrocom ABC cable operator. 
•	10 shows were broadcasted, on the following topics: “Who are we?”, “Love”, “Sex”, “Career”, “Life without drugs”, “The everyday life of the youth”, “Graduating the 7th grad - what now?”, “Faith and beliefs”, “Different Live”, “The Best of Different”. 
Now the youth TV show has its own audience, mostly comprised of young people aged 12 to 18.  
•	Two study visits were organized to VARNA TV and the Bulgarian National Television;
•	The show now has its own website (www.razli4ni.hit.bg) that features the following sections: History; Casting; Gallery; Shows; Coming Up; Sponsors; About Us; Forum; 
•	To mark the completion of the project, a youth happening was organized in the city. The participants included the Children’s School of Music, Raina Knyaginya Kindergarten, Center for Work with Children, children homes from Zavet and Isperih. Participants in the Razgrad Community Forum and representatives of funding institutions also attended the happening. 
  
Results
-	New skills acquired in the development of TV shows, new talents identified. A product was designed that may be offered to other televisions and disseminated on various information carriers among the target group;
-	Personal development of direct beneficiaries - the youth teams in the show (formation of critical thinking, self-analysis and self-identification skills; time management and teamworking skills; a transition from boredom to career development);
-	New opportunities for the young people - the show team were contacted by other organizations to participate in other public events;
-	Existence of a youth team possessing problem identification and problem solving skills by information and covering of different points of view, priority identification and consensus building skills;
-	Improved communication skills of the youth as a result from regular meetings with a specialist aimed at improving their speech;
-	The youth team acquired self-confidence and experience;
-	Experience accumulated by the organizations that partnered in this innovative activity. New opportunities for joint activities created.

For additional information, please contact:
Tsvetanka Ruseva
Chair
Citizen Education Advisory Club 
ccce@abv.bg
Gloria Kostova
Director
Regional Teaching Center
couk@mail.bg

Balkania Tourism Region
ReMark TourClub Association

Category
Public Private Partnerships

Summary
The resort communities in the municipalities of Teteven, Troyan and Apriltsi began promoting themselves under a common name. The creation of the Balkania tourism region was announced to representatives of the tourism industry and journalists at a meeting in Sofia in October, 2003. The name, Balkania, symbolizes the location of the region, both in the heart of the Balkan Mountain Range and in the center of Bulgaria.

Background
The association was established in 2001 to develop and promote tourism in the small resorts in the Balkan Mountains.
The idea was prompted by the effect from the publication and the dissemination of the Troyan/Apriltsi: Business and Tourism 2001 Catalog, which was created on initiative by ReMark 96 Ltd. advertising agency. The owners of tourism facilities in the municipalities of Troyan and Apriltsi reached the conclusion that promoting the region as a whole, with all its natural, cultural and historic landmarks, is more beneficial than promoting individual hotels and restaurants.
A year later representatives of the tourism industry in the municipality of Teteven began joining the ReMark TourClub. The Teteven/Ribaritsa: Business and Tourism Catalog was published in 2003.

Practice
The owners of tourism facilities in the three municipalities gradually established close contacts. The association organized meetings and discussions, invited industry experts to exchange experience and state administration specialists to explain the new Tourism Act and the accompanying ordinances and regulations.
When problematic situations arise, such as snow ploughing and waste collection, the association organizes meetings with municipal leaderships to find adequate solutions.
At the same time, ReMark TourClub presents the region at various tourism exhibitions through both individual and common marketing materials (leaflets, calendars, postcards) of its members.
Different events are organized, such as carnivals, competitions and concerts, in order to generate interest in the region.
One of the ideas that were brought up in the process was to promote the resort communities in the municipalities of Teteven, Troyan and Apriltsi as a whole region with a common name, Balkania. Balkania is comprised of the following communities: Troyan, Skandalo, Apriltsi, Teteven, Ribaritsa, Shipkovo, Chiflik, Beklemeto, Cherni Osum and Oreshak.
Initially supported only by association members, the idea gradually mobilized support at municipal and regional level. A trilateral cooperation agreement was signed by the Board of Directors of ReMark TourClub, the mayors of the three municipalities (Troyan, Teteven and Apriltsi) and the Lovech regional governor.  
Financial and organizational support from the Tourism Agency allowed for the organization of two tours to the Balkania region for journalists from the national media. The best journalistic materials promoting Balkania are awarded prizes as part of an annual competition held by the Association.
Different TV shows were filmed in Balkania on initiative by the ReMark TourClub, in order to promote the region to the youth audience. To promote the local cuisine, one of the national cooking shows filmed more than 20 editions in Balkania.
The official start of the tourist season in the three municipalities is given every June by concerts of prominent Bulgarian musicians (Signal, D2, Vili Kavaldzhiev).
At the same time, the Association provides organizational support to various private events initiated by its individual members: grand openings of new tourism facilities, fashion forums, etc., as well as celebrations organized by the municipalities, such as the Plum Holiday in Troyan, the St. Todor’s Day horse races in Apriltsi, etc.
Another aspect of the consolidated efforts of association members and municipal representatives is the development of tourism attractions and their inclusion in a comprehensive tourist product to be offered within the Balkania region. The Balkania Monastery Tour is such a product. It includes visits to the most well-known monasteries and churches in Balkania, an introduction to local crafts, tasting of local food specialties, visits to attractive places, such as the mineral springs in Chiflik, the grass ski slope in Ribaritsa, a safari in an all-terrain vehicle, mountain horse riding, etc.
The cooperation with the municipal and national institutions, such as the Tourism Agency, provides the Association opportunities to promote, for free or at preferential prices, its sites on the national and the international markets.
The activities of the ReMark Advertising Agency, which apart from developing most tourism promotion materials in Balkania also sponsors the development and the maintenance of the website www.balkania.org, also benefit the region.

Results
A large-scale partnership was established between private businesses, local and national authorities. Attractive tourist recruitment forms were developed, as well as promotional and advertising materials for a common product that resulted in an increased number of tourists visiting the region.

Contact:
ReMark TourClub Association
Nikolay Zarichinov
5641 Apriltsi
ReMark TourClub
tel.: 02/ 971 71 47 
remark@interbgc.com

Establishing Roma centers in the municipality of Kozlodui
Regional Economic Development Initiative in the Kozlodui NPP Area Association, Kozlodui, Vratsa Region

Category
Social activities

Summary
The Roma centers and health consultancies in Kozlodui and Boutan were established under the Support to the Small Community, Assistance to the Most Vulnerable Project, funded by the British Global Opportunities Fund. The project was developed by the Regional Economic Development Initiative in the Kozlodui NPP Area Association (KREDI) in partnership with the Municipality of Kozlodui. The project gave the Roma population a chance for real integration in society.

Background
Some 4,500 (20% of the municipality’s population) Romas live in the Municipality of Kozlodui; most of them are residents of Kozlodui and Boutan. KREDI initiated a meeting with representatives of the local government and the Roma communities. The meeting identified education and healthcare as the major issues faced by the Roma population. In regard to education, the problem was the large number of children not visiting schools or dropping out of school. In regard to healthcare, the problem was the low awareness on health related issues.
Mrs. Carina Kovalska, manager of the British Multi Technologies Group (one of the founders of KREDI) proposed a model for the centers based on the vast British experience in dealing with minorities.  
The project was implemented in consistency with the municipal program on the equal integration of the minority groups, adopted by the Municipal Council in 2000.

Practice
Project implementation began in early 2004. One of the important aspects of the project was the simultaneous work with both Roma children and their parents.
The first module included the establishment of the Roma centers and healthcare consultancies. The repairs were financed by project funds and voluntary labor of the residents of Roma neighborhoods. The grand opening of the Carina Center in Boutan was on June 1, 2004, and that of the Mladost Center in Kozlodui - on July 1, 2004.
The centers are staffed by young Romas trained to work with children of pre-school and school age. The purpose is to motivate the children to attend school on a regular basis. Selected activities, such as drawing, reading and educational games, are used to encourage children’s interest in acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their talents.
The medical consultancies at the centers provide all residents free consultations on health-related issues, such as venereal diseases, personal and domestic hygiene, infectious diseases, contraceptive measures, etc. The Hygiene and Epidemic Inspectorate in Vratsa and the Bulgarian Family Planning Association provided a lot of materials and visuals that are now available to all residents. 
Every holiday is celebrated properly by the children visiting the centers.
For the Christmas and New Year holidays the children from the two centers delivered a special performance to their parents.
On Easter, the children painted eggs and handmade holders for them. The eggs were presented to the Home for Senior Citizens with Physical Disabilities in Kozlodui and the Home for People with Mental Disorders in Boutan.
The second module of the project targeted adult Romas. As the low social status of the parents was stated as one of the reasons for children’s absence from school, the purpose of this module was to improve their labor market chances by professional training. To achieve this, licensed training organizations were hired. 96 Romas from the municipalities of Kozlodui and Mizia completed a basic computer literacy course. Five residents of Boutan completed a course for construction workers. The participants in this course demonstrated their newly acquired skills by mounting the flooring in the Carina Center. 14 individuals completed a landscaping course. All participants in the training courses were issued certificates.

Results
The opening of the centers in Kozlodui and Boutan provided opportunities to develop the talents and better fill the free time of the Roma children, both the ones attending school regularly and those who used to spend their days in the streets.
Three jobs were created under the project, two at the Carina Center in Boutan and one at the Mladost Center in Kozlodui.
As a result from the activities of the Mladost Center, five children have returned to school. 
The centers became a cosy place that more and more children enjoy visiting. 
124 adult Romas completed professional training courses.

For additional information, please contact:
Albena Karagyozova
Project Manager
Kozlodui 3320
Dom na Energetika, fl. 1
KREDI Association
tel.: (0973) 813 32, 0888/71 10 76
kredi@abv.bg

2004 - 2008 Municipal Plan for Educational Integration of Children and Students of Roma Origin
Municipality of Montana

Category
Citizen participation
Social activities
Governance practices

Summary
In early July, 2004 the Montana Municipal Council, in implementation of Ministry of Education and Science’s Strategy on the Educational Integration of Children and Students from the Ethnic Minorities in the Republic of Bulgaria, adopted a Plan for Educational Integration of Children and Students of Roma Origin. The plan is for the 2004 - 2008 period and includes commitments on behalf of the local authorities in Montana to solve the educational problems of the Roma children in the municipality. 

Background
Some 7,000 Romas live in the municipality; of them, 5,000 are residents of two neighborhoods in Montana, Kosharnik and Ogosta. One of the Roma neighborhoods is located 8 kilometers away from the city, which hinders the access of its residents to healthcare, social and other services. There are 22 schools in the municipality, including the only Roma school. The latter is located in the Kosharnik neighborhood and is attended only by Roma children. The knowledge acquired by the children at that school is far below the necessary minimum for them to continue their education, which results in their early dropping out of the educational system. The low quality of the education at the Roma school dooms the children to almost no career opportunities and, in the future, to high unemployment and low social status.

Practice
To overcome the educational problems of the Roma children, municipal experts held several informal meetings with Roma non-governmental organizations supported by the Roma community. In the last four years, the SHAM Foundation has been the driving force behind the desegregation of the Roma school, a process funded by external donors. This is why the municipal experts asked this particular foundation to provide consulting assistance. The foundation provides free bus transport to some 150 children from the distant Roma neighborhood to the downtown of Montana. With the assistance of the Municipality of the Montana and the Regional Inspectorate of Education of the Ministry of Education and Science the foundation divides the children between five schools in the city and in several preparatory groups at two kindergartens. Education in mixed schools provides the Roma children equal access to education and a chance for a career. Considering the low social status of the Roma families and the inability of most of them to provide textbooks to their children, the organization provides textbooks and study materials to the children that leave the Roma ghetto. 
Based on the experience, best practices and results from the process initiated by the local non-governmental organization, the municipal experts on ethnic and demographic issues and European integration, assisted by the Roma councilors on the Montana Municipal Council and NGO representatives developed a long-term plan that describes local government’s commitment to solve the educational problems of the Roma children. The purpose of the plan is to provide new opportunities to the Roma children, to overcome their early dropout of school and to support their integration in the mixed schools. The Plan for Educational Integration of Children and Students of Roma Origin includes specific timelines, persons responsible and goals, as well as the funds necessary to successfully complete the process. The Plan calls for the establishment of an Advisory Board on the Education of Children from Ethnic Minorities to the Montana Municipal Council. The Advisory Board is to be comprised of school and kindergarten principals, representatives of the Regional Inspectorate of Education, Roma NGOs and municipal councilors, teachers, etc. Other actions included in the Plan are the provision of transport to the Montana schools for Roma children, training the teachers to work in a multicultural environment, introduction of the assistant teacher position, inclusion of Roma folklore in the curriculums as a selectable subject, etc. 
The Montana Municipal Council unanimously adopted the plan submitted by the municipal experts, thus expressing the local government’s willingness to implement an educational policy targeting the Romas and to extend the support to the reforms in this field. 
The municipal plan is based on: the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria (Art. 53, Para 1), the Educational Degree Act, the educational minimum and the curriculum, the Regulation on the Enforcement of the National Education Act, Ordinance No. 2 on the school curriculum (May 18, 2000), Ordinance No. 6 on the division of school time and the achievement of the educational minimum by class, stage and educational degree, the Protection from Discrimination Act and the Ministry of Education and Science’s Strategy on the Educational Integration of Children and Students from the Ethnic Minorities in the Republic of Bulgaria (adopted on January 23, 2004).

Results
- Greater number of Roma children admitted to mixed classes in all Montana schools at the beginning of the 2004/2005 academic year; 
- Mobilized support and increased confidence in local authorities on behalf of the Roma community; 
- Free transport and study materials provided to more than 200 Roma children; 
- The percentage of dropouts reduced to minimum; 
- Improved school achievements of Roma children; 
- Encouraged involvement of Roma children in extracurricular activities as a means of keeping them at school (ETHNOS folklore workshop at Hristo Botev General Education School with the participation of Romas, Bulgarians and Karakachans; a theater group of Roma children); 
- Promotion of ethnic culture variety and discussion of the idea to include Roma folklore in the curriculum as a selectable subject; 
- Basis formed for the establishment of an Advisory Board on the Education of Children from Ethnic Minorities to the Montana Municipal Council; 
- In 2004 Municipality of Montana’s plan was presented at international and national meetings organized by non-governmental organizations working on minority issues, as well as to municipal experts on ethnic and demographic issues, and has served as basis for the formulation of similar plans in several other municipalities. 
 
For additional information, please contact:
Victoria Petrova
Junior Expert, European Integration
Montana 3400
1, Izvora Street
tel.: (096) 300-481
fax: (096) 300-401

Art Therapy Social Center
Eurointegration Association, Varna
Municipality of Varna

Summary:
Eurointegration Association, Varna, in partnership with Youth Activities and Sports Directorate of the Municipality of Varna, established an Art Therapy Social Center for children and youth with disabilities at the Varna Youth Home.

Background:
Eurointegration Association is a member of the Rehabilitation and Social Integration of People with Disabilities Public Board, the National Social Services Network and the National Equal Opportunities Network.
At present, there are a significant number of children and youth with disabilities in Varna who are talented but are deprived of opportunities to interact with their coevals, to participate in activities, to be independent and equal. As result their abilities remain undeveloped.

Practice:
The main partner in the project was the municipal Youth Activities and Sports Directorate. The proposal, aimed at establishing an Art Therapy Social Center that would work with youth of unequal status was addressed to the Directorate and accepted with interest.
Subsequently, conditions were created at the Youth Home enabling the youth with disabilities to work and achieve their creative aspirations. The project is consistent with the Ordinance on the Terms and Procedures of Protecting Gifted Children (January 1, 2004), the National Plan on the Integration of Children and Youth with Special Educational Needs, the Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities Act, the European and the international legislation.
The target group included people with disabilities aged 16 to 29 who wished to work in music and arts.
The following activities were implemented under the Art in Us Project:
-	Psychology of the creative process - individual and group activities with the participants on building motivation, personal restructuring and formation of the creative process;
-	Implementation of a model for alternative theoretical and practical training on all aspects of modern arts; 
-	Organization of a theoretical module on psychological motivation and building motivation for a creative process by the young people with special needs; 
-	Social consultations on re-socialization;
-	Work on music;
-	Work on fine and applied arts;
-	Organization of Art in Us, a celebration comprised of an exhibition of the art created by the participants and a Christmas concert.
The youth with disabilities were accompanied by parents, friends, personal or social assistants. Different methods were used to create an environment of assistance and mutual assistance not only in the target group but also in the parental community. A psychologist and a teacher helped the young people and worked on strengthening the parental community. In focus groups the parents, personal and social assistants shared their experience with the group. This has resulted in forming empathic attitude and willingness for mutual assistance within the community, i.e. the parents acting as assistants to their children became also assistants of other young people. This helped restructure the parental community and created models and techniques for mutual assistance.
The institution breached the marginal circle and, with the help of volunteers, helped the youth see a new world in a different way: during tours of the Sea Garden, collective visits of different events, musical performances, art exhibitions, etc. 

Results:
•	The youth involved in the project were educated to develop their talents. They have proven their capabilities in an environment of equality with their coevals. By their examples they have influenced other marginalized groups to develop higher self-esteem and social achievements;
•	Positive attitudes were developed by the young people of unequal status with regard to developing their musical skills and using their creative abilities to initiate wide coalitions for social changes;
•	These methods have helped the young people accept their health problems and focus their positive energy on personal accomplishments and integration.

For additional information, please contact:
Nelly Kiryakova

Improving the quality of municipal service delivery by adoption of Client’s Charter and Administrative Service Standards by the Municipality of Mezdra
Municipality of Mezdra

Category:
Administrative services

Summary: 
The Client’s Charter and the Administrative Service Standards were adopted in late May, 2005. They are an extension of the Municipality of Mezdra’s systematic efforts to improve the quality of municipal services and to reform service delivery in consistency with the new and higher requirements in the sector. 

Background: 
The delivery of services to the citizens is a daily obligation of the municipal administrations. The leadership of the municipality of Mezdra believes that this process must meet the modern high requirements on the quality of the services delivered. Besides the growing needs of the citizens for timely services and for various administrative documents, there are also growing needs with regard to their requirements to the administration and to the performance of the service units. By taking this into consideration and viewing it through the prism of the upcoming changes in the administrative sector arising from Bulgaria’s EU accession, it becomes clear that improving the quality of service delivery is one of the most important aspects of local government.
In 2002 the Municipality of Mezdra made a step towards improving the quality of service delivery and enhancing citizens’ access to municipal services by establishing a municipal Citizen Information Center (CIC). 

Practice: 
The Client’s Charter and the service standards were enacted on May 31, 2005. The Charter is available to CIC’s clients through a special brochure and is posted in the Citizen Information Center. The Charter is not legally binding document but its existence allows the clients to understand the opportunities for better interaction with the municipal administration and thus defend their interests more effectively. The purpose of the Charter is to improve the access to administrative services and to encourage service delivery quality improvement. The Charter describes in detail all 122 municipal services. To make it easier for the clients, this is done for each of the desks at the Citizen Information Center, with the inclusion of contact information for the respective municipal employee. 
The Charter describes the complaint handling procedures and procedures for the provision of information by the municipal administration. It also includes reaction timelines for the respective documents and the names of the municipal officials responsible. 
The most important aspect of the Administrative Service Standards is the attitude to the clients defined by the motto The People are the Municipality. The standards are based on the belief that the delivery of information to the clients and communication with the, as well as the expansion of the customer relations channels, are priorities for administrative staff. 

Results: 
The effect from the adoption of the Client’s Charter and the Administrative Service Standards by the Municipality of Mezdra became obvious immediately after the end of the promotional campaign that was organized to present the document to the public. The changes include improved service delivery and better interaction between service providers and service recipients. Survey cards used to generate feedback indicate that the degree of customer satisfaction has increased significantly and the verbal requests for different procedures and services have decreased. The CIC staff state that the clients are now better informed about the administrative process, timelines and procedures, which further enhances service delivery. 
On the other hand, the Charter has a positive effect on the attitude of the administrative staff to the citizens. The enactment of the service standards resulted in treating the users of administrative services most of all like clients that make the administration’s existence possible.   

For additional information, please contact: 
Nina Dankolova, Ivailo Simeonov
tel.: (0910) 925 88; (0910) 926 32
mezdra_pr@abv.bg 

Dissemination of information to the villages in the Municipality of Svishtov
Municipality of Svishtov
Svishtov Business Center

Category:
E-Government

Summary:
The project implemented by the Svishtov Business Center provided Internet connection to all 15 villages of the municipality. The document flow between the villages and the citizen information center in the town is now conducted in a common format. An opportunity was created to provide administrative services in the villages. 

Background:
The municipality of Svishtov is comprised of one city and 15 villages. The residents of the villages have no access to information services. The idea was to provide opportunities for better and cheaper administrative service delivery and access to information at every mayoralty, as well as to train people to provide such services and, at a later stage, to expand the number of services provided.  
The project was submitted at the seventh session of the Svishtov Community Forum, a program implemented by the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency (SDC) and the Foundation for Local Government Reform (FLGR). Funding was provided by SDC and the Municipality of Svishtov. The idea was submitted by the VILLAGES worktable and all mayoralties in the municipality.

Practice:
The project had the following goals:
-	To include the residents of the villages in the information structure of the Municipality and to provide opportunities for the delivery of administrative services in the villages; 
-	To deal with the problems (transport, financial, time delays, etc.) faced by the elder residents of the villages when trying to receive official documents that were issued only in the city;
-	To improve the working environment in the mayoralties, to upgrade staff skills and to provide fast internet access.
As part of the project: 
-	All 15 mayoralties in the municipality were equipped with a computer, a laser printer, a scanner, UPS and a modem;
-	27 mayoralty staff, including mayors, were trained in basic computer skills, working with peripheral devices and using specialized software; 
-	Intranet software was developed and installed to provide current information on acts, ordinances, regulations, directories, Municipal Council decisions, etc. Every mayoralty has local access (without internet connection) to this information. 

Results:
-	Fast internet access provided in 15 villages in the municipality; 
-	The staff now use a common format to move documents between the villages and the Citizen Information Center in the city;
-	Improved access to administrative services for village residents (mostly elder residents), accelerated service delivery timelines, financial and other problems avoided by local service delivery;
-	Reduced isolation of village residents, improved self-confidence of the people living in the villages and employed at the administrations of the small communities.

For additional information, please contact:
Municipality of Svishtov
tel.: (0631) 606 88 
fax: (0631) 605 04

Reconstruction of central garden and construction of underground industrial water irrigation system 
Municipality of Montana

Category: 
Spatial planning
Sustainable development and environment

Summary: 
The municipality of Montana is known by its well-maintained parks and gardens. The city’s downtown is a walking area decorated by vast green areas, many fountains, monuments and old trees. The reconstruction of the central garden changed the look of the city and improved the access of people with disabilities to public areas. The construction of an underground industrial water irrigation system reduced the maintenance costs for the central garden and terminated the use of drinking water for this purpose.

Background: 
For the fifth consecutive year the Municipality of Montana organized a wide public forum for the review of the investment policy for the budgetary year. The reconstruction of the central garden and the construction of underground irrigation system were among the priorities supported during the review. 
Over the years, the climatic changes resulted in reduced drinking water quantities in the municipalities of Montana and Vratsa. The existence of this problem, combined with the significant reduction of irrigation costs, were the factors that encouraged the Municipality to develop a proposal and submit it to the Beautiful Bulgaria Project. 

Practice: 
BGN 150,000 were needed for the reconstruction of the garden and for the construction of the underground irrigation system. The Municipality of Montana developed the required technical design and cost estimates. The Municipal Council made a decision to support the project that was submitted to Beautiful Bulgaria Program. Beautiful Bulgaria Project allocated grant funding in the amount of one-third of the required financing. The remainder was financed by the municipal budget. To secure wide public support for the project, mayor Zlatko Zhivkov and his team promoted the potential effects of the project to the citizens. Special attention was paid to the improved access to public spaces for people with disabilities. Project implementation resulted in alley pavement replacement, improved condition of green areas, construction of underground irrigation system and enhanced access to public spaces for people with disabilities. 60 new benches were installed in the central garden.

Results: 
-	Grant funding provided for a publicly supported project;
-	Use of drinking water for irrigation replaced by use of industrial water;
-	Improved access to public spaces for people with disabilities;
-	Increased confidence of public in the municipal administration, based on the latter’s ability to implement projects of public importance with a relatively restricted municipal budget.

For additional information, please contact:
Vesela Kolarska
Deputy Mayor
Municipality of Montana
tel.: (096) 300 410
fax: (096) 300 410

Establishment of consultancies for protecting mothers and children in Nadezhda residential area
Doctors of the World
Roma Population Health Foundation
Municipality of Sliven

Category
Healthcare
European integration: provision of information and implementation of successful European projects

Summary
The establishment of consultancies for protecting mothers and children in Nadezhda residential area is a practice under a project of the international humanitarian organization, Doctors of the World. The project was implemented as a pilot on improving the status of the minorities. The grand opening of the consultancies was on April 14, 2005. 

Background
In October, 2000, on the occasion of the Roma in Europe: Improving Healthcare and Rights of a Minority in Distress, a European forum organized by Doctors of the World, two Roma doctors from Sliven informed Doctors of the World about the worrisome condition of healthcare in the Nadezhda residential area. Sliven is the city with the highest child mortality rate. The latter is a consequence of bad living conditions, low healthcare awareness and lack of access to health services for the residents of the Nadezhda neighborhood.
A partnership between Doctors of the World, the Roma Population Health Foundation and the Municipality of Sliven was established within a very short time. Since 2000, several study missions have been organized to identify the current status, the needs and the intervention opportunities. Consequently, Doctors of the World decided to implement a project for the establishment of consultancies for protecting mothers and children in Nadezhda residential area.

Practice
The overall health of the residents was improved and the mortality rate among mothers and children in Sliven was reduced by:
-	improving the health of pregnant women, young mothers and children in the neighborhood;
-	improving the medical services available to families in the neighborhood and assisting the residents in implementing their rights;
-	focus on early diagnosing of pregnancy, regular medical checks of pregnant women to monitor and prevent birth complications, organization of information meetings on pregnancy, hygiene, sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptives;
-	regular medical checks of children to identify nutrition problems and other disease conditions, inoculation and provision of nutrition supplements for children in need;
-	registration of patients by a general practitioner and, when needed, provision of assistance to the families in taking different administrative actions;
-	the Municipality provided financial and logistics support to the project and has committed to ensure its sustainability; it also provided training for the team employed at the mothers’ protection office, collected information and submitted it to the competent authorities and to the Doctors of the World’s head office.

Results
A health center with consultancies on protecting mothers and children was established in the city. It will contribute to improving the minority’s status by increasing the degree of health awareness and by providing access to medical care at the place of residence.

For additional information, please contact:
Stoyan Markov
Department Director
Municipality of Sliven
1, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd.
tel.: (044) 611 107
fax: (044) 663 054
smarkov@sliven.bg