Bulgaria

City library "Paisii Hilendarski"

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

1 Zahari Zograf Sq, flour 3
2000 Samokov
Bulgaria

Telephone
+35960201
E-Mail
bib_samokov@abv.bg
Mobile Phone
+359889767623
Organisation Type
Public Institution
Year of Establishment
1890
Fields of Activity
  1. International/Cultural relations
General Information

The Paisii Hilendarski Municipal Library serves the citizens of Samokov and the settlements in the municipality. Its structure includes:
- Loan for adults
- Reference and Bibliographic Department and Local History
- Reader
- Children's department
- Art Department
- two branches for adults and children
- Department of processing and catalogs
- a computer room
The Library Fund consists of 141216 registration units. The registered readers for 2020 are 1605 and the visits are 24060. The library documents acquired are 873 and the subscribers are 62.
The library has 24 pcs. Computer configurations with Internet access, 12 of which are intended for readers. There is an electronic catalog of books, articles and periodicals that contains 108518 entries and is available online.
The priority in the work of the library is:
- Encouraging reading and working with children
- The application of modern information technologies in library service and improvement of internet access and electronic information about the users of the library
- The introduction of new services for the residents of the municipality
Since 2011 The library holds free computer literacy courses for users over 55 years.
The library is funded by the municipality of Samokov and funds on projects.
The budget of the library for 2023 is 227115 BGN

Mission and Objectives

Mission:
Provision of information: The Municipal Library strives to be a center where people can gain access to various types of information, including books, periodicals, electronic resources, multimedia materials and other sources of knowledge.

Education Support: The library works over this to be a place where people can train and develop, providing resources for self -education, training and cultural enrichment.

Culture and art development: The library presents the cultural heritage of the Community through its collections and programs.

Social connection and integration: The library creates a space for social meetings and the exchange of ideas, contributes to social connection and integration into the community.

Targets:

Increasing literacy and education: The library seeks to help increase community literacy and education, providing resources and programs for education for children and adults.

Information literacy development: It also sets the goal of developing information literacy habits in its users, helping them effectively develop, evaluate and use information.

Support of cultural diversity: The library seeks to maintain cultural diversity and respect for different cultures through its collections, programs and events.
Local development support: The library can also work on the maintenance of local development, for example by providing information on local resources, events for local entrepreneurs, etc.

Main Projects / Activities

The project "Increasing the knowledge and skills of mayors and technical contractors from the mayoralties of Samokov Municipality for work with sites and administrative and legal programs for electronic services for citizens".
The project "Green Idea - Eco Summer", which aimed at forming children of responsible behavior and culture that spares the environment.
The library also conducts financial literacy training for children under 14
Since 2019 he has also conducted educational activities with children in programming with robots Finch, provided under the Generation Code project.
Since 2022, media literacy training has been conducted for adults.
The library also implements a summer program for children from 6 to 14 years of age, a "vacation in the library", which aims to organize the free time of the children, combining entertainment and making new friendships with the acquisition of new knowledge in different fields.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

The library can contribute to the network of the Anna Lind Foundation in Bulgaria by sharing its good practices.
Providing information resources and materials for various social and cultural topics. This will help network members to be better informed and prepared to solve social problems and challenges. The library can also organize trainings, seminars and courses to help professionals and volunteers work on the web develop their knowledge and skills. After all, the library can be a place for meetings, exchange of experience and cooperation between network members and other stakeholders.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

The library wants to join the Anna Lind Foundation Network, because this will contribute to the expansion of its capacity, will give it opportunities for cooperation, exchange of knowledge and experience. Also, network membership can improve the visibility of the library and help it to establish closer ties with other cultural institutions and organizations.

Contact (1) Full Name
Albena Ihtimanska
Job Title
Director
Head of the organisation
Albena Ihtimanska

Club Friends of Europe

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

7 Krakra Str., appt.15
Varna
Bulgaria

Telephone
0035952613429
E-Mail
friends_of_europe@mail.bg
E-Mail (2)
natal@bitex.com
Mobile Phone (other)
0035952613429
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2002
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. Human rights
  4. Youth and education
General Information
We do not have at present employed staff in our organization due to the lack of funds this year. The structure is like this we have a chairman- Yani Yanev, former governer of Varna, now MEP. Usually we have funds from members - annual membership and Municipality of Varna, which we use for the cultural projects which we are running. Youth in Action projects, evaluation projects, Municipality of Varna projects varios- European Children's network
Mission and Objectives

Club "Friends of Europe" – Children section was founded as an NGO in December 2002 but we have existed as part of a network of European Bulgarian clubs since 1990. Lobbing for EU policies in Bulgaria and helping with the process of European integration. Most of the members are children and young people, and it has sections in most of the high schools in Varna, the third largest city in Bulgaria, with the scope to help and enable the process of integration in every aspect in Bulgaria regarding integration in the EU.

Main Projects / Activities

Through its teaching process, the organisation enhances the role of the child in society and dwell on the education of the rights of every child. Aiming to protect the rights of children and help them find their place in society and lobby for their rights.

Contact (1) Full Name
Nataliya Nikolova
Head of the organisation
Yani Yanev
Publication
Education
Image
Front and back covers

Colouring Book for Kids - World Religions

Have fun learning about the world's major religions with creative designs and simple challenges! For kids age 5+. O f the thousands of colouring books available for children, only a few deal with religion, tending to depict only one religion...

Community Center "Ivan Vazov - 2014"

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

"Hadji Dimitar" Residential area, "Rezbarska" Str., Bl. 188, entrance 3
1510 Sofia
Bulgaria

Telephone
+359887218292
E-Mail
denkov@vazov.info
E-Mail (2)
vazov.center@gmail.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2014
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. Environment/Sustainable development
  4. Heritage
  5. Human rights
  6. International/Cultural relations
  7. Media
  8. Youth and education
General Information

Community Center "Ivan Vazov - 2014" is a non-profit organization in public benefit, which was founded at the end of 2014 from more than 150 citizens. Among the founders of the Community Center are artists, writers, representatives of educational institutions, journalists and public figures. For the first few months of its existence Community Center "Ivan Vazov - 2014" launched several initiatives. The first initiative is in partnership with the Urban Art Foundation, with the aim to create a modern gallery for urban art. The second initiative of our Community Center is associated with the integration of refugees through joint educational and cultural activities. A third project, in which we work is related to the interaction between the community centers.  

Mission and Objectives

Our Mission and Objectives are: to work for the benefit of the whole society; to develop projects and initiatives in education and science; to support young artists; to develop projects related to social activities, minority groups, marginalized communities; to support the integration and reintegration of people with disabilities; to assist local and central government; to support multi-ethnic dialogue; to promote European values and democracy; to cooperate with local, national and international organizations and networks.

Main Projects / Activities

We are currently working on three projects, two of which are financed from own resources. The first project aims to build partnerships between community centers. The second project is related to the activities through which we want to integrate refugees and migrants who cross the Schengen border and come from points of conflict, such as Syria, Iraq and Africa. The working title of the project is "Side by Side". The third project is in partnership with the Urban Art Foundation and aims to create urban gallery. The project is funded by the Sofia Municipality, and its value is around € 10,000.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

Our desire is to establish partnerships with other organizations and civil society structures, with common goals and at the same time to spread the information about the activities and practices of the Network among our members and the public. In addition, we wish to initiate joint activities with other members of the Network.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

We believe that change is possible when efforts are united in a common goal. For this reason we would like to collaborate with a wide range of organizations who share and work for the benefit of society and its development.

Contact (1) Full Name
Mr. Orlin Denkov
Job Title
Chairman
Head of the organisation
Mr. Orlin Denkov
Contact (2) Full Name
Bistra Markova
Publication
Education
Culture
Youth
Image
Community WokrGuide

Community WokrGuide

Community WokrGuide was created within Community Of Open Learners (COOL) Project, which lasted for 3 years. In this guide you can find all the content that our volunteers and our IIC team have been developing and implementing during this period...

Publication
Education

Competences for promoting mental health in primary school

Background: The mental health od school-age children is of growing concern in many countries. School professionals require the competences and methods to intervene effectively to promote mental health in schools. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe school...

Good Practice
Éducation
Villes
Culture
Image
Good Practice Illustration

Cultures Différentes – Valeurs communes

Dans un monde où les gens de toutes cultures et confessions se mélangent de plus en plus, la conscience interculturelle est une compétence de plus en plus nécessaire. Sur la base de ces observations, « Cultures différentes - Valeurs communes...

Demetra Association

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

Sheinovo str. 102A,
Bourgas
Bulgaria

Telephone
+359 56 815618
Fax
+359 56 836667
E-Mail
demetra@unacs.bg
E-Mail (2)
teodora.taneva@gmail.com
E-Mail (3)
demetraassociation@gmail.com
Mobile Phone
+359 897 516996
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1997
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Gender
  3. Human rights
  4. Research
  5. Youth and education
General Information
Structure of the organization: General Meeting, Board of Directors, President and Control Committee. The general decisions about the Association's organizational life are made by the General Meeting that takes place once-a-year. On-going decisions about the Association's activities are made at meetings of the Board of Directors that takes place once-a-month. Day-to-day activities are coordinated by the Chairperson who is responsible for the implementation of the Board of Directors' decisions. For the Programs implementations and projects managment there is Project Coordinator that is reposnsible. Administrative office - 5 rooms, 6 computers, 2 printers, 3 copiers, telephone fax;Crisis Center for victims of violence and trafficking and Consultative Center for victims of violence and Crime. Number of full time staff: 16; Number of half time: 22. Financial status:2012-24 7980euro;2011- 218 325euro; 2010- 63 401euro. Sources of funding: private donors and governmental funds.
Mission and Objectives

Demetra Association has been working on women and children’s issues with main focus on the domestic violence and discrimination. It participates in many lobbying initiatives, projects and campaigns. All these activities are related to social work and community work with people and youngsters in risk and with fewer opportunities.The Association has developed long-term program for youngsters. We are working towards prevention of violence, crime and discrimination. Demetra Association has been providing legal and psycho-social support to victims of violence and discrimination since 2001. We also provide consultations – individually and group.
Our main objectives that we are working on are:
Development and improvement of social strategies and practices
Supporting the formulation and implementation of public policies in social, health, education and culture based on identified priorities and needs;
Achieving Gender Equality and women’s empowerment
Work for social inclusion of young people, adults and disadvantaged families and people;
Identification, protection and advocacy for developing and implementing policies for young people;
Improving the quality of vocational education and training for different groups of professionals;
Support the integration of minorities in Bulgarian society
Supporting the formulation and implementation of public policies in social, health, education, culture, ecology and sport based on identified priorities and needs;
To increase the sensitivity of the society, the institutions and the professional workers on the problem of violence.
To support women -victims of violence and their children and to protect women’s reproductive and sexual health and rights an to raise awareness in the society on the topics of prevention of human trafficking and human exploitation
Very strong and durable over time, we have developed social - psychological and legal counseling that we offer to victims of violence and discrimination.

Main Projects / Activities

’Groups for support for girls victims of sexual violence’
“Increase of the awarennes of the society on the problem human trafficking and inclusion of the institutions “
“Preventing trafficking and human exploatations in Burgas schools”
“Burgas against sexual violence and trafficking of young people”
2005 - 2006 Educational activities trainings for prevention of sexual violence for children 2010-2013"Skills for successful social integration after institutional care .Funded by: OAK Foundation Switzerland .
“Let’s help young Romani girls to be successful in life” -Open Society Budapest
“Yes! In Action!”, “Yes! In Action-2”, “Hate speech online” . 2010-2012, European Youth Foundation
Project under the Ministry of Justice Bulgaria- “Increasing the effectiveness of NGOs to deal with socially significant issue by providing comprehensive care for victims of domestic violence and conducting training programs to prevent violence among young people”
“ASBAE Addressing Sexual Bullying Across Europe (ASBAE)” and IOR / Impact on Relationship"- DAPHNE II

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

Demetra Association is part of the Bulgarian Alliance for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Bulgarian Network for Children, Astra Network, Bulgarian Platform of Wide Network and Demetra is the founder of Bulgarian Platform of European Women’s Lobby. Work for social inclusion of young people, adults and disadvantaged families; Identification, protection and advocacy for developing and implementing policies for young people; We would like to be informed about the current initiatives and acticities in the field and to establish good working relationship with other partners.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Demetra Association is part of the Bulgarian network of NGOs working with the issues of human and children’s rights. Our main aim is to support and to work with and for young people. The representatives of the organization are highly motivated to work also at European level and establish contacts with other countries and to bring back information for the NGOs in Bulgaria.

Contact (1) Full Name
Ms Teodora Taneva
Head of the organisation
Ms. Ana Burieva

Detski Knigi Foundation

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

blvd. Samokov 3, fl. 11, apt. 51
1113 Sofia
Bulgaria

Telephone
+359888801231
E-Mail
val.stoeva@detskiknigi.com
E-Mail (2)
valstoeva@gmail.com
E-Mail (3)
lora.filipova@detskiknigi.com
E-Mail (4)
editors@detskiknigi.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2013
Fields of Activity
  1. Media
  2. Research
  3. Youth and education
General Information
Detski Knigi Foundation is a non-governmental organisation, aiming to develop a literate future generation through raising the reading abilities of the children in Bulgaria. The foundation consists of a Council as decision-making body and an Executive Director. The staff consists of 20 people, who are volunteers. The organisation is a member of the National Network for Children. In the previous year we had a budget of around 5 000 EUR. The funds come from contest fees from the Bulgarian publishers, as well as from economical activities like marketing campaigns. sponsorships and trade. For the next year we expect to receive grants for different planned activities in the field of education and literacy for around 10 000 EUR. We aim to raise the reading abilities of the children through different national reading campaigns. One of them is called Reading Relay and it is suitable for children aged 6-13 years. The other special campaign is the Magic Pearl Award - the only literary award in Bulgaria, in which every Bulgarian child aged 6-15 can vote for a favourite book. We also have special campaigns to promote young adult books, dealing with the problems of the teenagers, as well as literary clubs for children, book games and events. We are also trying to change the attitude of the parents, teachers, librarians against reading interests of the children and we take part in different seminars as lectors. Our main partners include the Ministry of Education, the Alliance of the municipalities, Bulgarian Library and Information Association, Bulgarian book Association, many schools and libraries around the country. 
Mission and Objectives

Our mission is to develop a strong future generation through raising the reading abilities of the children and thus - lowering the levels of functional illiteracy.
We aim to change the attitude of the adults against the reading interests of the children, which will make the kids to read more. Our goal is to change the policy in the field of education and make it more up-to-date with the children`s interests. We want to promote the Bulgarian children`s literature not only in Bulgaria, but also around the world. We would like to establish a modern House of the Children`s books, together with research center, so to be able to unite parents, teachers, librarians, institutions, media and business to change the situation with the illiteracy together.

Main Projects / Activities

One of our main projects is the national campaign Reading Relay. It is suitable for children aged 6-13 years. We have 4 issues of this campaign and it is one of the beloved projects of the Bulgarian teachers and librarians. In those 4 issues we have more than 2500 readers, who have read at least 3 books in 3 months, and more than 10000 books read.
The other special campaign is the Magic Pearl Award - the only literary award in Bulgaria, in which every Bulgarian child aged 6-15 can vote for a favourite book. This Award was established in 2013, and its 2nd and 3rd editions were under the patronage of the President of Bulgaria. In the 3rd edition we had 109% increase in the vote compared to the previous year. The Award is included in the National Strategy for Literacy of the Ministry of Education.
We would also like to support the Bulgarian authors, illustrators and publishers to show their extraordinary works all over the world. That`s why we have sent books to the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany. 2 of them are included in the prominent White Ravens catalogue. 
We organise reading clubs for children, we take interviews of the reading children of Bulgaria, and we also try to collect and share the good practices of the teachers and librarians in our country.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

We can contribute by helping all the organisations to reach their goals by raising together a literate future generation. Because we believe that if a person is functionally literate, he/she can take care of himself/herself, be healthier, find a better job, contribute to the social and economical life better. 

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

We think that all the good things can be done more easily with friends and partners. As we are ready  to give our support, we also think it`s good to have someone by your side, with whose support to make the world a better place.

Contact (1) Full Name
Valentina Stoeva
Job Title
Chairwoman of the Council
Head of the organisation
Valentina Stoeva
Contact (2) Full Name
Lora Filipova
Job Title (2)
Executive Director