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Representatives from the PC3 Telecenter Association in Pravets traveled to Dobrich in September to train educators in the use of information technology (IT) with children who have special needs.

The workshop marked the last of 7 workshops in the pilot phase of the Volunteer Network for Training and Consulting. The pilot phase was funded by USAID.

In Dobrich, the Resource Center for Integrated Education and Formation of Students with Special Educational Needs requested the one-day workshop, which was coordinated by a Peace Corps Volunteer. The training team, led by Nelly Petrova, taught 10 educators about software, hardware and techniques to ensure integration of children into the IT world.

A few weeks earlier, the Volunteer Network helped arrange a one-and-a-half-day workshop in Razlog about the fundamentals of project design and management. Among the participants were nearly 30 representatives of schools, social institutions, youth groups and other local organizations, including delegations from nearby towns. Trainer Mariana Georgieva came from Peace Corps headquarters in Sofia. The event was coordinated by a Peace Corps Volunteer whose host organization, International Initiatives for Cooperation, provided free administrative assistance. The Razlog History Museum provided space at no charge.

The Volunteer Network for Training and Consulting is a joint initiative of the Bulgarian Center for Development and Training (BCDT)* and a committee of Peace Corps Volunteers. It provides innovative, inexpensive responses to local training needs and promotes volunteerism. Volunteers can be anyone with relevant experience or expertise.

^{* BCDT, the legacy organization of the USAID Participant Training Program, promotes international and intercultural understanding, democracy and social justice. Activities include the Volunteer Network, English teacher training, USAID training support and other initiatives. For more information: www.bcdt.bg.}