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<title>On Earth Day, USAID Marks Planting of More than 500 Trees and Other Improvements to South Park.</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="206" height="152" alt="" class="img_left" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/AMB-home.JPG"/>At a ceremony on April 22, the day of international celebrations of Earth Day, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) commemorated the donation of more than 500 newly planted trees and improved infrastructure in the South Park of Sofia.  Ambassador Beyrle, Sofia Mayor Boiko Borissov, USAID Mission Director Michael Fritz, and Ginka Kapitanova, Executive Director of the Foundation for Local Government Reform, spoke at the event and unveiled a stone marking the donation.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:32:27 +0300</pubDate>
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<title>New Pine Trees in the Rhodopes</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>USAID’s green initiatives continued in the Rhodope Mountains near the town of Chepelare last week with a record of 200 new pine trees were planted.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:38:47 +0300</pubDate>
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<title>Join USAID on Earth Day!</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="116" height="87" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/April_22_logo.JPG" class="img_left" alt=""/>On Tuesday April 22 at 10am, USAID will officially commemorate the donation of more than 600 trees planted in Sofia’s South Park with a ceremony behind the City Center Sofia shopping center.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:20:15 +0300</pubDate>
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<title>U.S. Embassy Joins Local Volunteers to Make Stara Zagora Greener</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="223" height="208" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/AMB.jpg" alt="Ambassador Beyrle signs the gues book of the tree planting event in Stara Zagora." class="img_left"/>A total of 50,000 new trees will be planted near Stara Zagora. USAID has been a key partner in this initiative as part of a series of green events highlighting the close out of USAID assistance to Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:11:47 +0300</pubDate>
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<title>At USAID Anti-Trafficking Program Final Event, Schoolchildren Teach Audience about Risks of Trafficking</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="221" height="173" class="img_left" alt="Ambassador Beyrle and Minister Vulchev among the children." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/AMB-Valchev_-_home.JPG"/>The young participants in the NGO program “Open Your Eyes: You Can Get Help!” participated in a lesson about the dangers of trafficking in persons in front of the several hundred gathered guests during the closing event of the USAID/International Organization for Migration anti-trafficking program.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:05:26 +0300</pubDate>
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<title>English Teacher Trainees Celebrate New Skills and Friendships</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>The English teacher training supported by USAID and the Democracy Commission of the U.S. Embassy helped Roma and non-Roma participants from Sofia and other locations in Bulgaria acquire new skills and forge lasting friendships.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:43:25 +0300</pubDate>
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<title>USAID Posters Debut in Sofia Airport</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="143" height="153" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/USAID_Airport_posters_home.JPG" alt="Airport visitors can now learn about U.S. development assistance in Bulgaria while they wait to catch or meet flights." class="img_left"/>Airport visitors can now learn about U.S. development assistance in Bulgaria while they wait to catch or meet flights.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 7 Apr 2008 16:47:52 +0300</pubDate>
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<title>English Teachers Almost Ready for First Students</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="143" height="126" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/BCDT_teachers_home.JPG" alt="Novice English teachers in training." class="img_left"/>Eleven participants from across the country, including 6 Roma and 5 other Bulgarians, have passed the midpoint of a one-month English teacher training course in Sofia.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 7 Apr 2008 16:44:38 +0300</pubDate>
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<title>Ambassador Beyrle Recognizes Top-Performing Roma Entrepreneurs of 2007</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/537/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="141" height="125" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Roma_home_new.JPG" class="img_left" alt=""/>Ambassador Beyrle presented the Roma Entrepreneur 2007 Awards at a ceremony organized under the USAID Roma Micro-lending Global Development Alliance (GDA) project. The ceremony recognized the winners in a nationwide competition among Roma micro-credit clients.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:58:00 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>USAID to help save Stara Zagora Forest</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>USAID is partnering with the local community foundations in Stara Zagora and Chepelare to assist the forest recovery.  This joint initiative, launched in late 2007, will replant a 2,471-acre of forest devastated by last summer’s wild fires, while at the same time commemorating USAID’s graduation.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:45:06 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Anti-trafficking Training for Social Workers</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and USAID organized training in combating trafficking in human beings for social workers from the region of Northern Bulgaria. The municipality of Veliko Turnovo supported the initiative and proudly presented its crisis center for children who have been victims of trafficking in the village of Balvan.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:02:44 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>New USAID Posters Celebrate the U.S.-Bulgaria Partnership</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="89" height="139" alt="" class="img_left" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Authentic_BG.jpg"/>USAID Bulgaria posters will be placed at a number of spots to create a visual reminder of the achievements and legacies of U.S. development assistance.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:58:38 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Registration Agency Meets with Journalists</title>
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<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:33:30 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Informoney Tool Presented to SMEs throughout Bulgaria</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>A national promotional campaign for Informoney, an SME financial clearing house that launched in October, kicked off in mid-February. Informoney Information Days targeted SMEs throughout the country, primarily from agriculture, tourism, and industry.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:12:51 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Survey Points to Need for Bulgarian Students to Prepare for Job Market</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>The results of the first national research on the professional orientation and motivation of Bulgarian students were presented at a press conference at Sofia University.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:37:24 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Municipalities and Business Explore Common Interests at FLGR Conference</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>More than 150 government officials and business representatives discussed the role of Bulgarian municipalities in promoting local economic development at the second annual conference of the Foundation for Local Government Reform “Municipalities and Business: Partners for Economic Development."</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:27:14 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Second Wave of Public Awareness Campaign Uses New Internet Advertising Method</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>USAID Bulgaria has launched the second phase of its final public awareness campaign with a more focused approach aimed at youth and business audiences.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:56:40 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Do you love your job? Yes? Then share it with a student for one working day! </title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>Junior Achievement Bulgaria (JAB) announces the Seventh National Manager for a Day Initiative to be held on March 18. Registration deadline is February 29.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:10:07 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>USAID Bulgaria congratulates its partners who successfully competed for grants</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>USAID Bulgaria congratulates its partners who successfully competed for grants under the EU operational program "Administrative Capacity."</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:02:38 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Latest “Authentic Bulgaria” Guidebook Launched</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/513/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="54" height="56" class="img_left" alt="Authentic Bulgaria Gold Quality Mark" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Authentic_Bulgaria_Gold.jpg"/>The book describes the small hotels and family-run bed and breakfast inns around Bulgaria that have earned the Authentic Bulgaria Quality Mark.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:57:20 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Bulgaria Takes Major Step to Introduce Career Counseling in Secondary and Vocational Schools</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>One thousand secondary and vocational school counselors from across Bulgaria will be trained and certified as career counselors by September 2008.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 Feb 2008 14:09:43 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Anti-Trafficking Commission Launches Website, Opens First Local Commission </title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>The National Anti-Trafficking Commission, with assistance from USAID and the International Organization for Migration, is progressing with implementation of the Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 Feb 2008 14:09:43 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>USAID on the Airwaves Again</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>The public awareness TV spots produced by USAID in the fall of 2007 will run again on Nova TV during news and prime-time programs during February. </body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 Feb 2008 14:09:43 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>USAID Grantee Named Journalist of the Year in European Voice Awards</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/492/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="114" height="135" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Reni_Nikolova_home1.JPG" alt="Jornalist Reni Nikolova is receiving the award." class="img_left"/>Reneta Nikolova, Bulgarian National Television journalist and chairwoman of the Journalists Against Corruption NGO, is the Journalist of the Year announced the European Voice magazine.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:25:29 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>USAID Partner, NGO Leader Confirmed as Deputy Mayor in Asenovgrad</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>Silvia Hubenova, president of Partners Bulgaria Foundation-Asenovgrad, was elected to the Asenovgrad municipal council in local elections in October 2007. On January 7, she was officially appointed to the position of Deputy Mayor for European Issues. Ms. Hubenova is one of the most proactive and committed NGO leaders with whom USAID worked on the local level.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:25:29 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>A new career counseling tool available to the Bulgarian students thanks to USAID </title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/490/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="172" height="124" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Foundation_home.JPG" alt="Gergana Rakovska, BFE Director, Ambassador Beyrle and Aurelie Ferre, Microsoft Corporate Social Responsibility and Communications Manager." class="img_left"/>The Business Foundation for Education launched a new software tool that will assist career counselors to give students better information about their interests and aptitudes and to help them make the right educational choices.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:10:20 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>League of American Communications Professionals Recognizes USAID Close-Out Campaign</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img class="img_left" alt="Picture shows the 2007 Magellan Award certificate received my USAID." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Magelan_Award_home.bmp" style="width: 137px; height: 101px;"/>USAID Bulgaria placed in the Top 50 (#35) out of more than 450 entries in the Magellan Awards for communications campaigns sponsored by the League of American Communications Professionals.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:54:18 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>USAID Microfinance Legacy Nachala Joins European Microfinance Network</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>Nachala Cooperative, a key legacy institution of USAID microfinance assistance, becoame a member to the European Microfinance Network (EMN).</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 Feb 2008 13:51:26 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Embrace the Environment in 2008 with a Green Calendar</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="117" height="100" class="img_left" alt="USAID financed recycled calendar for 2008." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Calendar_home.JPG"/>USAID is embarking on several environmental initiatives to celebrate the Mission’s closure in 2008. Planting of a new “forest” in South Park near the Hilton Hotel will be marked with an event in the spring.  USAID also funded the design and production of a 2008 calendar made from 100% recycled paper with creative green graphics and thought-provoking tips on easy ways to live a greener lifestyle.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:25:15 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Bulgarian Journalists Explore USAID Accomplishments in Romania</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="138" height="120" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Romanian_Civil_home.JPG" class="img_left" alt=""/>A group of seven journalists from national Bulgarian media outlets traveled with USAID to Bucharest, Romania to learn about what USAID has accomplished in their neighboring country. USAID will close its mission to Romania in September 2008, at the same time that USAID will close its doors in Bulgaria and Croatia. Most of the Bulgarian journalists were struck by the similar challenges facing the two countries.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:41:12 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>USAID Legacy NGO Continues to Work for Improvement of the Justice System </title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>On December 11, USAID sponsored a working breakfast for the members of the new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). Former staff of the USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative presented the accomplishments of U.S. assistance programs in the areas of judicial administration and court improvement in the last seven years.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:20:30 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>USAID-funded Documentary Marks International Human Rights Day</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/468/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="155" height="115" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Cargo_home.JPG" alt="The trailer of the documentary &#x201C;Cargo&#x201D; captured the attention of the audience." class="img_left"/>Mission Director Michael Fritz participated in a press conference marking International Human Rights Day organized by the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Antoaneta Vassileva introduced American director Michael Cory Davis, whose documentary “Cargo” was part of the commemoration of 16 Days Against Violence Against Women.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:58:21 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>USAID Helps Bulgarian National Bank Establish a Cash Center</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/470/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="129" height="129" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/BNB_Cash_Center_home.JPG" class="img_left" alt="Ivan Iskrov, Levon Hampartsumyan, and Boyko Borissov break ground for the new cash center despite frigid temperatures."/>The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Cash Center of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) took place in Sofia on December 6.  The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Sofia and BNB Governors from the last 20 years.  The construction of the Center is expected to take more than one year.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:23:11 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>USAID Donates Firefighting Equipment to Bulgaria</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="106" height="100" class="img_left" alt="Communications equipment and chainsaws will assist Bulgarian authorities in wildfire response" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Firefighting_home.jpg"/>Radio communication equipment and chainsaws provided by USAID will enhance the efficiency of Bulgarian Civil Protection Teams in responding to future wildfires. Deputy Chief of Mission Alexander Karagiannis and USAID Mission Director Michael Fritz presented the equipment to the Ministry of State Policy for Disasters and Accidents in a December 5 donation ceremony in Sofia.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:09:15 +0200</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>National Anti-trafficking Commission Goes on the Road to Interact with Experts, City Officials and Village Youth</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="121" height="100" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Anti-trafficking_home.JPG" alt="Teenagers in Resen discuss how to prevent trafficking" class="img_left"/>On November 21-22, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Persons, Antoaneta Vassileva, and the National Commission Expert Group traveled to Varna for a workshop organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with USAID support.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:34:49 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Press Release: New Bulgaria Fund to Launch on November 15</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>The Bulgaria Fund - a final initiative of USAID in Bulgaria - will be launched on November 15 in Sheraton Hotel, Sofia. Ambassador John Beyrle and the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria, Miglena Tacheva, will speak at the ceremony, which will provide attendees with information on the Bulgaria Fund’s core objectives, strategic focus, and the first call for proposals.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 8 Nov 2007 10:51:07 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Poll Shows Increased Public Awareness of USAID in Bulgaria</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>Public opinion polling conducted in late October by the research firm MBMD on behalf of USAID revealed that public awareness in Bulgaria about USAID has increased. The results are most likely attributable to the USAID Bulgaria public awareness campaign that ran from mid-September to late October and included print, internet, TV and radio ads.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 8 Nov 2007 12:52:41 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>IT Experts Receive U.S. Masters Degrees in Bulgaria</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="121" height="100" class="img_left" alt="Elena Gerdjikova addresses the audience on behalf of the first group of alumni." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/IT_Diplomas_home.JPG"/><div class="img_text"><br/></div>The first graduates of the MSc program in Information Systems of the Stevens Institute of Technology and Sofia University received their diplomas on October 30 at Sofia University.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 8 Nov 2007 12:05:18 +0200</pubDate>
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<title>Anti-Trafficking Commission Launches Work in New Offices</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="76" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/IOM_home.jpg" alt="In addition to funding renovation and furnishing of the Commission's new office space, USAID and IOM assisted the National Commission in developing its action plan for 2007." class="img_left"/>In addition to funding renovation and furnishing of the Commission's new office space, USAID and the International Organization for Migration assisted the National Commission in developing its action plan for 2007.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:30:41 +0300</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Survey to Assess Students’ Career Goals and Expectations</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/441/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/441/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The survey, conducted through the USAID-supported network of university career centers, will include questions on students’ career focus, salary expectations, and education.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:37:27 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>National Association of Municipalities Opens New Training Complex</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/439/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/439/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="77" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/NAMRB_home.jpg" alt="Local government practitioners from all 264 Bulgarian municipalities will directly benefit from training activities conducted in the center." class="img_left"/>Local government practitioners from all 264 Bulgarian municipalities will directly benefit from training activities conducted in the center.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:23:47 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Recognizes Journalists for Reporting on the US-Bulgaria Partnership</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/438/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/438/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="115" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/MediaContest_home.jpg" alt="Ambassador John Beyrle and USAID Mission Director Michael Fritz recognized 13 national and regional journalists for their objective and informative reporting on U.S. assistance to Bulgaria" class="img_left"/>Ambassador John Beyrle and USAID Mission Director Michael Fritz recognized 13 national and regional journalists for their objective and informative reporting on U.S. assistance to Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:19:07 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Acting Administrator Joins Closing Celebration of USAID Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/422/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/422/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="77" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Fore_home.jpg" alt="The closing ceremony, which celebrated seventeen years of partnership and progress, was attended by prominent representatives of Bulgarian civil society, media, business, government, the judiciary, and academia." class="img_left"/>The closing ceremony, which celebrated seventeen years of partnership and progress, was attended by prominent representatives of Bulgarian civil society, media, business, government, the judiciary, and academia.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:05:37 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Close-out Ceremony Speeches</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>USAID/Bulgaria's close-out ceremony was held on October 10 in Sofia. Below you can download the official speeches of USAID Acting Administrator Henrietta Fore and U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria John Beyrle:<br/><br/><a target="_blank" href="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Closing_USAID_Event_Fore_Speech_ENG.pdf">H. Fore Speech</a><br/><a target="_blank" href="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Closing_USAID_Event_Beyrle_Speech_ENG.pdf">J. Beyrle Speech</a><br/><a href="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Closing_USAID_Event_Gavrilova_Speech_ENG.doc" target="_blank">R. Gavrilova Speech</a><br/><a href="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Closing_USAID_Event_S._Ivanov_Speech_ENG" target="_blank">S. Ivanov Speech</a><br/><a href="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Closing_USAID_Event_H._Ivanov_Speech_ENG" target="_blank">H. Ivanov Speech</a></body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:02:00 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Volunteer Workshops Support Community Needs</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/426/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/426/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="76" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/BCDT1_home.jpg" alt="The Volunteer Network for Training and Consulting is a joint initiative of the Bulgarian Center for Development and Training and a committee of Peace Corps Volunteers which provides innovative responses to local training needs." class="img_left"/>The Volunteer Network for Training and Consulting is a joint initiative of the Bulgarian Center for Development and Training and a committee of Peace Corps Volunteers which provides innovative responses to local training needs.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:32:26 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Kids at Risk Learn About Trafficking</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/425/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/425/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/IOM_kids1_home.jpg" alt="The Chamber of Investigators of Bulgaria and the International Organization for Migration regional centers in the city of Bourgas and Sliven conducted two lessons with children from special assistance schools and community support centers." class="img_left"/>The Chamber of Investigators of Bulgaria and the International Organization for Migration regional centers in the city of Bourgas and Sliven conducted two lessons with children from special assistance schools and community support centers.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:19:31 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Bulgaria Closing Ceremony, October 10, 2007, 4:00 pm</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/417/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/417/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>Representatives of the media are invited to attend a ceremony celebrating the U.S.-Bulgaria partnership and the closing of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 4 Oct 2007 13:37:24 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Marks Closing of Business and Trade Development Program with Launch of Informoney Website and Expansion of Authentic Bulgaria Initiative</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/415/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/415/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>Media are invited to attend the event to celebrate the success of the program in the Grand Hotel Sofia on Tuesday, October 2 at 18.30 h.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 1 Oct 2007 14:00:40 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Council of Ministers Adopts Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/428/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/428/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/IOM_CofM_home.jpg" alt="The Expert Group under the National Anti-Trafficking Commission played a key role in the development of the Action Plan, together with the Secretary of the National Commission" class="img_left"/>The Expert Group under the National Anti-Trafficking Commission played a key role in the development of the Action Plan, together with the Secretary of the National Commission.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:35:32 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Business Foundation for Education Wins a European Commission Grant to Promote International Internships</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/407/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/407/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="129" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Students_home.jpg" alt="The project will raise awareness about opportunities for Bulgarian students to study abroad and participate in paid internships under the EU-sponsored Erasmus Program." class="img_left"/>The project will raise awareness about opportunities for Bulgarian students to study abroad and participate in paid internships under the EU-sponsored Erasmus Program. It will target at least 50,000 students and professors and at least 10,000 employers.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:44:53 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ministry of Justice Honors USAID</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/423/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/423/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="76" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_home_1192430911.jpg" alt="On September 20, Minister of Justice Miglena Tacheva bestowed the Ministry&#x2019;s Sign of Honor on British Ambassador Jeremy Hill, USAID Mission Director Michael Fritz, and USAID implementing partners Chris Thompson and Ken Stuart." class="img_left"/>On September 20, Minister of Justice Miglena Tacheva bestowed the Ministry’s Sign of Honor on British Ambassador Jeremy Hill, USAID Mission Director Michael Fritz, and USAID implementing partners Chris Thompson and Ken Stuart.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:12:41 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Can Private Enforcement Agents Help the State Collect Claims More Effectively?</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/408/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/408/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/BCPEA2_home.jpg" alt="On September 19 the USAID CLRP conducted a discussion with government representatives to discuss the possibilities of effective use of private enforcement agents in collecting public claims." class="img_left"/>On September 19 the USAID CLRP conducted a discussion with government representatives to discuss the possibilities of effective use of private enforcement agents in collecting public claims.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:48:58 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Fills in Gap in Judgment Enforcement in Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/409/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/409/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>On September 14, the Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents presented the first issue of a case book on selected court judgments.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:50:44 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Second National Survey Confirms Wide Impact of USAID-Supported Court Reform</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/398/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/398/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="81" class="img_left" alt="The significant growth in positive court user assessments can continue and eventually overtake negative perceptions." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_home_1189664774.jpg"/>The significant growth in positive court user assessments can continue and eventually overtake negative perceptions.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:46:13 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Prime Time Documentary Tells the USAID Story in Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/397/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/397/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Baby_home.jpg" alt="The film highlighted the stories of three enterprising Bulgarians who realized their dreams in the difficult years of the transition with the help of USAID assistance." class="img_left"/>The film highlighted the stories of three enterprising Bulgarians who realized their dreams in the difficult years of the transition with the help of USAID assistance.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:15:58 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Production Underway for USAID Public Awareness Campaign</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/390/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/390/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="80" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/PR2_home.jpg" alt="The advertising company Membrand is producing a series of advertisements to start airing on Bulgarian TV channels first half of September." class="img_left"/>USAID is producing a series of advertisements to start airing on Bulgarian TV channels first half of September.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 5 Sep 2007 13:46:12 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sofia Regional Court Launches Verbatim Recording with USAID Support</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/391/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/391/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="161" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_home.jpg" alt="Verbatim equipment ensures a more accurate transcript of court hearings through its precise digital record, and increases transparency and accountability in trial proceedings." class="img_left"/>Verbatim equipment ensures a more accurate transcript of court hearings through its precise digital record, and increases transparency and accountability in trial proceedings.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 5 Sep 2007 13:47:41 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bulgarian Deposit Insurance Fund Receives International Recognition</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/378/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/378/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The Bulgarian Deposit Insurance Fund was nominated for the Deposit Insurance Organization of the Year.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:40:00 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Provides Assistance to Help Fight Wildfires in Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/377/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/377/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The U.S. Government is providing $50,000 for the purchase of fire fighting equipment.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:40:00 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Legacy Organization Completes Second English Teacher Certification Course</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/387/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/387/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="82" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/BCDT_15.08_home" alt="Following up on an earlier course that prepared 14 Bulgarian teachers for work with municipal personnel, this course led to internationally recognized certification for 3 Bulgarians and 3 Americans." class="img_left"/>Following up on an earlier course that prepared 14 Bulgarian teachers for work with municipal personnel, this course led to internationally recognized certification for 3 Bulgarians and 3 Americans.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:39:43 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID-Assisted Information Center Helps the Public and the Court</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/379/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/379/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_15.08_home" alt="The new information center of Bourgas Regional Court will help clerks do their jobs better and will redirect the flow of people in the building." class="img_left"/>The new information center of Bourgas Regional Court will help clerks do their jobs better and will redirect the flow of people in the building. Information Centers increase transparency of court operations, serve the public, and help to fight corruption.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:39:21 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>PC3 Telecenter Association Continues to Emerge as a Leader in IT Support for People with Disabilities</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/380/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/380/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="93" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Telecenters_15.08_home" alt="Two Telecenters in the network of the PC3 Telecenter Association recently conducted seminars on IT solutions for people with disabilities." class="img_left"/>Two Telecenters in the network of the PC3 Telecenter Association recently conducted seminars on IT solutions for people with disabilities.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:37:59 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Composting for a Cleaner Bulgaria!</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/367/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/367/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Composting_home.jpg" alt="The USAID-funded CityLinks program implemented by the International City Management Association joined forces with the Bulgarian Foundation for Local Government Reform to address waste management practices in Bulgaria." class="img_left"/>The USAID-funded CityLinks program implemented by the International City Management Association joined forces with the Bulgarian Foundation for Local Government Reform to address waste management practices in Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Aug 2007 15:29:10 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Enables Nachala to Expand Micro-lending</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/366/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/366/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="76" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Nachala.DCA_home" alt="A four-year portable guarantee agreement with USAID will enable Nachala to meet the increasing needs for investment and working capital." class="img_left"/>A four-year portable guarantee agreement with USAID will enable Nachala to meet the increasing needs for investment and working capital.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Aug 2007 15:28:55 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Volunteers Offer Expertise to Grassroots Initiatives</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/365/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/365/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="76" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/PC.Volunteers_home" alt="The goals of the Volunteer Network for Training and Consulting are to seek inexpensive, creative ways to address local needs and to promote volunteerism in Bulgaria." class="img_left"/>The goals of the Volunteer Network for Training and Consulting are to seek inexpensive, creative ways to address local needs and to promote volunteerism in Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Aug 2007 15:28:45 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>MEDIA ADVISORY: USAID and Nachala Cooperative to Sign Credit Guarantee for Microfinance</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/360/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/360/news_item.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:37:16 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Razgrad Event Highlights Civil Society and Court Partnerships</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/368/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/368/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>Representatives from NGOs and their partner courts met in Razgrad on July 20 to share best practices at the fourth public exhibition sponsored by the USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Aug 2007 15:28:25 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>English Teachers Train to Work with Civil Servants in Underserved Locations</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/349/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/349/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="76" class="img_left" alt="The organizers were the USAID Participant Training Program and its legacy organization, the Bulgarian Center for Development and Training (BCDT). BCDT is seeking licensing to offer similar courses more frequently." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/BCDT_home.jpg"/>The organizers were the USAID Participant Training Program and its legacy organization, the Bulgarian Center for Development and Training.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:05:28 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>A Swinging Farewell to the Judicial Strengthening Initiative</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/348/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/348/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="81" class="img_left" alt="&#x201C;While we say goodbye to some Americans who have worked in Bulgaria, I view today&#x2019;s event more as a new beginning,&#x201D; said Ambassador Beyrle." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI1_home.jpg"/>“While we say goodbye to some Americans who have worked in Bulgaria, I view today’s event more as a new beginning,” said Ambassador Beyrle.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:05:17 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Supreme Judicial Council Department to Continue USAID Court Improvement Work</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/364/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/364/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="144" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/SJC.Building_home" alt="The new department will continue to recruit and support courts under the ongoing SJC Courts in Partnership program." class="img_left"/>The new department will continue to recruit and support courts under the ongoing SJC Courts in Partnership program. In the past two years the SJC has shown a strong interest in endorsing USAID activities.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Aug 2007 15:28:09 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>NGOs Obtain Tools for More Effectively Managing Finances</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/347/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/347/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="75" class="img_left" alt="The tool was praised by participants as extremely useful for meeting organizations&#x2019; needs for financial management, cash flow monitoring, and project planning, as well as conforming to the reporting requirements of donors." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Seminar_home.jpg"/>The tool is useful for meeting organizations’ needs for financial management, cash flow monitoring, and project planning.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:05:03 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Goodbye to the USAID Participant Training Program, Good Luck to Bulgarian Center for Development and Training</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/346/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/346/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="79" class="img_left" alt="Since 1993 the program has trained more than 4,000 Bulgarians in support of USAID technical assistance programs, with training and workshops taking place in Bulgaria, the U.S. and more than 30 other countries all over the world." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/PTP1_home.jpg"/>Since 1993 the program has trained more than 4,000 Bulgarians in support of USAID technical assistance programs.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:04:01 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Peace Corps Swears In Forty New Volunteers</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/332/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/332/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/SPA_09.07_home" alt="USAID has supported the grass-root development work of the volunteers in the areas of English language education, youth development, and community and organizational development, through the Small Project Assistance Program since 1993." class="img_left"/>USAID has supported the grass-root development work of the volunteers in the areas of English language education, youth development, and community and organizational development, through the Small Project Assistance Program since 1993.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:17:35 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>A Human Touch for Private Enforcement Agents</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/329/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/329/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="66" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/CLRP_09.07_home" alt="A group of 15 private enforcement agents are now better prepared to handle potential conflicts after completing a Conflict Resolution Training Course." class="img_left"/>A group of 15 private enforcement agents are now better prepared to handle potential conflicts after completing a Conflict Resolution Training Course.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:17:52 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Euromoney magazine ranks BACB high among best managed companies</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/327/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/327/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>Euromoney ranked BACB third among 102 "Emerging Europe" companies in the category "Most Convincing and Coherent Strategy".</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:18:21 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Anti-Trafficking Group Steps Up Work</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/330/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/330/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>On June 22 – 23, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) conducted a workshop for the Expert Group under the National Anti-trafficking Commission.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:21:07 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Courts and NGOs Make Partnerships Public</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/328/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/328/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="68" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_09.07_home" alt="The Second National Public Exhibition &quot;Courts and Communities Together&quot; featured a wide variety of items, including research studies, computer systems, and media products such as films and mock trials performed by students." class="img_left"/>The Second National Public Exhibition "Courts and Communities Together" featured a wide variety of items, including research studies, computer systems, and media products such as films and mock trials performed by students.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:21:07 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Diversity and Equal Opportunities</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/318/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/318/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="94" class="img_left" alt="USAID Interethnic Interaction program marked its closure with a two-day conference on June 14-15 under the motto &quot;Diversity and Equal Opportunities - The Debate Continues&quot;. Representatives of Bulgarian government, U.S. government, EU, and civil society honored the event." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/PBF_Close-out_home.jpg"/>USAID Interethnic Interaction program marked its closure with a two-day conference on June 14-15 under the motto "Diversity and Equal Opportunities - The Debate Continues". Representatives of Bulgarian government, U.S. government, EU, and civil society honored the event.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:22:17 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Business and Education Unite to Enhance Entrepreneurship among Young Bulgarians</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/326/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/326/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JAB_09.07_home" alt="Leading business and educational organizations, as well as state institutions, participated in a round-table on the development of entrepreneurship education in Bulgaria." class="img_left"/>Leading business and educational organizations, as well as state institutions, participated in a round-table on the development of entrepreneurship education in Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:21:47 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Training Centers For People With Disabilities</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/304/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/304/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="82" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/HFE_20.06_home" alt="The training centers will help NGOs working with people with disabilities to achieve financial and organizational sustainability through social entrepreneurship." class="img_left"/>The training centers will help NGOs working with people with disabilities to achieve financial and organizational sustainability through social entrepreneurship.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:03:03 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>U.S. First Lady Laura Bush Meets With Bulgarian Micro-entrepreneurs</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/322/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/322/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>During the U.S. Presidential visit to Bulgaria on June 10-11, the First Lady Laura Bush met with clients of the microfinance institution Ustoi.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:12:51 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID  Celebrates Eight Years of Partnership with the National Institute of Justice</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/305/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/305/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" class="img_left" alt="The NIJ has produced impressive numbers during its growth from a small NGO housed in an office attic space, to a national institute with two buildings and 48 staff." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/NIJ_20.06_home"/>The NIJ has produced impressive numbers during its growth from a small NGO housed in an office attic space, to a national institute with two buildings and 48 staff.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:03:39 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Minivans to Deliver Microcredit</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/331/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/331/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="116" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Nachala_09.07_home" alt="Two minivans equipped with laptop computers and printers will expand the reach of microfinance institution Nachala in rural areas in Bulgaria." class="img_left"/>Two minivans equipped with laptop computers and printers will expand the reach of microfinance institution Nachala in rural areas in Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:22:22 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>PRESS RELEASE: President Bush Announces Creation of America for Bulgaria Foundation to Promote Private Sector Development</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/302/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/302/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>During their meeting in Sofia on June 11, 2007, President Bush informed President Parvanov of the creation of the “America for Bulgaria Foundation,” which over the coming years will be endowed with $200 million from the Bulgarian American Enterprise Fund (BAEF).</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:50:47 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Football Fans Celebrate in Chepalare</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/307/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/307/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/CFSE_20.06_home" alt="The town of Chepalare in Bulgaria's Rhodope Mountains celebrated the opening of a new artificial-grass soccer field on June 15" class="img_left"/>The town of Chepalare in Bulgaria's Rhodope Mountains celebrated the opening of a new artificial-grass soccer field on June 15.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:03:51 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>American and Bulgarian Cities to Continue 10-Year Relationship</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/325/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/325/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="76" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/City.jpg" alt="Municipal experts from six American cities and 39 Bulgarian municipalities attended a Best Practices Symposium organized by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Foundation for Local Government Reform (FLGR) in Varna on June 11-12." class="img_left"/>Municipal experts from six American cities and 39 Bulgarian municipalities attended a Best Practices Symposium organized by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Foundation for Local Government Reform (FLGR) in Varna on June 11-12.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:22:39 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>President and Mrs. Bush Visit Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/308/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/308/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="80" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Bush_20.06_home" alt="The first visit of President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush to Bulgaria included several USAID activities." class="img_left"/>The first visit of President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush to Bulgaria included several USAID activities.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:04:09 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Village of Balvan Focuses on Young Trafficking Victims</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/306/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/306/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="74" class="img_left" alt="On June 5, the St. Ivan Rilski Charity Association in the village of Balvan officially launched its small grant project called &quot;Open your eyes - you can get help!&quot;" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/IOM_20.06_home"/>On June 5, the St. Ivan Rilski Charity Association in the village of Balvan officially launched its small grant project called "Open your eyes - you can get help!"</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:04:20 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sofia High School Teacher Named 2007 Junior Achievement Worldwide Teacher of the Year</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/285/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/285/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="76" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JAB_Teacher_06.06_home" alt="Mita Georgieva of the National High School of Business and Finance in Sofia has enthusiastically supported Junior Achievement Bulgaria for the last ten years." class="img_left"/>Mita Georgieva of the National High School of Business and Finance in Sofia has enthusiastically supported Junior Achievement Bulgaria for the past ten years.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:39:26 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Young Entrepreneurs from Sofia Win the Title "BEST STUDENT COMPANY OF BULGARIA" 2007</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/286/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/286/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JAB_Student_06.06_home" alt="The students from the company &quot;JA Experts&quot; will represent Bulgaria at the Junior Achievement &#x2013; Young Enterprise Europe trade fair for student companies, July 26-29 in Berlin. This is an annual event for student companies in Europe." class="img_left"/>The students from the company "JA's Experts" will represent Bulgaria at the Junior Achievement – Young Enterprise Europe trade fair for student companies, July 26-29 in Berlin.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:42:33 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Bulgarian Commercial Register – a hard test for the Bulgarian authorities</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/288/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/288/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The managers of the implementing agency reported that the IT system for the new centralized electronic commercial register is ready, office locations for the Registration Agency are identified and staff will be hired within weeks to observe the new July 1st deadline.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:59:41 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Team Honored By National Institute of Justice</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/287/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/287/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/NIJ_06.06_home" alt="Mission Director Michael Fritz, Democracy and Local Governance Chief Gene Gibson, and USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative Director Ken Stuart were each given the &#x201C;Sign of Honor&#x201D; by NIJ Director Pencho Penev" class="img_left"/>Mission Director Michael Fritz, Democracy and Local Governance Chief Gene Gibson, and USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative Director Ken Stuart were each given the “Sign of Honor” by NIJ Director Pencho Penev.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:51:10 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>A story with a happy ending</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/290/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/290/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="101" height="76" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Ardino_28.03_home" alt="A view from Ardino" class="img_left"/>The documentary film "The Solution" will present the development of mediation in Bulgaria and the role which USAID played in the process. It is a joint production of USAID and the Bulgarian National TV and will be broadcast at the end of June.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 08:14:37 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Participant Training Program Honors Recent Trainees</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/284/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/284/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="77" class="img_left" alt="The period in focus was June 2005 &#x2013; May 2007, during which more than 900 people participated in 41 programs in 17 countries. The USAID Participant Training Program has supported the portfolio of USAID technical assistance projects since 1993 with short-term training, study tours and conferences, as well as a small grants program." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/PTP_06.06_home"/>The period in focus was June 2005 – May 2007, during which more than 900 people participated in 41 programs in 17 countries.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:46:26 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Days of Tolerance Mark Conclusion of USAID Interethnic Interaction Program</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/264/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/264/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="84" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/PBF_23.05_home" alt="Celebration of tolerance took place in Aytos, Devin, Isperih, Kardjali, Momchilgrad, and Razgrad as part of the series of graduating events under USAID Interethnic Interaction program." class="img_left"/>Celebration of tolerance took place in Aytos, Devin, Isperih, Kardjali, Momchilgrad, and Razgrad as part of the series of graduating events under USAID Interethnic Interaction program. The closing nationwide conference of the Interethnic Interaction program will take place in Sofia on June 14-15.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2007 16:31:58 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Legacy Trains World Bank about EU Funds And Increases Capacity of English Teachers</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/263/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/263/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="30" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/BCDT_23.05_home" alt="The Bulgarian Center for Development and Training is working on a World Bank Bulgaria project to help the bank become better prepared to support Bulgaria in the early EU post-accession period." class="img_left"/>The Bulgarian Center for Development and Training is working on a World Bank Bulgaria project to help the bank become better prepared to support Bulgaria in the early EU post-accession period.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2007 16:31:58 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Travels with Journalists to Veliko Turnovo</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/260/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/260/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The goal of the excursion was to expose the journalists to the wide range of USAID assistance projects in areas such as judicial reform, local governance, economic development, and labor market reform.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2007 14:00:32 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>First Career Development Center At Professional School Opens In Gorna Oriahovitsa</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/266/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/266/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="106" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/LMP_23.05_home" alt="The first career development center for secondary school students was established at the professional school of electronics M.V.Lomonosov in Gorna Oriahovica." class="img_left"/>The first career development center for secondary school students was established at the professional school of electronics M.V.Lomonosov in Gorna Oriahovica. The Business Foundation for Education and the National Pedagogical Center will continue training and certifying career counselors from secondary schools during 2007.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2007 16:31:44 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Last MBA Volunteer Departs Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/268/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/268/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="153" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/VEGA_23.05_home" alt="The last of the MBA Enterprise Corps volunteers in Bulgaria through the USAID Business and Trade Development Program, completed her assignment on May 18. Since September 2006, Megan Weber worked with three mediation centers in the areas of strategy, marketing, and new business development, with the goal of long-term sustainability." class="img_left"/>The last of the MBA Enterprise Corps volunteers in Bulgaria through the USAID Business and Trade Development Program, completed her assignment on May 18. Since September 2006, Megan Weber worked with three mediation centers in the areas of strategy, marketing, and new business development, with the goal of long-term sustainability.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2007 16:31:32 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Anti-Trafficking Study Tour Organized by PTP (8 - 17 May 2007)</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/289/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/289/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/IOM_PTP_06.06_home" alt="The USAID Participant Training Program organized a study tour to Italy and Ukraine for 13 experts as part of USAID Bulgaria's support for anti-trafficking efforts." class="img_left"/>The USAID Participant Training Program organized a study tour to Italy and Ukraine for 13 Bulgarian experts from 11 institutions as part of USAID Bulgaria's support for anti-trafficking efforts.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:45:42 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Contributes to Better Investor Relations in Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/267/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/267/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>On May 10 the Partners for Financial Stability (PFS) Program, in cooperation with the Bulgarian Stock Exchange and USAID, organized a Regional Workshop on Investor Relations. A highlight of the seminar was a discussion of Corporate Governance Codes.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2007 16:31:05 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents Meets with Judges to Discuss Enforcement Issues</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/270/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/270/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="110" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/CLRP_23.05_home" alt="The Chamber also used the occasion to announce to the judges the extension of a targeted grant by USAID, aimed at collecting written court opinions on judgment enforcement, analyzing them, and publishing a case book with commentaries on court practices in this area." class="img_left"/>Nearly 50 people attended a conference conducted by the Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents organized to present the new profession to the judiciary. The Chamber also announced to the judges the extension of a targeted grant by USAID, aimed at collecting written court opinions on judgment enforcement, analyzing them, and publishing a case book with commentaries on court practices.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2007 16:30:37 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Juniors in Action Event Recognizes Youngest Entrepreneurs</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/265/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/265/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JAB_23.05_home" alt="For the second year in a row, the &#x201C;Juniors in Action&#x201D; national competition was held to encourage the ideas and achievements of the youngest entrepreneurs aged 6-12. &#x201C;Our city&#x201D; was the motto of the competition, officially opened by Sofia mayor Boiko Borisov." class="img_left"/>For the second year in a row, the “Juniors in Action” national competition was held to encourage the ideas and achievements of the youngest entrepreneurs aged 6-12. “Our city” was the motto of the competition, officially opened by Sofia mayor Boiko Borisov.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2007 16:30:37 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Media Trainings Transferred to National Institute of Justice</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/269/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/269/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="64" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_23.05_home" alt="The transfer was completed with a three-day training in Blagoevgrad. The program was the latest in the series of Judiciary Media Trainings offered by USAID through the JSI and Bulgarian experts at ProMedia over the past two years." class="img_left"/>The transfer was completed with a three-day training in Blagoevgrad. The program was the latest in the series of Judiciary Media Trainings offered by USAID through the JSI and Bulgarian experts at ProMedia over the past two years.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2007 16:30:22 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>National Institute of Justice Expands Reach of Judicial Training with New Center</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/250/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/250/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="77" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_09.05_NIJ_home" alt="The new Study and Information Center will be a resource for all distance learning programs and research functions, and will house the NIJ library. The USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative, as the primary source of ongoing American support for the NIJ, contributed to the office furnishings and library materials" class="img_left"/>The new Study and Information Center will be a resource for all distance learning programs and research functions, and will house the NIJ library. The USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative contributed to the office furnishings and library materials.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2007 14:46:07 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Last Issue of Municipal Radio Forum</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/251/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/251/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>On April 26 the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) aired the last issue of Municipal Radio Forum, a joint initiative of BNR’s "Horizont" program and the Foundation for Local Government Reform (FLGR) with the financial support of USAID.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2007 14:47:05 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID-sponsored Survey on Public Attitudes about Roma Entrepreneurship Points to Benefits of Microcredit</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/239/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/239/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="127" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/CRS_25.04_home" alt="The results pointed to the potential of microlending to create a series of positive incentives for Roma clients. Most interviewed agreed that receiving a loan will have a positive impact on fostering a desire to work and repay the loan, leading in turn to increased investment and enlargement of the business." class="img_left"/>The study was commissioned by CRS as part of the joint USAID/CRS/Microfund/Ustoi project “Alliance for Inclusive Business Development of Roma Communities in Bulgaria”. The results pointed to the potential of microlending to create a series of positive incentives for Roma clients. Most interviewed agreed that receiving a loan will have a positive impact on fostering a desire to work and repay the loan, leading in turn to increased investment and enlargement of the business.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:56:31 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Center for the Study of Democracy Annual Anti-Corruption Policy Forum</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/237/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/237/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="162" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/CSD_25.04_home" alt="The press coverage of the event highlighted Ambassador Beyrle's comments on CSD's analysis of the immense cost of corruption to all Bulgarian citizens." class="img_left"/>High-level Bulgarian Government officials attended the annual forum. Ambassador Beyrle’s opening remarks highlighted CSD’s analysis of the immense cost of corruption to all Bulgarian citizens. The think tank presented their eighth Corruption Assessment Report which covers the period immediately preceding Bulgaria’s accession to the EU through the first months of EU membership. It analyzes the main results and risks of the Bulgarian anti-corruption strategy.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:56:14 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>It All Happened in Russe</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/249/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/249/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/CLRP_09.05_home" alt="USAID&#x2019;s Commercial Law Reform Program (CLRP) publicly presented the newly developed Judgment Enforcement Performance Monitoring System (JEPMS) in the city of Russe on April 20." class="img_left"/>USAID’s Commercial Law Reform Program (CLRP) publicly presented the newly developed Judgment Enforcement Performance Monitoring System (JEPMS) in Russe on April 20.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2007 14:47:21 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sofia Courts Open First-Ever Children’s Interview Room with USAID Support</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/248/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/248/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="78" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_09.05_Room_home" alt="One of the most difficult issues in the judiciary was addressed with the opening of a new room for interviewing child participants in court proceedings on April 20 in Sofia." class="img_left"/>One of the most difficult issues in the judiciary was addressed with the opening of a new room for interviewing child participants in court proceedings on April 20 in Sofia.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2007 14:47:21 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Local Government Initiative Celebrates Achievements</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/247/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/247/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="77" class="img_left" alt="At a conference on April 17, USAID celebrated the successful completion of its assistance program in the area of local government reform. USAID presented a film capturing key events and achievements of the program in the last 13 years." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/LGI_09.05_home"/>At a conference on April 17, USAID celebrated the successful completion of its assistance program in the area of local government reform. USAID presented a film capturing key events and achievements of the program in the last 13 years.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2007 14:47:30 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Supreme Judicial Council Approves USAID-Supported Information Center Model for All Bulgarian Courts</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/238/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/238/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="89" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_25.04_home" alt="Courthouse Information Centers are an essential tool in bridging the divide between the public and its judicial institutions." class="img_left"/>The USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative and the SJC will now jointly distribute the comprehensive Information Center Concept to all Bulgarian courts. Courthouse Information Centers are an essential tool in bridging the divide between the public and its judicial institutions.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:56:01 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Open Government Initiative Marks Successful Completion</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/224/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/224/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/OGI_11.04_home" alt="USAID invested almost $10 million to help Bulgarian public institutions become more transparent, efficient and responsive." class="img_left"/>The National Conference on Public Procurement System Integrity organized by the USAID Open Government Initiative on April 4 in Sofia was attended by all key stakeholders in the public procurement process. USAID invested almost $10 million to help Bulgarian public institutions become more transparent, efficient and responsive.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:30:49 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Why is it important for consultants to play the guitar?</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/228/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/228/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="72" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/CLRP_11.04_home" alt="On March 20, Chris Thompson, Chief of Party of the USAID Commercial Law Reform Program, celebrated his first ten years in Bulgaria by playing with his band Late Night Messiah (LNM) in front of over 70 fans, friends and colleagues." class="img_left"/>On March 20, Chris Thompson, Chief of Party of the USAID Commercial Law Reform Program, celebrated his first ten years in Bulgaria by playing with his band Late Night Messiah (LNM) in front of over 70 fans, friends and colleagues.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:33:01 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID-Supported Business Registration Reform on Schedule</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/227/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/227/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The Registry Agency demonstrated a strong commitment to implement the business registration reform in a timely manner, and openly discuss with media and businesses the challenges that lie ahead.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:33:01 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Junior Achievement Celebrates 10 Years in Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/225/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/225/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="87" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JAB_11.04_home" alt="On March 28, USAID implementing partner Junior Achievement celebrated its 10th year in Bulgaria with a conference, &quot;10 Years&#x2019; Investment in Education - Let Their Success Be Your Inspiration.&#x201D;" class="img_left"/>On March 28, USAID implementing partner Junior Achievement celebrated its 10th year in Bulgaria with a conference, "10 Years’ Investment in Education - Let Their Success Be Your Inspiration.”</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:33:41 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Judicial Independence Debated at USAID-Sponsored Forum</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/226/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/226/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="85" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_11.04_home" alt="The main issues debated at the national forum on the proposed new Judicial System Act included the full-time status of members of the Supreme Judicial Council, and the role of the Ministry of Justice in overseeing judicial facilities and property." class="img_left"/>The main issues debated at the national forum on the proposed new Judicial System Act included the full-time status of members of the Supreme Judicial Council, and the role of the Ministry of Justice in overseeing judicial facilities and property.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:34:33 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>National Association of Court Clerks Marks 7 Years of Growth with USAID Support</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/229/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/229/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The NACC is a key legacy of USAID, with an active membership facilitating trainings, producing curricula, and advocating for the professional development and labor rights of some 4,000 clerks and secretaries nationwide.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:34:48 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Mission Reaches Out to Media in Bourgas and Sofia</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/213/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/213/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>Mission Director Michael Fritz participated in a March 14 ceremony marking the transition of Bourgas Regional Court to Model Court status. At a March 21 roundtable at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, the Mission Director briefed journalists about upcoming USAID graduation events.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 Apr 2007 10:36:19 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>National Institute of Justice Begins New Prosecutor Class With USAID-Supported Curriculum</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/212/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/212/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="62" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/NIJ_28.03_home" alt="Based on the new Criminal Procedure Code, the Prosecutor Initial Training Manual includes 41 separate training modules covering 115 topics, and is the first systematic training on the new Criminal Code offered by the NIJ." class="img_left"/>Based on the new Criminal Procedure Code, the Prosecutor Initial Training Manual includes 41 separate training modules covering 115 topics, and is the first systematic training on the new Criminal Code offered by the NIJ.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 Apr 2007 10:36:34 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sneak Preview of Film Showing Study Tour</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/214/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/214/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="77" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/CLRP_28.03_home" alt="On March 8, the USAID Commercial Law Reform Program organized an advance public viewing of BNT's &quot;The Law and Us&quot; program, featuring a recent USAID study tour to the Netherlands." class="img_left"/>Media representatives and 40 guests had the chance to preview the new film of BNT's program "The Law and Us" about a study tour on private enforcement to the Netherlands, organized by the USAID Participant Training Program. The film was produced by journalist Reneta Nikolova.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 Apr 2007 10:35:59 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID-supported Journalist Training Stimulates Usage of Out-of-Court Dispute Resolution</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/200/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/200/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>Due to the publicity the number of claims filed with the Conciliation Committee at the Bulgarian National Bank has increased substantially.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:52:32 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>U.S.- Funded Events Provide Bulgarian NGOs with Funding and Support Information</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/202/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/202/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="77" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/PTP_14.03_home" alt="The first medium-size independent project of the Bulgarian Center for Development and Training featured a conference to support NGOs that have received Democracy Commission funding since 1994." class="img_left"/>The first medium-size independent project of the Bulgarian Center for Development and Training featured a conference to support NGOs that have received Democracy Commission funding since 1994.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:52:53 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID supports the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to award small grants for combating trafficking in human beings in Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/201/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/201/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="84" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/IOM_14.03_home" alt="The International Organization for Migration (IOM) awarded six small grants to four NGOs, one community center and one Municipality supporting local initiatives against trafficking in human beings on February 21 in Bourgas." class="img_left"/>The International Organization for Migration (IOM) awarded six small grants to four NGOs, one community center and one Municipality supporting local initiatives against trafficking in human beings on February 21 in Bourgas.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:54:21 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Director and SJC Members Honor Four New Model Courts</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/199/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/199/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_14.03_small" class="img_left" alt=""/>The Varna and Dobrich Regional and District Courts were honored for their achievements in implementing the goals of the Court Improvement Plan as part of their work with USAID's Judicial Strengthening Initiative.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:54:21 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bulgarian Parliament to Sustain USAID Initiative</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/194/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/194/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="77" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Parliament_28.02_home" alt="A ceremony held in the Bulgarian Parliament marked the close-out of the USAID Parliamentary Internship Program. The program is a successful model of citizen participation in the legislative process." class="img_left"/>A ceremony held in the Bulgarian Parliament marked the close-out of the USAID Parliamentary Internship Program. The program is a successful model of citizen participation in the legislative process.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:17:25 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID helps Bulgarian young people entering the job market with new website</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/198/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/198/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="82" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/LMP_14.03_home" alt="A ceremony held on February 22 presented www.KakviDaStanem.bg and also marked the close-out of the Labor Market Project - one of the most successful USAID initiatives in Bulgaria." class="img_left"/>A ceremony held on February 22 presented the website <a href="http://www.kakvidastanem.bg" target="_blank">www.KakviDaStanem.bg</a> and also marked the close-out of the Labor Market Project - one of the most successful USAID initiatives in Bulgaria. Since 2002 USAID has been actively engaged in increasing the flexibility of the Bulgarian labor market.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:55:36 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>PRESS RELEASE: Invitation to the launch of website www.KakviDaStanem.bg and announcing the close out of the USAID Labor Market Project </title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/188/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/188/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The Labor Market Project (LMP) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) invites media to the presentation of a new website www.KakviDaStanem.bg – an interactive portal to help young people find and shape their future careers. LMP will also organize the first national conference of professional career consultants in Bulgarian education, which will take place on February 21 and 22.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Feb 2007 12:48:03 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Authentic Bulgaria Gains Speed</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/191/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/191/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="153" class="img_left" alt="In the beginning of February, the Authentic Bulgaria Quality Mark was presented at a specialized international expo for alternative travel, R&#x435;isepavillon, in Hannover, Germany. More than 300 exhibitors from 30 countries participated in the exhibition." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/VEGA_28.02_home"/>In the beginning of February, the Authentic Bulgaria Quality Mark was presented at a specialized international expo for alternative travel, Rеisepavillon, in Hannover, Germany. More than 300 exhibitors from 30 countries participated in the exhibition, which was visited by more than 18,000 people.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 7 Mar 2007 09:17:27 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>National Institute of Justice Takes Over USAID Local Court Trainings</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/192/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/192/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The NIJ will guide and support courts to organize trainings based on a local needs assessment, thus ensuring that each court receives the most needed and relevant training. The new NIJ local training program is a successor of a similar program successfully implemented by the USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 7 Mar 2007 09:17:37 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>U.S. and Bulgarian Cities Mark 10 Years of Partnership</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/180/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/180/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="138" class="img_left" alt="This year marks the 10th anniversary of city-to-city partnerships in Bulgaria. The USAID-supported Technical Twinning Program matched participating Bulgarian municipalities with an American municipal twin to share expertise on technical and management issues." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/CityLinks_14.02_home"/>This year marks the 10th anniversary of city-to-city partnerships in Bulgaria. The USAID-supported Technical Twinning Program matched participating Bulgarian municipalities with an American municipal twin to share expertise on technical and management issues. Cities across the U.S. volunteered their staff and resources to provide technical assistance, humanitarian assistance, and share cultural experiences and camaraderie.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 2007 21:50:27 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Journalists Against Corruption Launch Film on National Institute of Justice with USAID Support</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/178/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/178/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img class="img_left" height="97" alt="USAID grantee Journalists Against Corruption presented a special screening of its latest film on January 31 at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in Sofia." width="115" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_14.02_home"/>USAID grantee Journalists Against Corruption presented a special screening of its latest film on January 31 at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in Sofia.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 2007 21:48:24 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Greek Experience Energizes Local Development Planners</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/179/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/179/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img class="img_left" height="90" alt="A diverse group of emerging local economic development experts visited Greece from January 21-27 for a study tour on &#x201C;Local Action Groups &#x2013; a Bottom-Up Approach for the Development of Rural Areas.&#x201D;" width="115" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/PTP_14.02_home"/>A diverse group of emerging local economic development experts visited Greece from January 21-27 for a study tour on “Local Action Groups – a Bottom-Up Approach for the Development of Rural Areas.”</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 2007 21:47:46 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents reports impressive results</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/163/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/163/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The USAID-supported Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents held its first regular General Assembly on January 27 in Plovdiv. Private enforcement agents have successfully closed 5,500 enforcement cases and have collected more than BGN 89 million in June - December 2006.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 5 Feb 2007 14:39:19 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID-supported Constitutional Amendment Boosts Financial Autonomy of Bulgarian Local Governments</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/177/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/177/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>On January 26, the Bulgarian Parliament adopted amendments to the constitution granting taxing powers to local governments which marks the culmination of several years of USAID support for fiscal decentralization.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 2007 21:48:46 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID awards final competitive grants to support the work of the courts</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/162/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/162/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>The Competitive Grants Program supports collaborative efforts between Bulgarian courts and civil society groups to increase the transparency, efficiency, and accountability of the judicial system.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 5 Feb 2007 14:39:44 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID/Bulgaria Announces Media Competition</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/111/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/111/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>USAID/Bulgaria invites the Bulgarian journalists to participate in a USAID-sponsored competition for national and regional media outlets for coverage about the results of the U.S.-Bulgaria partnership and development assistance.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:41:37 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>A Boost to the Profession of Career Counselors</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/118/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/118/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="82" alt="Gergana Rakovska, Director of the National Board for Certified Counselors Bulgaria, and Ted Iliff of the National Board for Certified Counselors International mark the establishment of the Bulgarian organization." class="img_left" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/LMP_NBCC_17.01_home"/>The USAID Labor Market Project and the Business Foundation for Education announced on January 9 the establishment of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:24:39 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Draft Amendments Aim to Improve Access to Court Records</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/119/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/119/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative  new draft regulatory amendments seek to clarify conflicting rules and streamline access to court documents and court hearings.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:24:39 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>New USAID Initiative Promotes Greater Opportunities for Disabled</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/91/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/91/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>Health for Everyone Association, a Pleven-based NGO, launched a nationwide information campaign to promote the newly established Social Inclusion Network for People with Disabilities.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jan 2007 16:21:38 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Marks End of Assistance in Bulgarian Energy Sector</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/94/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/94/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="81" class="img_left" alt="Mission Director Michael Fritz presents the USAID medallion to Prof. Konstantin Shushelov." src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Sewrc7.12_home"/>A ceremony at the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC) marked the end of over $3.6 million in USAID assistance to the Bulgarian energy sector.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jan 2007 16:27:18 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents Creates Public Dialogue with Business</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/134/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/134/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="76" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/CLRP_Dec6_home.jpg" alt="Deputy Minister Sabrie Sapundjieva opens the Round Table" class="img_left"/>Private judgment enforcement is a recent, but significant, reform promoted by USAID through its Commercial Law Reform Program. Business representative organizations played a leading role in passing the reform last year.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:30:09 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Completes Court Trainings on Public Trust and Confidence</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/92/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/92/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>Linked to the USAID Court Improvement Plan, the trainings emphasized key outreach tools such as information centers, courthouse signage, media work, and customer service.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jan 2007 16:23:03 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Documentary Series Highlights Diverse Human Stories within Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/130/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/130/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="92" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/ProMedia_Dec6_home.jpg" alt="Faces from Bulgaria." class="img_left"/>The series, “Faces from Bulgaria,” is produced by the Broadcast Training Center ProMedia and presents human stories of people of different ethnic backgrounds living in varied social conditions.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:10:30 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Labor Market Project Opens New Career Center</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/131/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/131/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="76" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/LMP_Dec6_home.jpg" alt="Career Development Center Counselor Iva Tsalovska and Emil Ivanov, chairperson of the Bulgarian chapter of AIESEC, a global organization focused on higher education and leadership issues." class="img_left"/>Sofia’s University of Architecture, Construction and Geodesy joined the growing network of university career centers in Bulgaria, an initiative of the USAID Labor Market Project.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:10:30 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Junior Achievement Launches New Partnership between Vocational School and the Ministry of Economy</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/132/news_item.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/132/news_item.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<body>Junior Achievement Bulgaria (JAB) openes a new center for entrepreneurship at the Hristo Botev High School for Construction, Architecture and Geodesy in Sofia.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:13:50 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Plovdiv Courts Launch Information Center With USAID Support</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/93/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="84" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_plovdiv_appellate_court21.11_home" alt="Plovdiv Regional Court Chair Vesselin Hadjiev and Appellate Court Chair Radka Petrova  at the opening of the new courthouse information center." class="img_left"/>The Plovdiv Information Center will serve the Appellate, District and Regional courts, and allows public access to information about the movement of cases, the location of offices and courtrooms, and state fees.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jan 2007 16:24:56 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Supports First Ever National Conference of Magistrates in Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/133/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="86" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI-NMC_Dec6_home.jpg" class="img_left" alt="The opening was honored by (from left to right): Roumen Nenkov, Deputy SCC Chair and moderator of the opening, President Georgi Purvanov, US Ambassador to Bulgaria  John Beyrle, Liuben Kornezov, Deputy Chair of the National Assembly, Minister of Justice Georgi Petkanov, SCC Chair Ivan Grigorov, and SAC Chair Konstantin Penchev"/>Over 1,500 Bulgarian magistrates – judges, prosecutors and investigators – assembled on 17-18 November, 2006, at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia for the first ever National Conference of Magistrates in Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:21:39 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Lessons from Estonia in Local Economic Development for New EU Countries </title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/74/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" height="81" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/LGI_LED_25.10_home.jpg" alt="Estonian hosts shared tips for maximizing local development opportunities after EU accession." class="img_left"/>From October 8-15, a group of local development experts from 8 Bulgarian municipalities traveled to Estonia for training on Improving the Economic Development Environment of Local Communities.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:34:50 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Two USAID/Bulgaria Legacies Mark Anniversaries </title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>Two USAID-supported institutions in Bulgaria celebrated milestone anniversaries last week. The National Association of Bulgarian Municipalities, founded with USAID assistance in 1996, recognized its 10th anniversary. The same week, the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) celebrated its 15th anniversary. </body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:18:53 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents Welcomes New Members </title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>The Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents welcomed the second wave of 58 new members with a swearing-in ceremony at Grand Hotel Sofia. USAID has been the main driver of this reform for the last three years.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:29:07 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Three Courts Awarded Model Court Status</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/71/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img class="img_left" height="83" alt="Photo of District Court Judges Daniel Minov of Veliko Tarnovo, Tatyana Alexandrova of Vratsa, and Deyan Subev of Kurdjali (left to right) receiving  their USAID honors." width="115" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_model_courts_25.10_home"/>The District Courts of Kurdjali, Veliko Tarnovo, and Vratsa joined thirteen other USAID Model Courts whose work has focused on specific areas of judicial reform.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:27:12 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Steps in Court Transparency in Dobrich</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img class="img_left" height="97" alt="Service with a smile as the new court information center in Dobrich opens to the public." width="115" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_court_info_center_25.10_home"/>The Dobrich District and Regional Courts opened a new information center on October 12, one of the results of their active participation in the Courts in Partnership Program of the USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:22:50 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bulgarian Vets Prepare Against Avian Influenza</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/42/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" hspace="5" height="103" align="left" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/Avian_11.10_home" alt="Photo of bulgarian vets preparing against Avian flu at a training organized by USAID/Bulgaria"/>USAID/Bulgaria completed training for 432 state and private veterinarians in five locations in Bulgaria on the essentials of controlling highly pathogenic Avian Influenza.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Oct 2006 09:56:09 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Peace Corps Volunteer Helps Shumen Launch New Council </title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>Searching for ways to revive citizens’ commitment to municipal matters, the Shumen municipality has created the first sister city council in Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:31:26 +0200</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Courts and Communities Together</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/44/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img width="115" hspace="5" height="111" align="left" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JSI_11.10_home" alt="Photo of Deputy Chief of Mission Alex Karagianis delivering a speech at the exhibition"/>The first-ever national exhibition on the work of Bulgarian court reform brought together representatives of fifteen courts and twenty-four rule of law NGOs on 28 September in Sofia.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Oct 2006 10:47:31 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>U.S. Treasury Closes a Successful Program in Bulgaria</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/43/news_item.html</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 Oct 2006 09:57:33 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bulgarian American Enterprise Fund Takes Stock of Successes</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/25/news_item.html</link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:32:21 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Graduating USAID Community Fund and Social Enterprise Program Leaves Sustainable Legacies </title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/24/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>Over the past five years, USAID assistance has strengthened sustainable community development and established strong partnerships at the local level.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:32:39 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Technical trainings for the detection and outbreak management of Avian Influenza</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>On Monday, September 18, 2006, Mr. Michael Fritz, Mission Director of the USAID Mission to Bulgaria will open in Vratsa the first session in a series of technical trainings for the detection and outbreak management of Avian Influenza.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:42:51 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Junior Achievement Bulgaria Trains Teachers on Economics and Entrepreneurship </title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body><img height="117" alt="120 educators gathered at the event to learn innovative methods for teaching economics and entrepreneurship." hspace="4" width="115" align="left" src="/cdir/bulgaria.usaid.gov/files/JAB_15.09_home"/>The event gathered 120 educators who learned innovative methods for teaching economics and entrepreneurship in 67 vocational and general secondary schools countrywide.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:50:54 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Supports Advocacy Training for Judicial Reform NGOs  </title>
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<pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:33:45 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Attorneys’ Professional Development Initiative to be Succeeded by the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives </title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>The USAID Attorneys’ Professional Development Initiative (APDI) celebrated its successful completion on September 8 at the Central Military Club in Sofia.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:50:57 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Second Legal Profession Reform Index for Bulgaria Released </title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/20/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>The legal profession in Bulgaria is free, independent and self-governing, and has improved in both legal and professional aspects, indicates the Legal Profession Reform Index (LPRI) for Bulgaria.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:56:07 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Court Watch NGO Presents Findings on Disability Access</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/65/news_item.html</link>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>The Center for Independent Living monitored thirteen cases heard in 2005-06 at the Sofia Regional Court, Sofia City Court, and the Supreme Administrative Court.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Oct 2006 14:43:55 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Tourism Teachers Sharpen Their Skills at Sheraton Through USAID Public-Private Partnership</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/7/news_item.html</link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Aug 2006 23:58:56 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Local Courts Expand Response to Organized Crime with USAID Support</title>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Aug 2006 23:58:56 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bulgarian Interns Travel to Virginia to Learn About Local Economic Development</title>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Aug 2006 23:58:56 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID-supported Social Enterprise Offers New Services to Disabled in Sofia</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>On August 9, Mission Director Michael Fritz inaugurated the new branch of the Health for Everyone Association in Sofia. The new branch in Sofia will improve the quality of life of 800 people with disabilities in the capital by providing services based on individual need, free training and consultations.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Aug 2006 23:58:56 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>First Bulgarian Legal Clinic Textbook Published</title>
<link>http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/10/news_item.html</link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Aug 2006 22:22:08 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>National Study Shows Higher Satisfaction with Courts in USAID-Assisted Regions</title>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Aug 2006 22:22:08 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Local NGOs Launch Projects to Support Court Transparency and Efficiency</title>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Aug 2006 22:22:08 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID to organize a U.S. Study Tour for Bulgarian Members of Parliament</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>Eleven Bulgarian Members of Parliament (MPs) will go on a study tour in the United States from July 8 - 20, 2006. The specifically tailored training organized by USAID will expose the MPs to relevant U.S. models, which best address their specific needs, and their institution and country environment.</body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jul 2006 18:16:04 +0300</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USAID Helps Bring Best Practices in Hospitality Closer to Teachers in Tourism in Vocational Schools</title>
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<description><![CDATA[<body>USAID, through its Labor Market Project, is piloting a new initiative for Bulgaria aimed at narrowing the gap between vocational training in tourism and the workforce skills needed by employers in the industry. </body>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jul 2006 18:16:04 +0300</pubDate>
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