USAID Bulgaria - Success Stories http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/5/news_list.html en Tue, 8 Apr 2008 10:51:36 +0300 BlueBoard SiteBuilder Children with Disabilities Conquer the Highest Peaks http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/553/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/553/news_item.html Kazanluk NGO launches social enterprises for long-term sustainability.The Future for Children with Disabilities Association serves children with disabilities and their families.]]> Mon, 7 Apr 2008 17:27:21 +0300 Not Your Ordinary Summer Camp http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/554/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/554/news_item.html Camp for ethnic Roma and Bulgarians resonates with a whole community.]]> Tue, 8 Apr 2008 10:50:17 +0300 A Bigger and Better Road http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/520/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/520/news_item.html New Montana roadUSAID credit guarantee helps the city of Montana make its main thoroughfare safer.]]> Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:55:54 +0200 When Dreams Have Wheels http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/508/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/508/news_item.html Penko Vassilev of Topolchanni village used a small loan to purchase a vehi-cle for transporting supplies from the city of Sliven to his remote community.Microcredit helps Roma entrepreneur with crucial step in his business development. ]]> Tue, 5 Feb 2008 12:02:40 +0200 From Beans to Jeans http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/501/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/501/news_item.html Microcredit helped Roma family with a successful transitionSmall loans from a USAID micro-lending program give Genoveva and Assen the opportunity to expand and to plan for the future.]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:46:15 +0200 “You Choose!” Becomes Household Phrase in Bulgaria http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/464/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/464/news_item.html Picture shows a young person with a T-shirt and carrying leaflets supporting the campaignGet-out-the-vote campaigns continue to energize voters in marginalized communities.]]> Wed, 9 Jan 2008 15:24:24 +0200 Consulting Firm Adapts U.S. Models to Help Bulgarian Small Businesses http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/414/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/414/news_item.html Business Center Serdon is an important part of the USAID legacy in Bulgaria. It provides consulting support to local and foreign companies with a broad range of market entry services.Business Center Serdon is an important part of the USAID legacy in Bulgaria. It provides consulting support to local and foreign companies with a broad range of market entry services.]]> Mon, 1 Oct 2007 12:06:56 +0300 Investigative Journalism Roots Out Corruption in Bulgaria http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/404/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/404/news_item.html While corruption remains a serious problem in Bulgaria, the television program “Na Chisto” has helped build popular support for transparency and accountability within public institutions.While corruption remains a serious problem in Bulgaria, the television program “Na Chisto” has helped build popular support for transparency and accountability within public institutions. ]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:48:19 +0300 Helping Bulgarians with Disabilities Access Information Technology http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/369/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/369/news_item.html Bulgarian organization displayed commitment to disabled IT users as it went from trainee to trainer. Back in 2003, Bulgarian telecenters participated in a USAID introductory workshop on information technology for people with disabilities. In 2007, the Telecenter Association organized its own workshop for disabled users and their support organizations.]]> Fri, 3 Aug 2007 13:55:42 +0300 A Teacher Who Makes a Difference http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/358/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/358/news_item.html “I believe in young people. We have to help them make their dreams come true here in Bulgaria”, says statistics teacher Mita Georgieva who helps Junior Achievement Bulgaria introduce its entrepreneurship programs at Bulgarian schools.“I believe in young people. We have to help them make their dreams come true here in Bulgaria”, says statistics teacher Mita Georgieva, who helps Junior Achievement Bulgaria introduce its entrepreneurship programs at Bulgarian schools.]]> Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:50:07 +0300 Eyes on Four Paws http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/310/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/310/news_item.html The Sofia-based NGO "Eyes on Four Paws" opened the first school for guide dogs for the blind in Bulgaria.The Sofia-based NGO "Eyes on Four Paws" opened the first school for guide dogs for the blind in Bulgaria. Two trained dogs have already been handed over to their new owners in Plovdiv and Harmanli for a symbolic 75 cents.]]> Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:02:00 +0300 Village Clinic Gets a New Roof and a More Proactive Approach http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/300/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/300/news_item.html Peace Corps Volunteer Trevor Lake shares his experience supporting a community project to improve health care for rural citizens.Peace Corps Volunteer Trevor Lake shares his experience supporting a community project to improve health care for rural citizens. "The key I have found is to listen to the community members and to help turn their ideas and suggestions into reality."]]> Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:33:28 +0300 Town of Humor Has Lots to Smile About http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/280/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/280/news_item.html The Gabrovo Community Fund was established under the USAID Community Funds and Social Enterprises (CFSE) program in 2002. Thanks to the Fund’s fundraising efforts and the contributions of individuals, businesses, and institutions, the Gabrovo Hospital was significantly refurbished in the last 4 years.The Gabrovo Community Fund was established under the USAID Community Funds and Social Enterprises (CFSE) program in 2002. Thanks to the Fund’s fundraising efforts and the contributions of individuals, businesses, and institutions, the Gabrovo Hospital was significantly refurbished in the last 4 years.]]> Wed, 6 Jun 2007 13:00:25 +0300 Peace Corps Volunteer Helps Educate Kids about Violence http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/253/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/253/news_item.html Participants from all 10 schools in Blagoevgrad submitted more than 150 posters and paintings and over 60 essays and poems in a poster and essay contest entitled "Kids Against Violence". All entries were displayed in the lobby of the Municipality.Participants from all 10 schools in Blagoevgrad submitted more than 150 posters and paintings and over 60 essays and poems in a contest entitled "Kids Against Violence." All entries were displayed in the lobby of the City Hall.]]> Fri, 11 May 2007 14:48:24 +0300 Illuminating Ethnic Harmony http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/220/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/220/news_item.html Improved lighting at mosque and church brightens eastern Bulgarian town.Improved lighting at mosque and church brightens eastern Bulgarian town. Partners-Targovishte Association initiated the "Svetlina" ("Light") project which united the efforts of the municipality, the church and mosque boards, and local NGOs to illuminate the spiritual centers of Targovishte.]]> Tue, 3 Apr 2007 10:45:04 +0300 Association of Community Foundations Up and Running http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/211/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/211/news_item.html The purposeful work of the USAID Community Funds and Participant Training Programs left behind a national Association of Community Foundations in Bulgaria to ensure the sustainability of its members.The purposeful work of the USAID Community Funds Program and Participant Training Program left behind a national Association of Community Foundations in Bulgaria that will ensure the sustainability of its members.]]> Thu, 22 Mar 2007 11:35:50 +0200 BEFORE AND AFTER: A Dream Comes True After Six Years http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/171/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/171/news_item.html Local Roma NGO and Peace Corps Volunteer take an abandoned building and turn it into a learning center filled with opportunitiesLocal Roma NGO and Peace Corps Volunteer take an abandoned building and turn it into a learning center filled with opportunities.
The Educational and Informational Center for Children and Parents was officially opened on October 11, 2006 in the southern Bulgarian town of Rakitovo.]]> Mon, 12 Feb 2007 13:36:47 +0200 Mediation Keeps Lights on in Roma Neighborhood http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/170/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/170/news_item.html New payment plans make it easier for residents to pay off debts.Nonpayment of electricity bills by residents in the neighborhood was a growing problem with no apparent solution. New payment plans agreed upon as a result of a roundtable organized by the local mediation center that involved all interested parties in discussing the problem have made it easier for residents to pay off debts.]]> Wed, 7 Feb 2007 16:31:55 +0200 Sharing Bulgaria’s Attractions with Visitors and Bulgarians http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/136/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/136/news_item.html Travel company Odysseia-In organizes adventure and cultural tours, conducts educational and tourism development activities, and operates two outdoor stores in Sofia.Travel company Odysseia-In organizes adventure and cultural tours, conducts educational and tourism development activities, and operates two outdoor stores in Sofia. Since founding Odysseia-In, Lubomir Popiordanov worked with several USAID programs.]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:59:07 +0200 Responding to the Needs of the Disabled http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/128/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/128/news_item.html Day Center provides services and care to disabled people to bring them out of isolation.The Day Center "From Us, For Us" provides services and care to disabled people to bring them out of isolation. Disabled people of different ethnic origins from Kardzhali and neighboring villages have a cozy place to meet and socialize.]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:59:07 +0200 Photography Project Keeps Communal Memory Alive http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/122/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/122/news_item.html The project preserves a visual chronicle of the colorful lifestyle and customs of Roma in Kardzhali's Borovets district.The project preserves a visual chronicle of the colorful lifestyle and customs of the Roma who live in Kardzhali’s Borovets district through organizing photography classes for 18 people. For ten months the young participants learned about the history of photography, techniques of taking pictures, composition and lighting.]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:48:23 +0200 Private Judgment Enforcement Earns People’s Trust in Bulgaria http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/112/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/112/news_item.html Lawyer Katilin Popov participated in all phases of the reform process and is confident that commercial law reform in Bulgaria has been successful.Lawyer Katilin Popov participated in all phases of the reform process and is confident that commercial law reform in Bulgaria has been successful.

All kinds of people request our services. Not only big business, but many small creditors come to us for enforcement on sums as small as $150. We’ve never sent anybody away, says Mr. Popov.]]> Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:26:12 +0200 Learning About Differences, and Celebrating Them http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/135/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/135/news_item.html Children from the small Bulgarian town of Momchilgrad are shy but proud when they say they know more about other religions than their fellow students or even their parents.Children from the small Bulgarian town of Momchilgrad who participate in the “Beyond Difference” project funded by the USAID Interethnic Interaction Program are shy but proud when they say they know more about other religions than their fellow students or even their parents.]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:00:46 +0200 Help Comes Just in Time for Small Business http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/129/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/129/news_item.html A few years ago Yumer Salim almost had to close his business in the small Bulgarian town of Momchilgrad.A few years ago Yumer Salim almost had to close his business in the small Bulgarian town of Momchilgrad. Thanks to a USAID grant, the Egeya-Yumer Salim apparel factory today employs 12 people and supplies uniforms to hospitals throughout Bulgaria and to a Greek company.]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:01:05 +0200 Mussels and Perseverance Pay Off http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/110/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/110/news_item.html Mussel Farmer Vesselin Prokopiev carves out a niche on the Black Sea coast.Mussel Farmer Vesselin Prokopiev Carves Out a Niche on the Black Sea Coast.
Tucked away in a quiet cove framed by rocky cliffs on Bulgaria’s northern Black Sea coast, the Dalboka Restaurant offers guests stunning sunsets over the water and a tranquil atmosphere.]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:15:18 +0200 Entrepreneur Brings Internet to Roma Neighborhood http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/121/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/121/news_item.html USAID-funded workshops help Roma develop business skills.Until recently none of the inhabitants of the five Roma neighborhoods in the town of Dupnitsa could enjoy public Internet access. Thanks to the efforts of local Roma entrepreneur Georgi Georgiev, the Roma from the neighborhood “Gizdova mahala” now have their first Internet club.]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:25:32 +0200 Social Enterprise Enjoys Sweet Success http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/75/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/75/news_item.html

Visually impaired worker Nedyalka Tomova mixes a batch of halva candy.In 2005, Krasimira Lazarova was looking for ways to support her goal of building a social integration center for mentally disabled and HIV-positive individuals. After attending a USAID-sponsored workshop she drew up a business plan that would help her reach her goal.
“We are successful because we have a clear goal. We have drawn up our strategy and pursued it step by step, overcoming challenges and difficulties,” Krasimira Lazarova, Health and Ethics Association Chairwoman, Stara Zagora.

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:39:59 +0200 Bulgarian Courts Go on the Record http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/31/news_item.html http://bulgaria.usaid.gov/31/news_item.html In 2004, USAID piloted a personal computer digital audio recording system in two Bulgarian courtrooms. In 2005 and 2006, the USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative expanded the recording system to six additional courtrooms in Bulgaria.]]> Tue, 3 Oct 2006 14:04:21 +0300