Arete Youth Foundation has provided scholarships to 20 Roma high school students throughout Bulgaria funded through the support of a pilot program by American for Bulgaria Foundation.
The scholarships have been awarded to economically disadvantaged junior high or high school pupils that are limited by geographic distance from their school and that have achieved academic success. The purpose of the grant is to help students that demonstrate promise and motivation to continue their education. Each pupil will receive no more than 400 Euro per academic year and all textbooks, transportation cards and materials will be purchased through AYF. Additionally, AYF will monitor and support students as they work through the program.
"For me and my family this scholarship is very helpful because it will give me more confidence to continue my education,' said Mirela Idakieva from Bobov Dol. "I want to thank the organization [ABF] that grants scholarships to students."
Ромската професионална мрежа по програма “Ролеви модели на утрешния ден” към Младежка фондация “Арете”, с финансовата подкрепа на Фондация “Америка за България”, ще проведе серия от обучения на тема "Старт в кариерата за млади роми” в София, Сливен, Шумен, Пловдив и Монтана.
Първото мероприятие ще се проведе в гр. София на 18. 02. 2012г (събота). По време на обучението младите участници ще получат практически съвети къде могат да получат информация за свободни работни места, как да се подговят преди интервю за работа, какви са ключовите компоненти при оформянето на автобиография и мотивационно писмо. Обучители на семинара ще бъдат представители на Hewlett-Packard (HP), както и ще бъде представена програмата „Услуга за стартиране на бизнес“ на Български Червен Кръст.
Броят на участниците е ограничен и предимство ще имат кандидати, които не са участвали в други мероприятия на Младежка фондация "Арете" до момента. Моля, изпращайте заявките за участие на Тано Бечев до 13 февруари 2012г. на следния имейл: tano@areteyouth.org
Обучения "Старт в кариерата за млади роми” ще се проведат през месец март и в следните градове: 11.03.2012г - Сливен, 18.03.2012г. - Пловдив, 24.03.2012 - Шумен, 31.03.2012г.-Монтана. Обучители на тези семинари ще бъдат експерти в областта на човешките ресурси от JobTiger - кариерен уеб сайт и агенция за подбор на персонал.
За повече информация можете да се свържете с нас на тел.: 02/ 980 90 21
Areté Youth Foundation welcomes Daniela Adamova as the new Director of Operations for the Bulgaria office. Adamova, who previously worked in the Peace Corps Programming and Training Department since 1999, is excited about Areté's initiatives and believes that the key to success in working in a multicultural environment is to keep an open mind and create a positive learning atmosphere.
She says, "I would like to quote Elbert Hubbard: 'Initiative is doing the right things without being told.' Instead of telling Roma youth what to do, Areté helps them realize the importance of education, or the benefits of participating in a camp or joining the Roma Professional Network."
Adamova was drawn to Areté by her belief in the culture of giving back. "I was given many opportunities in life, and it's time for me to give back by encouraging Roma youth to focus on educational pursuits and to realize the importance of social and professional networks," she said.
As youth development program assistant with Peace Corps, Adamova worked with many Roma NGOs, youth leaders, and volunteers.In 2005 she witnessed how volunteers and Roma youth leaders were empowering young Roma students at the camp "Forward Together."At the camp, she was inspired by the different perspectives and the great motivation of the participants.
Adamova's professional background includes teaching in one of the biggest Roma neighborhoods in Bulgaria, membership in a regional development association, and four years of elected service to the City Council in her hometown, Laki.
Adamova's areas of interest and expertise are team-building, facilitation, ongoing learning, teaching foreign languages, and NGO and youth development. She holds a degree in pedagogy and a diploma for teaching English from Plovdiv University. She is also a certified diversity trainer and a language proficiency tester, and holds a certificate for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
In her free time, Adamova enjoys traveling, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
Thirty-five young Roma from Montana took part inthe training "Young Roma - Building Your Career." The event was organized on behalf of the Roma Professional Network on November 12th in an effort to strengthen and support the career development of young Romain Bulgaria.
Nelly Vassileva, senior expert in the Montana Municipality, presented information to participants about effective non-verbal communication. Young people had a chance to discuss how image and body language can be perceived by potential employers and the media in interviews. Additionally, each participant had the chance to receive one-on-one coaching on cover letter and CV preparation as well as practice performing mock interviews.
Ludmila Zhivkova from the Roma Students Organization, Students Society for the Development of Interethnic Dialogue, provided prospective students with the opportunity to learn about universities throughout Bulgaria, available areas of study and the application process. Participants were able to consult with lecturers and learn more about state exams and the entrance score assessments atdifferent universities. Zhivkova also presented the application preparation program of SSID that supports Roma university candidates. Tano Bechev, Program Manager for RPN, informed participants about the Roma Memorial University Scholarship Program of the Roma Education Fund, which awards scholarships to students of Roma origin.
This event was also a great platform for AYF to promote their Romacamps. Miglena Yordanova spoke with students about AYF's plans to expand the camp in Montana the summer of 2012 and encouraged them to apply. As one student noted at the end of the event, "I'm very happy that I attended this event and I hope that there are more in the future."
This past July Arete Youth Foundation welcomed 70 young Roma throughout Bulgaria to participate in 'Zaedno Napred'. The camps took place in Varna and Velingrad and the participants will join almost 300 alumni since 2000.
The camps began as a way for motivated Roma youth from Bulgaria to build leadership skills and self-esteem, and to find ways to overcome the extreme cases of discrimination that they face in their communities. The purpose of these camps when they were created was to help motivate, inform andimprove the lives of participants by encouraging them to complete their education and take a more active role in their communities. The goals of this initiative continue to be relevant today. "The camp is a unique experience that has given me memories that will last a lifetime," said participant Tereza Borisova from Sofia. "These 10 days are not only fun, but you have the opportunity to make new friends, and are more motivated to continue your education and learn to be proud of your ethnic origin; and now I'm not ashamed to say 'I am Roma!'"
Through interactive sessions, guest speakers, debate and discussion, participants gained valuable skills and developed important relationships during their time together. At one of the sessions they learned about the history of Roma and integration in schools from Dr. Joseph Nunev, Expert at the Ministry of Education and Science. Participants also explored issues such as discrimination and the role of the media as well as the value and importance of diversity. "From the camps we learned how to integrate Roma into society and how it can change the common stereotypes against Roma," said Rosen Yordanov from Sliven.
In addition to large and small group discussions, the participants had an opportunity to gain practical skills to help them further their education and career development. Information was presented on scholarships and internships available to young Roma in Bulgaria and the EU and how they could apply by Lyudmila Zhivkova from Roma Students Organization. They also learned how to write a cover letter, CV and interview skills. Violeta Naydenova from the Open Society Institute- Budapest, not only shared her personal story but also professional development and educational opportunities available to participants. 'We have to be more persistent and not be ashamed that we are Roma, and we must continue our education because it is very important," said camper Valeria Kamenova from Montana.
On the last day of both camps, a small grant was available to provide participants with a practical opportunity to experience the prospects of civic engagement. Participants at both locations felt a strong desire to develop a project that would serve the community where the camps were held. Therefore, trees were planted in Asparuhov Park in Varna and the center for children in Aleko Konstantinovo in Pazardzhik. They wanted to contribute to each individual community and demonstrate their sense of civic responsibility for the entire community.
AYF believes these camps foster increased motivation, higher self-esteem, important networks among peers, and greater resilience to challenges - all of which lead to greater participation in school and an enhanced desire to "give back" to the community. AYF looks forward to expanding its work in the summer of 2012 to the towns of Sliven and Montana in an effort to provide more young Roma this worthwhile opportunity.
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. Embassy Sofia
VACANCY No.: 29-2011
OPEN TO: All Interested Candidates/All Sources
POSITION: ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK, FSN-6, FP-8*
OPENING DATE: December 22, 2011
CLOSING DATE: January 4, 2012
WORK HOURS: Full-time, 40 hours/week
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
The U.S. Embassy in Sofia is seeking an individual for the position of Administrative Clerk in the Resources Management/Global Financial Services/ Post Support Unit, Sofia (RM/GFS/PSU Sofia), which provides regional payment processing services to U.S. Embassies worldwide.
Over 100 students from St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights, NY had the opportunity to snack on delicious homemade banitsa for charity. Tsvetta Kaleynska, who is Miss Bulgaria Diaspora USA 2010 and also an ex GLOW camper, baked on Dec. 7, 2011 to raise funds for the academy. This was the second successful bake sale Tsvetta had, but this time she decided to present the Bulgarian dish to her classmates while sharing more about GLOW with them. All raised proceeds go for the realization of Leadership Academy GLOW 2012. If you’d like to donate to the academy, please visit http://glow2012.causevox.com/
The annual meeting of the Roma Professional Network of Arete Youth Foundation successfully focused on the further development of the network to improve access of young Roma. The discussion was part of the annual meeting of the Roma Professional Network , which took place on December 6th in "Rila" hotel in Sofia.
The Roma Professional Network is part of the "role models of tomorrow," supported by the America for Bulgaria Foundation. Its purpose is to support Roma professionals by connecting them with career opportunities in the private and public sectors and providing career development opportunities.
The meeting opened with the Program Manager of Arete Youth Mr. Tano Bechev, who presented its work to date.
Problem demand-supply of labor, access to updated information from institutions and feedback conditions for further training, were among the most debated issues during the meeting..
Additional presentations included Natalia Miteva (America for Bulgaria Foundation) and Radostina Chaprazova (Roma Program Institute "Open Society", which are among the main partners of the Arete Youth Foundation - Bulgaria.
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Развитие на професионалната мрежа за подобряване на достъпа на млади роми професионалисти до бизнеса бе темата на дискусията, организирана от младежка фондация “Арете”- България. Дебатите по въпроса бяха част от годишната среща на Ромската професионална мрежа (РПМ), която се проведе на 06.12. в хотел “Рила”, гр. София.
РПМ е част от програмата “Ролеви модели на утрешния ден”, подкрепена от Фондация Америка за България. Нейната цел е да насърчи контактите на млади професионалисти от ромски произход, като им предоставя възможности за кариерно развитие в частния и публичния сектор.
Срещата откри програмният мениджър на младежката фондация г-н Тано Бечев, който представи деиностите на Ромската професионална мрежа.
Проблемът търсене-предлагане на работна ръка, достъпът до актуална информация от институциите и обратната връзка, условията за допълнителна квалификация- това бяха едни от най-дискутираните въпроси по време на срещата на младите вишисти.
Възможностите за конкретни действия за развитие на мрежата бяха представени от Наталия Митева (Фондация Америка за България) и Радостина Чапразова (програма Рома Институт “Отворено общество”, които са едни от основните партньори на младежка фондация “Арете”- България.
Professor Katia Vladimirova, lecturer in the University for National and World Economy in Sofia, in an interview for Focus News Agency
Focus: What is the situation on the labour market with regards to the Roma minority?
Katia Vladimirova: It has been different in different periods, but from a point of view of employment and unemployment levels with regards to the labour force from the Roma minority – it has lowest level out of all ethnic groups in Bulgaria. Throughout the 1990s and up to 2001 the employment level of Roma people had fallen drastically, according to official statistical data. 47% of the Roma people were employed in 1992, while in 2001 this level dropped down to below 18%. As the Bulgarian economy started livening up after 2001 the employment level of Roma people registered a slight growth, but now after the crisis it started going down drastically.
A very characteristic feature is that unemployment among young Roma people is very low. Moreover, a considerable part of young Roma people do not look for employment opportunities, i.e. they are discouraged. This trend is considered, not only by me but by many other specialists, as a very worrying phenomenon. As illiteracy and low education level are growing among Roma people, even if more working places are opened, their chance of inclusion will not be high. Roma people have two major problems – they are not looking for work and have low education. Another worrying fact is that employment among Roma women is much lower compared to Roma men.
Focus: What kind of jobs do Roma people usually take?
Katia Vladimirova: Generally it is considered that they take low-qualified and not very well paid jobs. From a labour market point of view Roma people find jobs, which other people do not want. The main examples here are jobs in companies dealing with cleaning and water and sewage services. Many Roma people take seasonal and temporary jobs in the spheres of construction, agriculture, processing industry, loading-unloading services, timber industry, road maintenance, and low-qualified work at infrastructure objects. A very worrying fact is that the employment of Roma people is reducing in sectors like healthcare, where a growing trend has been witnessed in the past.
The employment level of Roma people in public administration is also reducing, despite the fact we are in the Decade of Roma Inclusion. If there are any possibilities to increase the employment level of Roma people through specific measures, policies, then it would be easiest in the administration and the public sphere, in general, where state and local authorities have a more direct influence than in the sectors with market economy.
The number of households with at least one adult working abroad has grown. During the crisis most Roma people took temporary/seasonal jobs, but the employment level in general went down drastically. In 2007, the year before the crisis, 50.8% of Roma people had some type of employment, while in 2010 the percentage went down below 30%. Such a downturn cannot be seen among Bulgarians or the ethnic Turkish minority.
"Forward Together" is a youth camp for high school Roma students who have shown success in school and life. The camps began in 2000 by a group of volunteers in Bulgaria Peace Corps of the United States. The first camps were held in Shumen and Pazardzhik.
A year ago, the organization created Arete Youth Foundation - Bulgaria to lead the implementation of the camps. Its activities are aimed at overcoming social inequalities and discrimination against Roma young people and encouraging their active involvement in civic and political life. Through its programs it also aims to motivate young Roma to continue their education and develop in their professional field. The main purpose of "Forward Together" is to inspire confidence of Roma youth in our country, to show them that they belong to an ancient group of people who have always contributed to the development of Bulgaria.
"Forward Together" is a unique program because it combines lectures accompanied by instructive and interactive games tackling challenging topics such as prejudices, the history of Roma and opportunities for personal development in Bulgaria and abroad. This year there were two camps: in Varna for Roma youth from Northeastern Bulgaria and in Velingrad for Roma students in Southwestern Bulgaria. This year was quite different for the "Forward Together" leadership camps. This year, the youth at both camps decided, after a long debate, to perform volunteer work nearby. They desired to demonstrate that Roma young are sensitive to global issues. They discussed various proposals and decided on planting new trees, because they think it is a contribution to nature and to the flora of Bulgaria. The camp participants gathered together different amounts of money to purchase the trees. They purchased coniferous and exotic trees to plant in Varna and the day care center for children in the village of Aleko Konstantinovo, Pazardzhik. In addition, young Roma gave a good example of their peers from other cities, they showed that young people in Bulgaria are responsible and think green. Some people enjoyed the initiative of students and others just wondered if these trees were different just because they were planted by Roma! No! No, they are different. They are a showcase of young Roma who do not tolerate divisive behavior and take action.
Over the years, the Forward Together camps have involved over 500 participants from different parts of the country. This camp is helping decide the fate of many young people because they gain a vision for their future. Many young people from small towns and villages have changed their lives thanks to their participation in the "Forward Together" Leadership Camps in particular because the places they come from, information is scarce and there are few options. Each one is unique as well as ambitious.
Rosen Jordanov, 18, Sliven
We planted these trees because we want to think the next time I come in Varna and say "That tree I planted!" and be proud of it.. "
Angelina Rangel, 16, p. Limbs
Let us know that we planted these trees because the nature of air and Bulgaria are also present.
Sylvester Nedev 18, Shumen
I think everyone should plant at least one tree in their lives. I hope this will not be my last tree.
Radka Boneva, 21, Smyadovo
In a few years they will become trees. So there will be more fresh air and greenery.
Valeria Kamenova, 19, Montana
To plant a tree is the best thing you can do because it remains for life and you can always enjoy it.
Daniel Stefanov, 17d., Kyustendil
They are here for the public and media to see because in most cases they just say that Roma only destroy nature.
The 'Colorful but Colorblind' project brought together Roma and non-Roma journalists to produce a series of 25 short films telling the stories of Roma communities living in central and Eastern Europe. The aim was to encourage a more nuanced coverage of Roma issues and a greater participation of Roma journalists in mainstream media operations. The project equally sought to strengthen inter-cultural dialogue and journalists' mutual understanding of one another. The project was chosen for the Sigma Delta Chi Award for excellence in journalism in the digital media presentation (independent) category.
"I am proud to see an EU-funded project countering age-old prejudices against Roma receiving acknowledgement across the Atlantic. This proves that the European Union's unprecedented efforts and commitment to promote the social and economic integration of Roma are paying off," said Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner. "Roma people contribute to social and cultural life all over Europe and I am happy to see that their contribution is acknowledged by the 'Colorful but Colorblind' project."
Arete Youth Foundation is currently seeking an office manager for its Sofia, Bulgaria office. Please see the details below for information.
Вакантна позиция: Офис мениджър
Организация: Младежка Фондация „Арете” - България
Срок на договора: 1 година
Място: София
Начало: Октомври 2011
Възнаграждение: Предлага се конкурентно заплащане според квалификацията на кандидатите.
Информация за Младежка Фондация „Арете” - България:
Мисията на Младежка Фондация „Арете” е да подкрепя израстването на лидери от средите на уязвими общности. В изпълнение на своята мисия Фондацията организира и финансира инициативи, които събират и мобилизират младежи, подпомагат изграждането на професионални мрежи и оказват съдействие на млади хора за получаване на висше образование. Дейността на Младежка Фондация „Арете” се подкрепя от фондация „Америка за България” и частни донори, които оказват помощ на младежи от уязвими групи на Балканите.
Описание на длъжността:
Офис мениджърът организира административната дейност и оказва техническа помощ при изпълнението на следните основни програми на Младежка Фондация „Арете”:
1. Привличане на повече младежи завършили средно образование към летни школи за млади лидери;
2. Създаване на онлайн информационен център за млади лидери;
3. Създаване на формална Мрежа от роми специалисти в различни професии от България и Европа.
Задължения и отговорности:
· Организира административна дейност на Фондацията, вкл. поддръжка на офис и разплащане на текущи разходи;
· Оказва техническа помощ на Изпълнителния директор и на програмните директори при осъществяването на техните функции;
· Координира установяване на професионални контакти с академични институции, бизнес и професионални организации при изпълнението на отделните програми на Фондацията;
· Координира информационния поток между Изпълнителния директор и програмните директори; между програмните директори и регионалните мениджъри; както и контактите с партньорски организации по места;
· Осъществява ежедневна комуникация с партньорите на Фондацията в социалните мрежи;
· Организира пътуванията на Изпълнителния директор в страната и чужбина (резервация на хотели, организация на делови срещи).
Изисквания към кандидатите:
· Минимум една година опит в извършването на подобни дейности;
· Работа с компютър и отлично владеене на английски език;
· Умения за работа в екип.
Документи за кандидатстване:
· Автобиография (CV)
· Мотивационно писмо (до 1 страница)
Срок за кандидатстване: 12 септември 2011
Документи за кандидатстване да се изпращат до Румян Русинов на адрес: rumyan@areteyouth.org
Team members Atanas Stoyanov, Miglena Yordanova, Rumyan Russinov and Tano Bechev have some fun as they head out to Varna for Camp Zaedno Napred 2011. The summer around 74 promising young Roma will be participating in these regional leadership camps designed to educate, motivate and create tomorrow's leaders. Read more about our program here.
Areté Youth Foundation is proud to spread the word for Our School, an independent, documentary film about three Roma children from a small Translvanian town who participate in a project to desegregate their local school, struggling against indifference, tradition and bigotry with humor, optimism and sass. The film was directed by Mona Nicoara, a friend of Areté Youth.
The film will premier at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival on April 22nd in New York City. It will also play at the festival on April 23rd, 26th and 30th. Please purchase your tickets in advance here. The filmakers have been fortunate to have received financial and creative support that allowed them to make the film but, like many independent films, find themselves close to the finish line with depleted sources. If you are interested in helping support this film, please make a tax-deductible contribution here.
Areté Youth Foundation board member Brian Murray recently visited the organization’s Bulgaria office to get to know the team members there, understand their progress, and learn how the U.S. team can support the Bulgaria office.
To date, the team – whom Murray described as having a great mix of experience, youthful energy, and ambition – has been focused on building the right relationships with past participants of the camps, partners and Roma professionals. They are in start-up mode, so everyone is getting their hands dirty and taking responsibility for shaping the initiatives.
“It is a very exciting, yet challenging, time to be in the office,” Murray said. “I’m hoping that this start-up energy will challenge the whole team to discover new and innovative ways to implement programs.”
The Bulgaria team’s efforts are groundbreaking. No one has set out to create a Roma Professional Network before, but Murray is confident the staff will be successful because Arete has a strong base of more than 3,000 Roma university students and graduates to work with. Murray said he was most impressed with the team’s ability to coalesce support among others in the community.
“They have done a wonderful job of reaching out to many different groups – academic, governmental, and NGOs – to develop a strong network to propel them forward,” he said.”Given this great start, Jodi and I will have to continue to find new ways to support and strengthen the team on the ground. I see this as a great problem to have.”
The U.S. Embassy of Sofia is now offering three student internships to qualified candidates. The full texts of the vacancy announcements with instructions how to apply are posted on our website http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/job_opp2011.html.
Tano Bechev, Program Manager of “Role Models for Tomorrow” Program of Areté Youth Foundation, Bulgaria, traveled to Budapest March 3rd and 4th to participate in the international conference, “Roma and Minority Youth: Pathways to More Inclusive European Youth Structure.” The conference took place in the European Youth Center and was organized by the Roma and Youth Initiatives Programs of the Open Society Foundation. During the conference Mr. Bechev had the opportunity to meet and establish connections with more than 25 participants representing Roma youth organizations from different countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and Albania. “There were very heated discussions among the group about the barriers to the inclusion of Roma and minority youth in European youth structures and policy making, ” said Benchev. He added, “It is very important to consider what needs to be changed in institutional organizations to fast-track better inclusion and participation of Roma and minority youth. It was very disappointing that there were no Roma representatives and organizations within the European Youth Forum.”
The YFJ is an independent, democratic, youth-led platform which represents 98 National Youth Councils and International Youth Organizations from across Europe. The YFJ works to empower young people to actively participate in society to improve their own lives, by representing and advocating their needs and interests and those of their organisations towards the European Institutions, the Council of Europe and the United Nations.
Mr. Benchev had the opportunity to meet with their President Mr. Peter Matjashich and shared his concerns about the 12,000,000 Roma living in Europe who are not represented within their structure. Mr. Matjashich said that they have very strict criteria for becoming a member organization but that he is open to collaborate and work towards Roma youth inclusion”.
Arete Youth Foundation is currently seeking an office manager for its Sofia, Bulgaria office. Please see the details below for information.
