Bulgaria

In 1991, a year after peaceful public protest led to changes in Bulgaria's political structure and direction, the first group of Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in Bulgaria to partner with the people and government of Bulgaria. These first Volunteers focused on teaching English. Now, in response to Bulgaria's expressed needs, Peace Corps Volunteers work in three main program areas: English language education, youth development, and community and organizational development. All Peace Corps Volunteers in Bulgaria also serve as community development workers. All are highly encouraged to help youth learn life skills. Most Volunteers who are not focused on English language education still actively help community members improve their English language skills.

As Bulgaria and local capacity have evolved, Peace Corps Bulgaria has responded by focusing on grassroots community development, particularly in underserved and remote communities. Peace Corps Bulgaria continues to evolve and respond to Bulgaria's rapid social and economic changes.

Since the late 1990s, Bulgaria has made exceptional progress in its transition to a decentralized, market-oriented economic system. This rapid development, however, has also exacerbated some socioeconomic problems. Positive news about the economy is tempered by high unemployment, particularly in rural areas of the country and poverty among the elderly, minorities, and other groups. Environmental degradation is prevalent, as concern for economic recovery and growth outpaced efforts to protect and restore the environment. In March 2004, Bulgaria became a member state of the NATO alliance and on January 1, 2007 Bulgaria joined the European Union. The development of civil society institutions such as NGOs, the rule of law, and a shared sense of economic justice remain important challenges for Bulgaria to overcome as it pursues further integration into Europe.

Bulgaria is at a stage in its rapid development when Peace Corps Volunteers can have a significant and rewarding impact, as many local organizations and youth are eager for new ideas. Peace Corps Volunteers are excellent role models for Bulgarian youth and catalysts for organizational change.

English Language Education

As Bulgaria continues its economic reforms and attempts to expand into global markets, the need for English language fluency is increasing in importance. Instructors face shortages of educational resources and proper training on how to use the limited resources they have. The Bulgarian educational system needs modern and interactive methods of teaching conversational English. Peace Corps Volunteers work within the Bulgarian school system to help students and teachers improve their English language skills and to develop and enhance English language resources.

Peace Corps Volunteers also work with their Bulgarian colleagues to facilitate the development of English Education in Bulgaria. Many Volunteers team-teach with a Bulgarian teacher. They help fellow English teachers improve their English competence and teaching methodology through language enrichment activities and informal and/or formal activities that transfer skills.

Almost all Peace Corps Volunteers in Bulgaria help teach life skills and decision-making skills to youth. Summer projects may include activities such as school renovations, producing instructional materials, teaching in summer English language camps, camps for Roma and other minority children, Girls Leadership Camps, conducting language teaching workshops for the schools, and community or sports activities.

Youth Development

Bulgarian youth are bright, motivated, and curious about the rest of the world. There are however limited opportunities for Bulgarian youth to be engaged in their communities productively. Many youth, particularly at-risk youth in underserved and minority communities and in orphanages, lack the guidance and support to help them become contributing and responsible adult community members.

The government of Bulgaria is focused on preparing youth to be the future of Bulgaria and has asked Peace Corps to provide support in this effort. In response, Peace Corps created the Youth Development program in 2003. Youth Development Volunteers work with NGOs, youth or cultural centers, schools, municipalities, orphanages, boarding schools for truants, resource or day centers for special needs youth, and centers for social support. Volunteers assist their colleagues in learning to effectively lead and manage youth initiatives and develop programs to support youth, helping them learn life skills, and to achieve their potential. It is becoming very common for Volunteers to work with multiple organizations in their communities, helping them create partnerships and combining their efforts and resources on joint projects.

Community and Organizational Development

The Community and Organizational Development program supports community groups at the grass-roots level in their move towards a democratic civil society and improved quality of life. The program is regarded as a respected partner by local governments, NGOs, cultural centers, park directorates, schools, civil groups and individuals. Volunteers are placed in underserved communities with predominantly minority populations.

The Community and Organizational Development program combines the knowledge and expertise of Peace Corps Volunteers and their community partners in identifying common priorities, setting realistic expectations and drawing strategies to address community needs. Volunteers also play the role of facilitators for building community partnerships.

Volunteers are actively involved in activities and projects in their communities related to: mobilizing local resources for implementing small community projects, building administrative capacity and organizational strengthening, environmental education, grass-roots tourism development, local economic development, teaching English, and sports.

Last updated May 20 2010