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. 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 a host of socioeconomic problems. Positive news about the economy is tempered by extremely high unemployment, particularly in rural areas of the country and gripping 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. Although, many observers question whether Bulgaria will achieve all of the steps required within this timeframe. The development of civil society institutions such as NGOs, rule of law, and a shared sense of economic justice remain important challenges for Bulgaria to overcome as it pursues further integration into Europe.

In response to Bulgaria's expressed needs, Peace Corps Volunteers work in the areas of English language education, youth development, and community and organizational development. As Bulgaria and local capacity have evolved, Peace Corps/Bulgaria has responded by focusing on grassroots community development, particularly in underserved and remote communities.

All Peace Corps Volunteers in Bulgaria 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.

Bulgaria is at a stage in its rapid development where 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. As Bulgaria prepares to accede to the European Union, Peace Corps/Bulgaria continues to evolve and respond to Bulgaria's rapid social and economic change.

Community and Organizational Development

In 2004 Peace Corps' environmental program and community economic development program were merged into the community and organizational development (COD) program. This provides a comprehensive approach to assisting local community development. Through the COD program, Volunteers assist in strengthening the organizational capacity of partner organizations at the local level. Volunteers work with non governmental organizations (NGOs), municipal and regional administrations, schools, museums, park administrations, and organizations that focus on small and medium-sized enterprise development.

Volunteers may help organizations develop skills in community needs assessment and response, project initiation and implementation, grant-writing, business administration and management, fundraising, environmental education and protection, and information and communications technology. Many COD Volunteers help villages develop and implement tourism plans and coach and assist local small business owners. COD Volunteers also serve as business educators through Peace Corps/Bulgaria's relationship with the Junior Achievement Program in secondary schools throughout the country.

English Language Education

As Bulgaria continues its economic reforms and reaches out to the global marketplace, the need and desire for English language fluency has increased significantly. 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 resource centers.

Education Volunteers also assist with community development projects such as youth camps, particularly during the summer months.

Youth Development

Bulgarian youth are bright, motivated, and curious about the rest of the world. There are limited opportunities for Bulgarian youth, however. 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. There is an upsurge in crime. Gangs of youth and use of illegal drugs are becoming more common. HIV/AIDS is a growing problem that most youth are not educated about. Youth, particularly young women, are increasingly falling victim to exploitive human trafficking and prostitution.

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. Volunteers in the youth program are assigned to local organizations, to assist them in learning to effectively lead and manage youth initiatives. Volunteers work with orphanages, special needs schools, youth NGOs, summer camp programs, and other youth organizations to help develop programs and community-support networks necessary to support these youth, helping them learn life skills, and to achieve their potential.

Last updated Sep 27 2008