May 2009

May has been an exciting month for the Balvan Mentoring Project. As the pilot project draws to a close, it has been a time for a reflection and evaluation, as well as new beginnings as we embark on preparation and recruitment for the coming year. The final individual mentoring session of the year illustrated the trust and respect which has developed between mentors and mentees, both in individual mentoring relationships, as well as within the group as a whole. Feedback from mentees, mentors and project coordinators has been very encouraging, and the mentoring project seems to have been a very positive experience for all. Many of the young people have grown in confidence and improved their communication skills, and the mentors have also learned new skills. All of the young people and five out of this year’s eight mentors are keen to continue next year, clearly demonstrating the enthusiasm dedicated to the project.

Meanwhile, plans and preparation for next year’s expansion got underway with a well-attended information session at St. Kiril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo. Over 50 prospective mentors listened to a short presentation by our project coordinators, Stely, Katia, Joanna and Chloe, and had the opportunity to talk to our committed and enthusiastic current mentors, and ask questions. Following a press conference on 25th May, the project was highly publicised within the Veliko Turnovo area and information about the project appeared on national and local television, as well as in newspapers and on the radio. If you speak Bulgarian, click here to listen to the interview with Radio Focus. The preparation process for new mentors will continue throughout June and into the autumn term when mentor training will commence.

February 2009

Despite some slight interruption due to the university examination period, the mentoring sessions have continued to run successfully and social workers are pleased with the progress. The February group workshop centred on empathy and understanding feelings, and all participants benefited from a range of interactive activities using emoticons. As a break from the regular sessions, mentors and mentees also enjoyed a bowling and billiard trip organised by project co-ordinator, Steliyana, which provided further opportunity to create shared experiences and build relationships in an informal setting. We have also just received exciting news from the EU’s Youth in Action Programme: our grant application has been successful, so we look forward to being able to reach out to more teenagers over the coming year. More details will follow once we’ve received the final grant documents from the EU.

January 2009

The UK project co-ordinators, Chloe and Joanna, visited Balvan just before Christmas and received lots of positive feedback from all participants - especially the teenagers, who told us about their mentors as soon as they saw us! After a short break over Christmas, both mentees and mentors were looking forward to seeing each other again in the new year. The ice-skating trip was a big success, with a lot of fun had by all, as well as the opportunity for mentors and mentees to do something more informal together and hence develop their relationship. Current plans for expanding the project next year, to enable us to include more of the teenagers from the K.Smirnenski Home, are also underway, and all of this year’s mentors and mentees are very keen to continue. To make this a reality we will need to raise more funds - please email for information on how you can help!

December 2008

Following the completion of the mentor training course, the mentoring sessions ran successfully during November and December, with 8 pairs meeting on a weekly basis. The mentors and mentees have also come together for two group sessions led by qualified social work professionals at the Centre for Integration of Children and Young People at Risk. Early feedback has been positive and both mentors and mentees are looking forward to an ice-skating trip to mark the first session of the New Year.

November 2008

Ten student volunteers from the University of Veliko Turnovo have now received full training in general listening and communication skills, as well as being given specific information on topics relevant to young people. The training was carried out by qualified social work professionals at the Centre for the Integration of Children and Young People at Risk using a range of interactive methods. With the training and preparation complete, the mentoring sessions are scheduled to start at the beginning of November 2008 and will be complemented with monthly group workshop sessions facilitated by the social workers at the centre. We’ll keep you updated as the project progresses further so watch this space…

Last updated: June 14th, 2009