Bhagavat Educational Trust “It´s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”

Who are we? A private charity Founded in 1997 AIMS Furtherance of Education General relief of poverty Sustainable vocational projects for marginalised groups Social Integration

OUR CURRENT PROJECT…… ……….Leonardo Living and…… Learning Abroad

In a Nutshell Target Group UK Ex-offenders Alcoholics Drug abusers Young & unemployed Target Group Abroad Marginalised groups Socially excluded Disabled & Unaided Orphanages

The 7 Elements Preparation Resource Centre Project Careers Seminar The Qualification Appointments Facebook

Phase 1 - Preparation Research of UK organisations & spreading ethos of project Newsletters Phone calls Press Coverage Building relationship with UK organisation Personal visits Guidance on pre-project management in UK Introduction to new culture – customs, traditions Administration Arranging transport and flights Official EU registration of participants Finding suitable project and implementation of action plan

Resource Centre Indispensable tool for all future participants On-line and always accessible All application forms and admin in one place Presentations on typical projects Bundles of useful information Live weather forecasts Access to local newspapers Hints & tips for fundraising Download centre for all aspects of project On-line language lessons

The Project 2 weeks in Bulgaria……… …..Renovating an orphanage ……..Integrating with the Bulgarian children Before….. …..After

´Next Steps´ Careers Specialist Career advice given during project Real help provided to start realising ambitions CVs, interview tips, official certificates and references Appointments, interviews and open days arranged for all participants on return to UK

The Qualification Earned whilst on our project NOCN accredited Personal Development Communication & Teamskills Real life skills Entrance into education

Staying in touch Full support to all participants long after project finishes Text messages sent as reminders for interviews Follow up calls to check on progress Vouchers sent out to improved performers We communicate with the youngsters on their level Our very own FACEBOOK group that all participants can join They chat to us online and can get advice Chat to each other Browse and post photos of the projects Post advice on the ´wall´ for others Request advice from us and their peers Follow useful links for employment, education or training Get discounts on concerts and popular events Hugely popular – over 100 members for 2009 alone FACEBOOK

Forging Leaders Each youngster given responsibility for the project for a day They lead de-briefs, write and present action plans, make risk assessments and arrange meals for the whole group. Natural leaders emerge Mutual Assistance Two marginalised groups assist each other – the UK youngsters develop a sense of purpose, increased self-esteem and improved confidence…………….. …….the orphans and Roma community learn new skills, increased positivity and eagerness to interact and co-operate with others Skills for life

Long Term Benefits Project has long lasting effect Orphanages and homes attract more funding once project has started One orphanage ´Iskra´ received a 1 million Euro grant following project Morale of orphanage staff and children lifted – project injects renewed enthusiasm and hope Renovation, mural painting and general improvements often continued by orphanage staff New skills learnt Improved Communication Increased confidence More willingness to learn Marginalised Groups Abroad

The Roma Community We target schools in predominantly Roma areas Roma children given a platform for intercultural exchange with UK youngsters Opportunity to work on mutually beneficial projects alongside the Bulgarian children Helps the Roma children to gain acceptance into the local community Initiates the process of co-operation and sharing of ideas between social groups – eroding barriers created by social exclusion

So does the project ………. So does the project………. No….. ………make a difference ? Not only that ……. This project changes lives.

groups participated in projects this year Over 120 young people Ex – offenders Substance misusers Recovering alcoholics Young and unemployed 84% of those young people are now in Employment, Education or further Training We are determined to do even better 2010