"Civil Culture" Project
Field of activity of the FOUNDATION
For a long time our life was deprived of democratic values and traditions, which seriously impaired the Bulgarian experience in direct participation in the constitution of society. "CITY AND CULTURE" FOUNDATION plays an active part in supporting specific initiatives between local power institutions and educational organizations in Varna. These are aimed at greater transparency of the local government and stimulation of an honest, direct and well-grounded position of young people on social issues.
Reasons for carrying out the project
In the year 2000, "CITY AND CULTURE" FOUNDATION with the support of the World Bank and the Regional Inspectorate of Education to the Ministry of Education and Science carried out the project "Corruption and Civil Culture". It comprised a sociological survey of almost 500 students from Varna high schools, meetings with school representatives and local authorities institutions, collaboration with "Philosophy" high school club. The main conclusion was that students need much more knowledge of the local authorities institutions, as well as of their own civil rights and responsibilities.
Essence of the project
The new project "Civil Culture - Young People and Authorities" aims at a more efficient utilization of the opportunities which the school syllabus offers for making young people familiar with specific features of Varna District and local authorities. This was done primarily through meetings with representatives of the authorities. Prior to the mass implementation of this practice, experimental groups were created in four schools in Varna. These were the schools where the previous year the project "Corruption and Civil Culture" was carried out. The mechanism of interaction was specified and the teachers who were to establish and develop the coordination were selected at meetings with the executive bodies of the schools. In most cases, these were teachers of history and philosophy, or pedagogical consultants.
Students showed an active interest in the issues of the project. The total number of participants was over 120. In April and May there were meetings with the Varna District Court. The Municipal Council, the municipal administration. Most involving were the presentations of the institutions in their natural working environment. Students showed the greatest interest in a criminal case tried by the District Court. They also attended a sitting of the Commission on Youth Activities and Sports to the Municipal Council where they made numerous concrete suggestions to the executive bodies of schools.
Moreover, a Partnership Declaration was prepared by "City and Culture" Foundation and signed by Varna District Governor, concerning the above mentioned project, which further strengthened the traditionally good relations between the Varna District Administration and local NGOs.
Funding
These activities of the foundation received financial support from a special fund for youth initiatives in Varna Municipality.
Continuation of the project
The continuation of the project { 1 Aug 2001 - 30 May 2002 } covered 1500 students from 10th and 11th grade. It comprised the following activities:
1. Lectures on "Local Authorities Institutions in Varna" in 12 schools in Varna and Varna District.
2. Students' visits to local authorities institutions.
3. Seminars and meetings with representatives of local authorities and teachers.
4. High school students' club "Philosophy".
5. High school essay competition "Младите - автори на обществената промянаdedicated to the Day of the Constitution and the Lawyer.
6. Sociological surveys.
7. Press conferences. (мин. вр.)
In 2003 г. the project continues its expansion and introduction in the smaller towns in the District of Varna.
Results and future
By realizing the project, "CITY AND CULTURE" FOUNDATION hopes to establish itself as an even more efficient mediator between citizens and local power institutions. The various activities will create an opportunity for permanent publicity and control on the local government leading to a reliable mechanism of interaction between the local authorities and educational institutions. Young people will acquire lasting skills in expressing an active civil position. The quality of civil education will be enhanced.
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