Cooperation between Kazanlak Municipality and the German Social Association AWO Kassel dates from 1997, initiated by the Kazanlak born Radka Arnold, who worked in the AWO system. Initially the German partner sent humanitarian assistance and especially helped to equip the reconstructed Home for people with physical disabilities.

Owing to the good relations between AWO Kassel and Kazanlak Municipality both parties proceeded to signing a Parnership Contract in the field of social service on 9 October 1998. The goal of the contract was to improve care for old people in specialized institutions. Higher qualifications of nurses in the theory, practice and languages will increase the standard of care for old people in these institutions.

According to the Agreement 14 nurses and social workers from the Old people s homes took part in a two year project led by Dr Arnold for increasing their qualifications. Tranings were conducted in Germany and in Bulgaria. Apart from Neurology and demention subjects the program included learning German.

In practice this training was accomplished in the social institutions of AWO Germany in the course of a month. In 2000 language education continued in Bulgaria.

The joint project was a means of accomplishing the overall objective in 2002, when the postgraduate course for geriatric nurses was founded at Trakia University.

22 medical sisters from Kazanlak and Stara Zagora were included in the Pilot project implemented by AWO Germany, Trakia University, Kazanlak Municipality and Stara Zagora Municipality. Successful results and the experience accumulated will support the establishment of a new academic discipline - Geriatric Nurse, at Trakia University.