The idea for the project came up at a management meeting of the Union of Disabled Persons in Bulgaria (UDPB), Kresna. One of the items discussed at the meeting was the fact that almost every job announcement includes a computer literacy requirement. The chair of UDPB Kresna assumed the initiative and with the assistance of the mayor and the municipal secretary reached a decision to apply with a project under FLGR s Social Environment Improvement Program, financially supported by Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

Having clarified the application procedures, the team started developing the idea. FLGR provided financial support to the consolidated local efforts and project implementation began in September, 2003.

The implementation went through two stages:

Stage I: Renovation of the municipal premises allocated for the club. The premises were located in the downtown area, near the municipal building.

The club is a part of a three-story solid building. Construction was financed by donations from business people, UDPB Kresna funds and cooperation on behalf of the Municipality. Citizens contributed volunteer labor and 4 months later the club was operational. The white façade and aluminum door and window frames make the club stand out. The official opening took place on December 14. Everyone who was involved in the construction works were invited. The first class of the computer course was held on December 15.

Stage II: Implementation of program activities

The club opened its doors for trainees on December 15. Due to the type of training and the fact that some participants need to commute to attend the classes, the duration of the latter was restricted to 15 minutes. This also allows for all-day training on a rotation basis. The initial interest was great, but the fear that the computer might break down was even greater. Once the Internet connection was installed, things changed. The computer is now working from early morning to late night. Newspapers are read, offers are reviewed, information is sought on plant and animal treatment, equipment leasing terms, etc.

The project created a place where the people with disabilities from the municipality can rest, get training and information. The club will host city and municipal championships in chess, backgammon and bridge. The Internet connection creates hopes and encourages the users to seek more information about current developments.

The consolidation of the efforts of the Municipality with those of a non-governmental organization created a balance between interests and changed the lifestyle of the disadvantaged persons in the municipality of Kresna. This large group of low income individuals now have greater opportunities, hope, trust and self-confidence.

For additional information, please contact :

Georgi Shterev

Chair

UDPB Kresna

2840 Kresna

5, Bratya Miladinovi Street

Tel.: (089) 986 5656

Lyubka Kovacheva

Secretary

Municipality of Kresna

96, Makedoniya Street

2840 Kresna

Tel.: (07433) 2229, (088) 839 1966

Fax: (07433) 2338

Email: [email protected]