220 individuals with disabilities live in the municipality of Dzhebel. These people have no opportunities for social contacts and professional development. The Hristo Smirnenski Popular Community Center decided to help this group by providing a club where they could learn how to use computers and office equipment, thus breaching their current isolation and allowing for their integration in society. The project was funded under FLGR s Social Environment Improvement Program, financed by Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

The project, Improvement of the Social Integration of People with Disabilities in the Municipality of Dzhebel, was selected following many discussions of the problems faced by the people with disabilities in the municipality of Dzhebel. The implementation of the idea was assumed by the community center s board, with the support of the municipal management and the citizens. Meetings were held with FLGR representatives to clarify all required procedures. Then, the community center s board initiated project preparation and implementation. The project coordinator formed a team for the development of the project and all required application documents. Upon approval by FLGR, the implementation of project activities began on September 1, 2003.

The implementation began with the identification of the premises for the office club and their renovation. The premises and most of the materials were provided gratuitously by the Municipality of Dzhebel. The premises were renovated in a very short time. Two unused rooms were transformed into a modern, comfortable and functional office club meeting the needs of people with disabilities and consistent with project activities. Then, equipment was purchased and installed, some of which was also provided by the Municipality (a library, a heating plate, tea and coffee sets, etc.) A computer, printer, TV, a desk, chairs, office supplies etc. were bought for the office club. The premises are equipped with modern equipment, including Internet connection.

The official opening of the office club was held on December 22, 2003. The event was widely promoted by announcements, phone calls and by word of mouth. The office club has been teaming up with people since its opening. It has become the source of many ideas, new and interesting contacts. Lectures were organized on current issues related to the legislation in healthcare, taxation, social assistance, etc. The idea to have an organization of the people with disabilities became reality; the organization has been registered and its members include people from different communities in the municipality. The municipal management committed to provide them transport to the club and to Momchilgrad and Kurdzhali.

The implementation of all planned activities has resulted in a new vision for the sustainability and the further operations of the office club. The project achieved its purpose to meet the needs of the people with disabilities and to increase the public commitment to their problems. The people living in the municipality of Dzhebel are determined to continue to provide everything needed to make the people with disabilities feel complete citizens of the municipality.

Today, the people with disabilities in the municipality have everything they need to encourage their involvement in community life. The office club is a cozy place for various activities, trainings and everyday communications. The people with disabilities have access to the latest computer technology and Internet, which encourages them to seek more and more information and become even more involved in everyday life. The efforts of the community center s board, the Municipality and the non-governmental organizations provide a much needed balance between needs and interests. The lives of the people with disabilities have changed, growing opportunities have produced growing hopes.

For additional information, please contact :

Rusanka Boneva

Secretary

Hristo Smirnenski Popular Community Center

19, Vasil Levski Street

6850 Dzhebel

Tel.: (03632) 2157, (089) 867 5882

Hairie Mehmed

Municipal Secretary

Municipality of Dzhebel

Tel.: (03632) 2397

Fax: (03632) 2310