In the period 13 - 19 April 2015 FLGR carried out study visit for representatives of municipalities, civil society organizations, government officials from the Kyrgyz Republic in Bulgaria.

The visit was realized in the framework of the project "Partnership of non-governmental organizations and local authorities in addressing priority issues of local communities" in the framework of the initiative of the German Society for International Cooperation (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit -GIZ) to support civil society through support of civil society organizations in the implementation of local development projects in rural, mountainous and remote areas of Kyrgyzstan.

The goal of the study visit was to acquaint representatives from Kyrgyz municipalities, civil society organizations, government officials and development project’ team with Bulgarian experience in social services and particularly in the involvement of NGO sector in provision of municipal social services.

Guests from Kyrgyzstan had meetings with officials and experts from the Council of Ministers, National Association of Municipalities in Republic of Bulgaria, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, municipalities of Veliko Tarnovo, Mezdra, Dolna Banya and Sofia. The quests got acquainted with the main trends in the provision of social services in Bulgaria and with concrete social initiatives, centers and enterpriseс on spot, the work of the Foundation "Institute for social services in the community," Foundation "Lale", National Network of Children and Association "Aegida".

In their journey through Bulgaria participants in the delegation from Kyrgyzstan got not only comprehensive professional information, but also knowledge of the history and development of Bulgaria.

The study visit for representatives of municipalities, civil society organizations, government officials and development project’ team from Kyrgyz Republic in Bulgaria was a valuable experience for the Foundation for Local Government Reform and is a solid prerequisite for future contacts and joint projects.