The social projects of ADRA Bulgaria have become a training ground for future specialists in international development. For one week, our humanitarian agency hosted an external training for 17 students from the Social Sciences master's programme (specialization in "Development Projects Management"), who arrived from 13 different countries, together with two of their lecturers.
The main goal of the intensive course was for young people to get to know the real impact, sustainability, and successful cooperation of the implementation of humanitarian initiatives. The event was hosted at ADRA’s renovated medical and social center in the city of Pazardzhik, which provided an excellent base for the lectures, security, and networking for the participants.
Theory and field meetings: From integration to real assistance
The week began with an immersion in Bulgarian culture, geography, social norms, and traditional cuisine. Immediately afterwards, Daniel Lungov, ADRA project manager, introduced the foreign guests to the details and impact of our latest initiatives. The program included meetings with key figures from the civil society sector:
● Education and Integration
The discussions included Ukrainian teachers, who are part of our joint education project with UNICEF. Roma health mediators shared about the challenges minorities face in the field of health care and integration.
● Cooperation and volunteering
A local pastor presented the volunteer network as the true backbone of NGOs, and a representative of Pazardzhik Municipality shared the benefits of the long-term partnership with ADRA.
On the second day, the students were divided into two groups and, with the help of interpreters, visited the town of Septemvri. There, they met with the beneficiaries of ADRA projects:
● At the Pensioner's Club, they interviewed about 25 elderly people who received free dentures under the ADRA program.
● In the Roma neighborhood, they visited over 30 socially disadvantaged families who receive daily health and educational care through mediators.
Evaluation, Jury, and Awards
After the fieldwork, the training moved into a phase of important analysis, impact assessment, and development of strategies for future improvement of the lives of the beneficiaries. An expert from the State Agency for Child Protection also participated as a guest lecturer, presenting the current challenges Roma children face in their community.
After a day of independent preparation, the students had to present their own project proposals to a four-member jury. All passed successfully and received certificates, and the six best projects were awarded at an official ceremony.
Spiritual sharing and unforgettable emotions
On Saturday, the international group participated in a special festive service. Several of the students spoke about their native churches and shared their strong impressions of ADRA’s mission in Bulgaria, after which there was a designated lunchtime for fellowship. Sunday was dedicated to cultural tourism – the guests visited the Snezhanka Cave, the Old Town in Plovdiv, and other local landmarks.
The greatest impact of this week, however, was grounded in human relationships. Only 6 of the 17 students were from the Adventist community. For the remaining 11 young people, it was their first time witnessing Christian empathy, concern, and love in action.
Speaking about the ADRA Foundation in Bulgaria and the Adventist community, Dr. Sisira Withanachchi sincerely shared, “Your Church captivates me. You are extraordinary people, and ADRA is an incredible organization.”
“People matter, not things”
“I want to thank you for being amazing hosts. The students gained valuable practical experience. What I personally learned from you and will take as a guiding principle in my life are the words you constantly repeated: People matter, not things!” - Azikiwe, student
“I am Esther from Myanmar. Thank you for taking care of us and making us feel at home. I learned so much from ADRA Bulgaria team about what kind of attitude and heart you need to have if you want to work in the field of humanitarian aid!”- Esther, student
ADRA Bulgaria expresses its sincere gratitude to the University of Friedensau (Germany) for the trust and good cooperation, which we hope to continue in the future. We remain committed to the mission of serving people, proving that caring changes lives!
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