The project “Europe’s Youth – Same Difference- 2011” is a continuation of a cross-cultural exchange of two groups of young people from Europe -2011. 17 volunteers from “Help Tabitha” Stitching (Putten, Holland) will be partners to 19 young people from the Home for Children deprived of parental cares “N.Vaptzarov” (Roman, Bulgaria), supported by Tabitha Bulgaria Foundation .in 2011 (July 2-16. The Dutch participants will come to Bulgaria for two weeks in July (02-16) in 2011. The two groups will go on investigating what unites them, what they have in common and what makes them alike. The common denominators and values will make them more tolerant toward their differences and aware of their sameness. We hope that this will strengthen their solidarity, will stimulate their mutual respect and understanding and will bring them closer within their common European Home.
During the exchange the young people will learn more about their countries, the youth’s life in them, their educational systems and the opportunities they offer for life realization. The participants will dwell on the needs of solid education and vocational training to prepare for independent life. The problems with the school drop-outs and the social isolation will sharpen their civic awareness and duty. We will elaborate on the needs and efforts for the social inclusion of the underprivileged young people and those with disabilities. The Dutch will share their positive experience, good practices and some innovative methods in the work with young people with special needs. The informal training will broaden the young people’s horizons and will encourage their concern and empathy for the less fortunate. We plan visits to the Homes for children and young people with disabilities in Gorski Senovets, Straghitza and Mezdra.
In connection with 2011 being the Year of volunteering we will pay special attention to the voluntary work, values and ways of popularizing them among the young people in both countries. The Dutch people have had huge volunteering experience and will be useful to their Bulgarian partners. Tabitha Bulgaria Foundation has worked and supported volunteers for more than 14 years. We will organize a Day of the volunteering and will invite representatives from the EC and some Embassies in Sofia to share international experience.
We will also focus on the role and responsibility of the young people for building the future of Europe. The project will help underprivileged young people from a recent EU country member but tomorrow those Bulgarian young people will be prepared to render support to other people in need.
Галерия Gallery
