FSCI get MESSE

On July 9, 2014 (Wednesday) a representative of the Foundation for Social Change and inclusion will participate in an international conference organised by Sofia Municipality, themed “Instruments for supporting of social entrepreneurship” within the “Mechanism for enhancement synergy and sustainability among enterprises  (MESSE)” project, co-funded by the INTERREG IV C of the European Union.

The main objective of the project is to improve the effectiveness of regional development policies for economic growth and quality of social entrepreneurs in Europe.

Attending the meeting will be international institutions, civil society organisations and businesses from nine European countries who discuss issues of social economy and social entrepreneurship.

The aim of the conference is to share experiences among stakeholders in Bulgaria and orient representatives of national and local institutions, academia, NGOs, cooperatives and unions about the problems and prospects of the social enterprise development in Bulgaria and show good practices proposed by the project partners.

FSCI has implemented good practice in Bulgaria (http://www.messe-project.eu/index.php/good-practice/bulgaria/hope-soap.html), and as such has successful experience in the development of social entrepreneurship – developing a workshop for handmade soaps “HOPe SOAP”https://www.fscibulgaria.org/en/pages/Social-entrepreneurship/.  The workshop started in 2011 as part of the “House of Opportunity” programme.

The activity of soap production is very suitable for the young people, some of whom are unable to realise their potential in the labour market due to the challenges of their childhood and developmental background. Their time is engaged in a productive activity which gives them a sense of contribution and develops coping skills, providing an opportunity for a decent income.

The process involves a few simple operations suitable for the intellectual and physical abilities of some of the young people in “House of Opportunity” programme. The combination of creativity and routine sequence contributes to the development of psychosocial skills and work habits in a secure environment. The soap is made of ready-to-use base flavours and colours that meet all regulatory requirements for quality and hygiene.

For further information on the conference go to the Sofia Municipality website:

http://dsd.sofia.bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=326&Itemid=51