FSCI Conference – “Balkans Network”

Organisations from 10 countries exchanged ideas for future Balkans network

In March 2015 “Foundation for Social Change and Inclusion” (FSCI) organised its first conference for social change in the Balkans. Held in Sofia, the conference was attended by representatives of organisations from 10 countries: Bulgaria, Great Britain, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Macedonia, Moldova and Serbia.

The purpose of the conference was to share in detail the “Foundation for Social Change and Inclusion’s” work in Bulgaria and our vision for replicating our projects in other Balkan countries and beyond. It was a great opportunity to network with people and organisations from across the Balkans who are facing and addressing common social problems. There was also the opportunity to exchange experiences, ideas and practices, regarding work with young people leaving institutions, social enterprise and early years education, particularly among Roma communities.

Besides discussion and presentations, the conference programme included visits to FSCI projects, situated in Sofia: “House of Opportunity”, “Early Years Education” and “Social Centre Opportunity”. Participants were also able to share and discuss the challenges and opportunities in developing social programmes in the Balkans.

FSCI invited participants who have an interest in the different areas we are working in and who share our vision and values to partner with us by joining our new FSCI Development Programme.

The main points of the FSCI Development Programme are:

1. An annual FSCI Conference bringing together partners as well as interested people from across the Balkans to enable networking, sharing of good practice and capacity building. We hope to inspire, encourage and equip people in the Balkans;
2. Support and regular training to those who want to set up a House of Opportunity Programme;
3. Support and training to those who want to set up Early Years Education and Social Enterprise programmes which we are currently piloting (these programmes are at an earlier stage of development whereas the House of Opportunity Programme has been running since September 2007);
4. Access to funding for participants in the Development Programme who want to run an FSCI programme/project;

The basic commitment by Partners of FSCI who want to be part of the FSCI Development Programme would be:

1. To share the FSCI vision and values;
2. Sign a partner’s agreement;
3. Attend the annual FSCI conference;