In 2024, Bulgaria became part of the Pepcolandia programme, which has enabled hundreds of children and young people to discover new horizons, develop their talents and have fun while learning. Thanks to the support of Pepco Bulgaria and in partnership with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation, the initiative supported 8 projects of civil society organizations proposed by Pepco employees. The initiatives were implemented in 11 Bulgarian cities, directly impacting over 500 children and youth and over 70 adults and volunteers.
Within a few months – from May to September 2024 – children and young people from Montana, Varshets, Zverino, Vratsa, Stara Zagora, Varna, Panagyurishte, Kazanlak, Novi Pazar, Ruse and Gabrovo took part in a variety of initiatives covering education, ecology, culture and sports.
How has Pepcolandia changed local communities?
The programme reached not only children and young people, but also their families and the local community.
- Clear and targeted support to vulnerable groups – Over 40% of participants were disadvantaged children who had the opportunity to experience new experiences and develop their skills.
- Local community development – More than 3,500 people were indirectly impacted by the initiatives, witnessing cultural and educational events in their localities.
- Media interest – The programme was covered in over 10 local and regional media outlets and information about the projects reached over 50,000 people online.
- Investment in future generations – Over BGN 23 000 invested, of which every BGN 46 directly impacted one child or one young person. Proof that even at the cost of just one private lesson, a child or young person’s free time can be made fun and useful.
Creativity, knowledge, play and movement
Pepcolandia gave children and young people the chance to get involved in a range of exciting projects that combined creativity, knowledge and active lifestyles. Among the most memorable initiatives were:
📚 “Summer in the Library” (Public Charity Fund – Stara Zagora, Stara Zagora) – Over 100 children discovered the magic of books and the library through meetings with authors, creative workshops and interactive games, film screenings, which contributed to the development of their creative and reading skills and provoked their curiosity.
🏞️ “Youth Regional Initiative for Activism for Nature” (EcoObshtnost Foundation, Vratsa, Montana, Varshets) – More than 80 students from three schools learned about rare vulture species, their recovery in Bulgaria, the main threats and difficulties, as well as the successes in biodiversity conservation in Bulgaria. A two-day training session was also held in which 24 students from four schools participated in practical field observations and discussions with representatives of the institutions responsible for forests.
💃 “Summer Youth Academy” (Association “Inspiration”, Ruse) – The initiative enabled 30 young people to be part of a 4-day summer academy in Ruse. Apriltsi. The young people took part in a variety of workshops and outdoor activities, including dance classes, team building exercises and tasks, training in non-formal education methods, nature hikes and outdoor games.
⚽“Improvement of the training conditions of children and youth sports club” (Association “Football Club Botev”, Novi Pazar) – More than 80 young football players received new balls and new football goals for the pitch, which made them even more motivated to train. Since the doors were installed, over 20 training sessions have been held on the newly equipped pitch.
🎭 “Leadership Skills Workshops” (YMCA, Gabrovo) – More than 50 youth participated in a leadership academy of three leadership training sessions, team games and role play scenarios that taught them useful tips on how to have fun and help at the same time, as well as how to deal with future challenges. The project also included an “Ideas Workshop”, which was attended by 25 young people and covered topics related to organizing a successful youth initiative and volunteering.
🌊 “Summer camp for disadvantaged children” (Cedar Foundation, Kazanlak – Kiten) – 10 children and young people deprived of parental care saw the sea for the first time, travelled by train and had unforgettable adventures. During the camp the participants had the opportunity to learn to swim, walk in a hall with curved mirrors, visit the monument of Stana Urdoviza and learn the local legend about her.
🛠️ “The Social Makerspace – a place for young and old inventors” (The Social Teahouse Foundation, Varna) – Over 20 children and young people, some of them at-risk youth, were trained in 3D printing and laser engraving, some of them also showed interest in programming. Parents with children were encouraged to attend the trainings to ensure safety and shared interests between them.
💃 “In support of the young dancers from dance group “Srednogorcheta” (Center for Support for Personal Development in partnership with Bulgarian Donors’ Forum, Panagyurishte) – A group of over 50 children and young people participated in a special program with a scope of 80 hours to help children prepare for various dance festivals. 10 Thracian stage costumes were provided for the group studying Bulgarian folk dances, which will allow them to participate in prestigious festivals.
What’s next?
The results of the initiatives funded by the Pepcolandia programme prove that, despite relatively limited financial resources, small initiatives by active civil society organisations can bring about big changes, enriching the experiences and knowledge of children and young people across Bulgaria. This first edition of the programme in Bulgaria has created a foundation for future editions to enrich the lives of children and young people.
With every idea realized, every dream shared and every goal achieved, civil society continues to inspire and prove that an investment in children is an investment in the future!
Starting March 1, 2025, CSOs, through a Pepco Bulgaria employee, can participate in the second edition of PEPCOlandia. You can find out more about the call for project proposals and the guidelines here.