By Mick Cooper | Founder of Phoenix Inspire
Good day to you all.
Baba Marta Day is a special day in the life of Bulgarians as it celebrates the role of Grand Mothers on March 1st. Today on March 3rd Bulgaria is celebrating 'Liberation Day' from Turkish Rule.
So with these two key events in the Bulgarian diary, I would like to update you regarding the work of Phoenix Inspire. Phoenix Inspire was established in order to help the disadvantaged of this region. I am pleased to report that we are now progressing on three fronts.
1. Phoenix Cafe and Bakery. PC&B is doing ok. I say ok as the first two months of 2017 were difficult. We did not see night time temperatures above minus degrees until March and only on a couple of occasions did we go above + degree during the day. I don't remember being so cold for so long. As a result of the cold weather takings in PC&B were not brilliant. However, Niki and Orlina - who now manage PC&B as if it were their own venue - struggled but are now looking forward towards the warmer months. Last year we employed a lady called Pavlina who had been unemployed for a number of years. When we first met Pavlina her three boys were residents of the Children's Home here in Novo Selo. As a result of our support and help she gradually took all three boys out of the Children's Home to live with her. Pavlina's eldest boy Steno is now working in Sofia. Bobby and Rumen are still at school. Niki has kept Pavlina working at PC&B as she is hard working, willing to learn and reliable. Unfortunately, this was not the case of Rosa and hence her departure from the new structure. I understand that Rosa has used her background and training with us to gain employment in the catering industry in Vidin. It was always the intention of Phoenix Inspire to transfer the management of PC&B at some point in time. This is one way of 'creating opportunities, inspiring success'.
2. The Masters' Larder. TML is our new social enterprise which we believe will be a great success. We will be one of only a handful of enterprises which is producing hand crafted meat products in Bulgaria. I set up PC&B in order to fulfill the ambition of helping without taking into consideration 'business'. However, on this occasion the notion of 'helping' and 'business' are being considered at the same time. I am pleased to say that I have acquired sufficient funds to cater for repairs and refurbishment. Building work is taking place as I type and I hope that we are able to open for business on Monday 10th April, he hopes! We have already been testing the market in Sofia with positive results. My aim is to take on an apprentice and with the support of GG possibly a second and develop them both with butchery and retail skills.
3. English Language lessons for the Roma. My wife Christine and I had our first meeting last night with a group of families in the Roma quarter in Viidn. We will be teaching the group Wednesday and Thursday evenings in the local church from next week onwards until June. In June we will close for a summer break but before we do the group will perform to their peers. Three of the group (one playing the piano and two singing) will perform a song in English whilst the others will read or perform a little scenario. I was thinking of an Elton John song but if you have a better idea please let me know along with the information of where I can get the music score.
Cookery classes with children at the Children's Home here in Novo Selo are coming to an end next week. This week they all made chocolate gateaux and pork curry with tomatoes and coconut milk. All four will be presented with certificates after their practical assessment which includes; scrambled egg with smoked salmon on toast, cream of leek, pea and potato soup and pepperonni pizza - all under my observations and without help! I hope to post photos soon.
Scott and I draw our energy to carry on from a number of sources. Our project and your support is a key element of our desire to continue and to succeed. If you are able to continue to help with our work it will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Mick and Scott
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