Train 20 Youth in Bulgaria in Food Service

Whilst the micro project has come to an end the work continues over here in Bulgaria.  Infact we have blended the work at the Masters' Larder along with the work at Phoenix Cafe and Bakery into a much larger project in the hope of saving valuable funds whilst developing a wider team.

After months of frustration and the speed or lack of speed by specialists here in Vidin I am pleased to say that today, May 31st, I presented our specifications documents to the Vidin Food Agency.  After assessing our HACCP systems, recipes and processes, electric, water, energy and architect drawings someone from the agency will come to the new venue to look at what has been done.  Hopefully, after this visit we will be issued with our license.  The next stage will be taking these same documents and some more to the local council to gain yet another license.  Once we have both licenses we will have our own shop and distribution centre within the same venue.  Whilst it is not a big venue it is an important venue in terms of potential and the future.

As we begin slowly at the Larder we will employ two young adults from different backgrounds. Bobby is Roma and without a professional background.  Svetlina has experience of working in the hospitality industry.  In fact she worked at Phoenix Cafe for a little time.  I am giving her a second chance, a rare event for me.

On the downside events at Phoenix Cafe and Bakery have taken a different turn.  Niki and Orlina are looking after the management of the cafe.  We have been supporting Pavlina whilst working at the Cafe.  Her sudden departure is symtematic of the mentality in some Bulgarian heads.  Pavlina has gone off searching for the pot of gold (more money for less) at the Black Sea Coast whilst not realising that there is no such thing without other costs. One of the biggest issues facing employers here in Bulgaria and no doubt in other parts of the planet is the lack of commitment and vision. We face a difficult and frustrating challenge.  Our target audience is those who struggle to focus on such matters. 

A piece of good news to finish this final report.  In order to develop the English language and customer care skills of our future employees I am going to work with a single mother form the Roma group that I am helping to learn English. Desi has retail experience and is good with customers.  These attributes and the enthusiasm that she has I am sure will be beneficial to our future plans.

Thank you for your support so far.  I hope that our plans for the future encourage you to continue to support our efforts

Best wishes.  Mick