This project aims to support the personal development of 20 young offenders who are part of the Duke of Edinburgh's international Award and are developing life and leadership skills with the support of dedicated personal mentors. This is the final stage of their program and it will provide them the opportunity to plan, practice and execute an unforgettable adventures journey in the nature. This experience will build skills like teamwork, orientation composure and inspire their adventures spirit.
There are 200 young offenders, residing in 5 institutions in Bulgaria. The law that brings them there hasn't been changed for the last 60 yrs. The conditions and the support they're getting there is extremely not enough and usually afterwards, they either go back to their old way of living or enter the prison (if they are 18y). The conditions, the system and the personnel involved in this care is quite inefficient, outdated and careless for the future of these youngsters.
Personal support, dedication and care is needed to support these youngsters and help them get out of the vicious circle and change their attitudes, behavior and be equal and positive part of the society. The process is long, slow and requiring patience, motivation and different approach to influence them and show them the parallel reality than the one they only know. With this project we will solve partially the problem but will show there is a way and chance to solve it.
This project is part of a whole program of the Duke of Edinburgh's internationla Award in Bulagaria. It aims to ensure personal approach, educate and show the young offenders there is another option and there are people ready to help them be decent citizens of the society. With this experience they will built skills that will support their integration and further development. On teh other hand we will use the successful stories in order to reach more young offenders in Bulgaria and Europe.
