This project comprises a transformative educational program to empower 25 young women to escape the cycle of poverty in Kovachitsa, Northwestern Bulgaria. The program will conduct 12 after-school workshops on essential life skills, finding a job and entrepreneurship. The program will also conduct 2 intensive 3-day academies to teach goal-setting and self-motivation. For 6 months the young women will also receive guidance from successful female Bulgarians through inspirational 1-on-1 mentorships.
Northwestern Bulgaria is the country's poorest region and suffers from widespread poverty and an acute lack of opportunities. These difficult conditions strongly impact the lives of young people in rural villages. Lacking successful female role models, young women, and especially young Roma women, are at a particular disadvantage and often lack self-confidence and hope for a better future. The outdated school system doesn't teach them the life skills they need to escape this cycle of poverty.
This project provides 25 young women in Northwestern Bulgaria with the essential skills and confidence they need to overcome the difficult conditions in their village and escape the cycle of poverty. Besides giving them the capability to access and take advantage of opportunities, this project also brings hope and teaches them that women can achieve success in Bulgarian society.
By participating, the 25 young women are expected to achieve greater long-term success than they would otherwise. The successes they achieve will serve as inspiration to other young people in the village, helping to further disrupt the cycle of poverty and change prevailing attitudes regarding the position of women in Bulgarian society. The young women will furthermore have the capability to lead community projects, advocate causes, resolve conflicts, and serve as role models for others.
