Training 20 Adults in the Poorest Area of Bulgaria

The closure of our project

Whilst it is sad to close this project I cannot accept funds for something that cannot be achieved.  We set out with true intentions but the climate here in Vidin has changed for the worse.  I would like to explain why this decision has been taken.

You may remember that I passed the management and operation of Phoenix Cafe and Bakery on to Niki and Orlina in January of this year.  Unfortunately this has not proved to be a success story.  The cafe operates with only Niki and Orlina.  There is insufficient operating income to employ a trainee.  This is a huge disappointment as Niki and Orlina were presented with a fully operational cafe.  Based upon the current situation there is no way that a trainee can be employed as planned in our original project proposal.  A key element of the project was the employment of disadvantaged young adults in Phoenix Cafe and Bakery.

After months of waiting we have finally been given permission to begin operating at The Masters’ Larder.  We still have to find more money to purchase the last pieces of equipment. By the time we open, hopefully, on Monday 16^th October we will be way over budget.

Unfortunately, whilst we have been waiting (with a great deal of frustration) the two people who I had identified as employees have moved on into work elsewhere.  This is a shame but I am pleased that they are in employment.  I hope and trust that finding replacements will not be a problem.  What is a major worry is the credibility that we have lost in Sofia.  We expected to open much earlier than now.  We had presented a range of products that we could produce with wonderful reviews.  Now, some four months later, we will have to go back and hope that those clients that were interested come back on-board.

In addition we lost potentially significant summer sales which would have given us a great opportunity to cement our position in the market.  As we now move into October and November sales will be not as active.  As a result I am going to open The Masters’ Larder with minimal personnel and then gradually add as the enterprise becomes busier and more diverse.  I will be employing at least one part time young adult to begin learning with the intention that when the opportunity arises they become a full time trainee. 

So what of the future?  Whilst the situation is not satisfactory there are still opportunities.  Only this week I was talking to someone who took time out to visit me here in Vidin.  We discussed the long term potential of creating a training centre here in Vidin.  This is still my long term ambition as it will be the most effective way of developing the potential in this poor region.  On the down side we have to realise and appreciate that in this region too many young adults, with or without chances, do not have the ambition, the desire not the application to work and grow.  This is a worry for someone who is looking to develop skills.

Finally, I can promise that all donated funds have been used correctly; either in Phoenix Cafe and Bakery or with creation of The Masters’ Larder.  Who knows if it is possible that The Masters’ Larder may be the saviour of Phoenix Cafe and Bakery.  Let us hope so.

On behalf of those we still seek to help and the team thank you for your kind support and patience.