Bhagavat Educational Trust
“It´s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”
Who are we? A private charity
Founded in 1997 AIMS
Furtherance of Education
General relief of poverty
Sustainable vocational projects for marginalised groups
Social Integration
OUR CURRENT PROJECT……
……….Leonardo
Living and……
Learning Abroad
In a Nutshell
Target Group UK
Ex-offenders Alcoholics Drug abusersYoung &
unemployed
Target Group Abroad
Marginalised groups
Socially excluded Disabled &
Unaided Orphanages
The 7 ElementsThe 7 Elements
PreparationResource CentreProjectCareers SeminarThe QualificationAppointmentsFacebook
Phase 1 - PreparationResearch of UK organisations & spreading
ethos of project Newsletters Phone calls Press Coverage
Building relationship with UK organisation Personal visits Guidance on pre-project management in UK Introduction to new culture – customs, traditions
Administration Arranging transport and flights Official EU registration of participants Finding suitable project and implementation of
action plan
Resource Centre
Indispensable tool for all future participants On-line and always accessible All application forms and admin in one
place Presentations on typical projects Bundles of useful information Live weather forecasts
Access to local newspapers
Hints & tips for fundraising Download centre for all aspects of project On-line language lessons
The Project2 weeks in Bulgaria………
…..Renovating an orphanage
……..Integrating with the Bulgarian children
Before….. …..After
´Next Steps´ Careers Specialist Career advice given during project Real help provided to start realising ambitions CVs, interview tips, official certificates and
references Appointments, interviews and open days
arranged for all participants on return to UK
The Qualification Earned whilst on our
project
NOCN accredited
Personal Development
Communication & Teamskills
Real life skills
Entrance into education
Staying in touch Full support to all participants long after project
finishes Text messages sent as reminders for interviews Follow up calls to check on progress Vouchers sent out to improved performers
We communicate with the youngsters on their level Our very own FACEBOOK group that all participants
can join
• They chat to us online and can get advice• Chat to each other• Browse and post photos of the projects• Post advice on the ´wall´ for others• Request advice from us and their peers• Follow useful links for employment, education or
training• Get discounts on concerts and popular events• Hugely popular – over 100 members for 2009 alone
Forging Leaders
Each youngster given responsibility for the project for a day They lead de-briefs, write and present action plans, make risk
assessments and arrange meals for the whole group. Natural leaders emerge
Mutual Assistance
Two marginalised groups assist each other – the UK youngsters develop a sense of purpose, increased self-esteem and improved confidence……………..
…….the orphans and Roma community learn new skills,increased positivity and eagerness to interact and co-operate with others
Skills for life
Long Term BenefitsLong Term Benefits Project has long lasting effect Orphanages and homes attract more funding once
project has started One orphanage ´Iskra´ received a 1 million Euro
grant following project Morale of orphanage staff and children lifted –
project injects renewed enthusiasm and hope Renovation, mural painting and general
improvements often continued by orphanage staff New skills learnt Improved Communication Increased confidence More willingness to learn
Marginalised Groups Abroad
The Roma Community We target schools in predominantly Roma areas Roma children given a platform for intercultural exchange with UK
youngsters
Opportunity to work on mutually beneficial projects alongside the Bulgarian children
Helps the Roma children to gain acceptance into the local community
Initiates the process of co-operation and sharing of ideas between social groups – eroding barriers created by social exclusion
So does the project……….So does the project……….
No…..
………make a difference ?
Not only that…….
This project changes lives.
2009200914 groups participated in projects this year
Over 120 young people
Ex – offenders
Substance misusers
Recovering alcoholics
Young and unemployed
84% of those young people
are now in
Employment, Education or further Training
We are determined to do even better
2010