From the begining of summer a project has been launched called “Bulgarian-German platform for innovative policies and solutions regarding social inclusion of offenders”. The project is managed by the “Centre for trainings and services” in partnership with the german organization “xit GmbH” and also IGA Fund.

“Xit GmbH” is a consulting and research company which coordinates a network of organizations and institutions in social, educational and health economics. The contact with german partners was established in 2009 and during the next two years after exchange visits and acquaintance to all aspects of the work of both organizations, it was decided to develop a joint project that will allow to implement Brandenburg’s experience in our country. The project was approved for funding by the Operational Program “Human Resources Development” (OPHRD), co-financed by the EU through the European Social Fund (ESF) , by the Grant scheme: BG051PO001-7.0.01-“Without borders”.

Its main goal is to improve the quality of life in Bulgaria by building a platform between Germany and Bulgaria for collaboration on projects aimed at strengthening the social inclusion of offenders. Within the project between the two countries would be transferred innovative results from policies and practices on social inclusion of offenders with emphasis on the network model and HSI model (“Haftvermeidung durch soziale Integration”) – already established in Germany. It will be followed by a coaching for coaches in Bulgaria. The integration of the model and the platform will be accompanied by a number of promotion activities including the issue of a handbook on HSI model application and a closing conference.

The target groups are NGOs and municipalities – mainly project and program managers across the country who have experience or the capacity to implement projects for social inclusion of offenders. They will be trained in the application of the HIS model and network.

The duration of the project is 18 months and will end in October 2013.