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

FACEBOOK

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