Sofia, May 27, 2020
The first online (due to the Covid19 pandemic) meeting of the Learning Action Partnership (LAP) took place on May 27, 2020. Representatives of BFPA, Loveguide, Tulip Foundation, BYRC, WHO – Bulgaria, Know How Center for Alternative Care of Children of NBU, MLSP, NCCTHB, NCPHA, UNICEF, IOM, GERT Foundation, ARC Foundation, SAPI, PULSE Foundation, Roditeli Association Re-Act Association, WCIF.
The agenda included review of what has been done from the latest meeting of the Partnership up to the moment, sharing the experience of members’ activities in the Covid19 pandemic, discussion for coordinating efforts of the group and maximum using the different resources. The work on developing new web resource platform up to the moment and the ‘small projects’ initiative in the frame of the project ‘The Ability to Change’ were presented. The projects in priority area ‘Changing community attitudes and ‘zero’ tolerance to sexual exploitation of children’ are to start in September.
Second call is to be announced for members of the LAP in which proposals have to focus on the priority area, connected with advocacy and improving policies and legislative frame for a better protection and care of children and prevention of sexual exploitation.
It became clear in the discussion that distance “home office” working has pluses and minuses,and there is a need of both types of communication. From an informal online survey among more than 1800 youngsters about their needs and topics cames that most of young people do not talk with their families and do not have support at home, which brings to emotional breakdowns, depression and discomfort. It turns out that one of the most frequently requested services from parents during the pandemic is how to help their children during the online lessons. Many parents need support to improve their digital competencies.
The initiative ‘The Ability to Change’ is a project of Bulgarian Family Planning and Sexual Health Association, supported by OAK Foundation. Find more here
