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The final transnational project partners meeting was held on 20 March 2024 in Sofia, Bulgaria. It includes the representation of all partners including special guest – Mr. Dervis Celik from Esenyurt Regional Educational Directorate of Istanbul.

The meeting was opened by Mrs. Latinka Kovacheva – Principal of the 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” and project coordinator. She presentated a dissemination video, which presented all project activities of the school under Erasmus+ programme.

After that, Mrs. Penka Nikolova – Project manager of 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” presented an overview of the administrative and financial activities of the project with regards to the finalisation of the project and preparation of the final report.

The partners discussed the results from the piloting phase in Bulgaria and reviewed the outcomes from the piloting report. Mrs. Nevena Apostolova from 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” made on overview of the piloting phase conducted at the school.

Mrs. Figen Sekin from WINSS, Turkiye made an overview of all dissemination activities realised by the partners including the reached target groups and concluded on the project exploitation plan.

The meeting was concluded with an update of the project action plan and agreement on preparation of the final report.

On 20 March, 2024 (Wednesday) in the Great Hall “prof. Asen Zlatarov” of the Federation of Scientific and Technical Unions (FNTS) in the city of Sofia, the final event of the project was held. It was organized by 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” Sofia (project coordinator) in partnership with “Bulgarian Inclusive Support Team” Sofia and WINSS – World Innovative Sustainable Solutions, Istanbul, Turkey. More than 50 people took part in the event, including principals of vocational schools, teachers, pedagogical counsellors, students (including participants in the pilot phase of the project), as well as representatives of the Union of Bulgarian teachers and academics.

The event was opened by Mrs. Latinka Kovacheva – director of 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov”, who is also the coordinator of the project. She outlined the achievements of the project within the thirteen months of its implementation.

After that, Mr. Andrean Lazarov from the Bulgarian Inclusion Support Team presented the concept of the project and the four main didactic results of the project, namely: Model for peer learning mentoring between advanced students and students with learning difficulties and low skills; Code of conduct for advanced students to act as peer mentors of marginsalised mentees (students); Handbook for usage of digital tools in peer support; Guidance for teachers on peer mentoring realisation during distance learning.

The next presentation was jointly presented by Mrs. Rumyana Petrova and Mr. Petar Kalpakchiev, together with students – mentors and mentees, who shared with the audience feedback on the impact of their participation in the pilot program of the project.

A summary of the evaluation forms for participation in the program from all 24 mentoring couples in Bulgaria was also presented. The results show an extraordinary benefit to the participants. Mentees (among them 9th and 10th graders from Roma backgrounds and with special educational needs) understood that the tasks set by the teachers were realistically achievable. They became more motivated to continue instead of giving up, and thanks to the program they were able to make informed decisions about their future. Their participation fostered their sense of citizenship and made educational processes more transparent and accountable to them. They improved their self-esteem, developed a sense of initiative and built their digital skills, as well as communication, negotiation and work skills team.

The next presentation was given by Mrs. Penka Nikolova, who presented an overview of the contribution of the Erasmus + Program projects of 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” for teachers and students from risk groups.

Ms. Figen Sekin – President of WINSS – World Innovative Sustainable Solutions, Istanbul, Turkey – partner in the project, through which the concept of peer mentoring was implemented in Bulgaria, took part in the event.

It demonstrates innovations in the education of persons with fewer opportunities, developed by WINSS, together with representatives of the Ministry of National Education in the Republic of Turkey.

At the end of the event, opportunities for wider use of the project results by other schools were discussed. The event was also attended by Mr. Dervis Celik – from Esenyurt” Regional Education Directorate in Istanbul, Turkey. He emphasized the importance of the project, as well as offered new opportunities for cooperation with Bulgarian partners.

На 20 Март 2024 г. (сряда) в Голяма зала „проф. Асен Златаров“ на Федерацията на научно-техническите съюзи (ФНТС) в гр. София се проведе заключителното събитие на проекта. То бе организирано от 94 СУ „Димитър Страшимиров“ гр. София (координатор на проекта) в партньорство с „Български екип за приобщаваща подкрепа“ гр. София и WINSS- Световни иновативни устойчиви решения, Истанбул, Турция. В събитието взеха участие над 50 човека, сред които директори на професионални гимназии, учители, педагогически съветници, ученици (включително участници в пилотната фаза на проекта), както и представители на Синдиката на българските учители и академичните среди.

Събитието бе открито от г-жа Латинка Ковачева – директор на 94 СУ “Димитър Страшимиров”, която е и координатор на проекта. Тя очерта постиженията на проекта в рамките на тринадесетте месеца от неговото провеждане.

След това г-на Андреан Лазаров от Български екип за приобщаваща подкрепа представи концепцията на проекта и четирите основни дидактични резултата по проекта, а именно: Модел за менторинг между напреднали и маргинализирани ученици (с обучителни затруднения и по-малко възможности); Кодекс на поведение за напреднали ученици като ментори на връстници; Наръчник за използване на дигитални решения за осъществяване на дистанционна подкрепа; Насоки за учители за реализиране на менторинг програма между връстници по време на обучение от разстояние в електронна среда.

Следващата презентация бе съвместно представена от г-жа Румяна Петрова и г-н Петър Калпакчиев, съвместно с ученици – ментори и наставлявани, които споделиха с аудиторията обратна връзка за въздействието на тяхното участие в  пилотната програма по проекта.

Беше представено и обобщение от формулярите за оценка на участието в програмата от всички 24 менторски двойки в България. Резултатите показват изключителна полза за участниците. Наставляваните ученици (сред които ученици от 9 и 10 клас от ромски произходи и със специални образователни потребности разбираха, че поставените от учителите задачи са реално постижими. Те станаха по-мотивирани да продължат, вместо да се откажат, както и благодарение на програмата успяват да взимат съзнателни решения за бъдещето си. Тяхното участие насърчи чувството им за гражданство и направи образователните процеси по-прозрачни и отговорни към тях. Подобриха самочувствието си, развиха чувство за инициатива и надградиха своите дигитални умения, както и умения за общуване, преговори и работа в екип.

Следващата презентация бе на г-жа Пенка Николова, която представи обзор на приноса на проектите по Програма “Еразъм +” на 94 СУ „Димитър Страшимиров“ за учители и ученици от рискови групи.

В рамките на събитието взе участие и е г-жа Фиген Секин – Президент на WINSS- Световни иновативни устойчиви решения, Истанбул, Турция – партньор по проекта, чрез които бе внедрена концепцията за менторство между връстници в България.

Тя демонстрира новости в образованието на лица с по-малко възможности, разработени от WINSS, съвместно с представители на Министерство на националното образование в Република Турция.

В края на събитието бяха обсъдени на възможности за по-широко използване на проектните резултати и от други училища. В събитието взе участие и г-н Дервиш Челик – директор Дирекция “Професионално и приобщаващо образование” на Регионално управление на образованието “Есенюрт” в гр. Истанбул, Турция. Той подчерта важността на проекта, както и предложи нови възможности за коопериране с българските партньори.

In the last month of the project, the partners from 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” Sofia and Bulgarian Inclusion Support Team (via Private Business School “The Talents” Plovdiv) organised the final meetings for the conclusion of the peer mentoring schemes. During these sessions mentors and mentees shared their feedback about the realisation of the peer mentoring scheme and appreciated very much the facilitation of the mentoring process by their teachers. Dedicated piloting report will be available at the end of this month with more detailed feedback.

Екипът на проект “Подобряване на дигиталните компетентности чрез менторинг между връстници като способ за подпомагане на учащи с по-малко възможности и предотвратяване на тяхното отпадане от училище” (IM-PRO-MENT) по дейност „Малки партньорства” КД210, сектор: Професионално образование на програма „Еразъм+“ на Европейската Комисия има удоволствието да Ви покани да вземете участие в заключително събитие за разпространение на резултатите на проекта.

Събитието ще се състои на 20 Март 2024 г. (сряда) в Голяма зала „проф. Асен Златаров“ – Федерацията на научно-техническите съюзи (ФНТС) София , Адрес: гр. София, ул. „Георги С. Раковски“ 108 (до НАТФИЗ „Кръстьо Сарафов“)

В рамките на събитието ще Ви бъдат представени: Модел за менторинг между напреднали и маргинализирани ученици (с обучителни затруднения и по-малко възможности); Кодекс на поведение за напреднали ученици като ментори на връстници; Наръчник за използване на дигитални решения за осъществяване на дистанционна подкрепа; Насоки за учители за реализиране на менторинг програма между връстници по време на обучение от разстояние в електронна среда

Събитието се организира от 94 СУ „Димитър Страшимиров“ гр. София (координатор на проекта) в партньорство с „Български екип за приобщаваща подкрепа“ гр. София и WINSS- Световни иновативни устойчиви решения, Истанбул, Турция.

В края на събитието е планирана дискусия и обсъждане на възможности за по-широко използване на проектните резултати.

Събитието няма такса участие и всички участници ще получат присъствен сертификат.

Линк за регистрация: https://forms.gle/ei9GxofBZdav5Cor8 (до запълване на предвидените места)

Дневен ред може да изтеглите тук

Очакваме Ви!

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The team of the “Improvement of digital and peer mentoring support skills of marginalised students to prevent their drop-out from school” project (IM-PRO-MENT) under activity “Small scale partnerships” KA210, sector: Vocational education and training of the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission is pleased to invite you to take part in a closing event to disseminate the results of the project.

The event will take place on March 20, 2024 (Wednesday) in the Great Hall “prof. Asen Zlatarov” – the Federation of Scientific and Technical Unions (FNTS) Sofia, Address: city of Sofia, 108 “Georgi S. Rakovski” St. (next to NATFIZ “Krastyo Sarafov”)

Within the framework of the event, we will present the final project deliverables: Model for peer learning mentoring between advanced students and students with learning difficulties and low skills; Code of conduct for advanced students to act as peer mentors of marginsalised mentees (students); Handbook for usage of digital tools in peer support; Guidance for teachers on peer mentoring realisation during distance learning.

The event is organized by 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” Sofia (project coordinator) in partnership with “Bulgarian Team for Inclusive Support” Sofia and WINSS – World Innovative Sustainable Solutions, Istanbul, Turkey.

At the end of the event, a discussion of opportunities for wider use of the project results is planned.

The event has no participation fee and all participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

Registration link: https://forms.gle/ei9GxofBZdav5Cor8  (until the conference room capacity is filled)

Agenda can be downloaded here (Official language of the event is Bulgarian)

Looking forward to meet you!

The second transnational partners meeting was held on 16 February 2024 in Sofia, Bulgaria. It consists of two parts – morning session with training seminar conducted by Mrs. Latinka Kovacheva and Mrs. Penka Nikolova from 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” – Sofia (project coordinator), Mr. Andrean Lazarov from Bulgarian Inclusion Support Team (project partner), Sofia and Mrs. Huliya Karaca and Mrs. Figen Sekin from WINSS – Turkiye (project partner) and with the participation of 30 teachers from 94 SU.

The training was dedicated to the midterm evaluation of the results from the peer mentoring process at 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” Sofia. The teachers and the trainers discussed how the peer mentoring process is progressing and what are so far the outcomes from it. Overall, the feedback is very positive, because the peer mentors and mentees are very satisfied from this unique and for the first time organised collaboration at the 94 SU. Each of the 15 mentoring couples have an action plan with tasks, which needs to be completed on regular basis.

The participants discussed also the final feedback form and how the process of evaluation of the effectivenes and impact. The overall process will be completed on 15 March 2024 and testimonials from the peer mentors and mentees will be prepared. The partnership also agreed to invite 2 mentoring couples during the final project event, which will be held on 20 March 2024 in Sofia.

In the afternoon, the meeting continued with the project team of 94 SU, together with the partners from BIST and WINSS. The partners discussed thoroughly the realisation of each activity and planned the final project steps. All project results are now available and printed on Bulgarian and English languages. The partners focused on the presentation of the results from piloting phase, but also on internal evaluation, dissemination and exploitation. They agreed on the action plan till next meeting, which will be held in March 2024.

The project team from the 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” Sofia under the lead of its principal Mrs. Latinka Kovacheva participated during final dissemination event of “Together again” Erasmus+ project. The event was organised by 93 SU “Alexandar Todorov – Balan” Sofia.

During the event Mrs. Kovacheva presented also the final results of the IM-PRO-MENT project. The produced handbook and illustrative cards were shared with the teachers from the 93 School. The two schools will sign an exploitation agreement.

Piloting sessions were held in the Private business school “The Talents” where peer mentoring concept was explained and matching between peer mentors and mentees (students with special needs and disabilities or with potential from school drop-out) was started. The sessions were organised by the Bulgarian Inclusion Support Team. In total 10 mentoring couples are now functioning. Impact and results from their collaboration will be evaluated at the end of February 2024.

On 12 December 2023, the Ministry of Education and Science in Bulgaria organised the a forum “Education for Tomorrow” with a focus on digital education. The event was opened by the Minister of Education in Bulgaria – prof. PhD Galin Tsokov. The set of the conference was to present good practices for effective use of digital technologies, tools and content to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with inspiring examples of this, as digital technologies are successfully applied in the educational sphere. Mrs. Penka Nikolova – Project manager from the 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” presented the project team.

The national seminar was organised by the National agency of Erasmus+ in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian National VET team. It was focused on students and their teachers from vocational high schools in the region within the framework of the “European Year of Skills – 2023”.

The consortium was represented by Mrs. Penka Nikolova from 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” – coordinator of the project who demonstrated tips and good practices in creating the professional resume (through the Europass tools) and motivation letter for a successful career. They presented the IM-PRO-MENT project results. In the framework of the workshop, Mrs. Nikolova consulted teachers about common mistakes and advice in career development and preparation for the labor market, as well as provided guidelines for overcoming them with a view to easier access to the labor market in Bulgaria.

The project, which is coordinated by 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” and partnered by the Bulgarian Inclusion Support Team was presented during the XVII International congress of the organisations working in the field of education, which was held in the period 08-10 November 2023 in Oviedo, Spain.

In the dedicated panel called: “Inclusive education in the 21st century: recent practices and solutions for teachers and students with special needs” Andrean Lazarov from Bulgarian Inclusion Support team presented the project concept and the first project results .

The congress was organised by the University of Oviedo and included more than 200 participants from Europe and Latin America (academicians, business representatives, teachers, lecturers, NGO representatives, policy makers). During the first congress day, the team of Bulgarian Inclusion Support Team presented the key outcomes of the project, especially appreciated by the giant name in the didactics of Spain – prof. Antonio Medina Rivilla from UNED | Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia and the key organiser prof. Emilio Álvarez Arregui – President of UNESCO Spain . Possibilities for exploitation of the key project results in Spain and in Latin America were discussed.

Dedicated article about the project, its concept and results was also published with ISBN: 978-84-18482-96-0

More information at: https://www.cioie2023.org/es/programa.php 

On 04.09.2023, in the city of Burgas, a national conference was held on the topic “How the Erasmus+ program helped to improve the skills of teachers to create innovations in the VET system in Bulgaria”, organized by the Human Resource Development Centre – the Bulgarian Erasmus+ National Agency. During the event, concepts for professional knowledge management, ways to apply micro-training in professional training, as well as the impact of youth activities was demonstrated by different VET institutions and NGOs.

As part of the official agenda of the event, the team of BIST presented common project initiative, coordinated by 94 SU “Dimiter Strashimirov” Sofia, which provides opportunities for peer mentoring as a way to support learners with fewer opportunities as part of the IM-PRO-MENT model. The main project results were demonstrated to the participants and several schools from Burgas area expressed their wish to join the pilot trainings, thanks to which peer mentoring schemes will be implemented between students with special needs and their older peers. During the event, participants also exchanged ideas and shared experience on key issues in the sector.

On 05 September 2023, a meeting with young teachers was organised at the University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”. Mrs. Nevena Apostolova from the team of 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” Sofia presented the project concept and the Model for peer learning mentoring between advanced students and students with learning difficulties and low skills and  code of conduct for advance students to act as peer mentors. The teachers provided feedback and suggestions for modifications, which will be reported to the project consortium and will be taken into account.

The team of the 94 SU “Dimitar Strashimirov” under the chair of the Principal and project coordinator Mrs. Kovacheva prepared the teachers for the forthcoming pilot implementation phase of the project. The teachers discussed how will select and match peer mentors and mentees with special needs (disabilities and disadvantages) in the pilot mentoring schemes.

A successful and productive Istanbul meeting took place in the period 31 May – 01 June 2023. The meeting was hosted by the team of World Innovative Sustainable Solutions in the remarkable library building “Rami Kütüphanesi”, which was recently renovate by the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The meeting started with the brief presentation on behalf of the local host by Mrs. Figen Sekin – President of WINSS.

The the meeting continued with the project status overview by the project coordinator – Mrs. Latinka Kovacheva – the Principal of the 94 SU “Dimiter Strashimirov” in Sofia, Bulgaria. She pointed out the good progress of the project so far and the positive feedback by the Bulgarian National Agency during the implemented monitoring visit.

Major part of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of the Model for peer learning mentoring between advanced students and students with learning difficulties and low skills and the Code of conduct for advance students to act as peer mentors. The partners discussed the future development steps.

Important part of the meeting was dedicated to the project dissemination activities, where the partners discussed the recent implemented dissemination activities.

At the end of the meeting, the partners updated the project action plan. The host partner provided with certificates to all participants.

The first online partners’ meeting took place on 24 March 2023. The partners planned all initial steps for the start of the project activities.

The first physical meeting will take place in Istanbul on 30 May and 1st June 2023 and will be hosted by our partner World Innovative Sustainable Solutions, Istanbul, Turkeye.