ABCE Association Bulgarian Culture and Education АБКО Асоциация Българска Култура и Образование address: 2 Loughgall Road, Office 57 Armagh Business Centre, Armagh, BT61 7NH e-mail: abce.ni@yahoo.co.uk phone: 0044 7970184344 phone: 0044 7821468515
’ - ABCE s Trustees Progress REPORT 2023 2024
| Period 1 (April-July’23) Period 2 (August-November’23) Period 3 (December-March 2023-24) Please see record of progress towards X |
Period 1 (April-July’23) Period 2 (August-November’23) Period 3 (December-March 2023-24) Please see record of progress towards X |
the achievement of SMART targets. |
|---|---|---|
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
| Trainings and Certified Courses (Child protection/ SEN specifications and methodology |
10 trainees/volunteers (depends on venue) 100% of participants report increased understanding of child protection and safeguarding/Working with children with SEN Trainees- 11 Certificates gained |
Internal trainings done in this period. •11 BME Teachers indicated for courses. •Total of 21 booked for First Aid training/ Child protection •100% of participants reported increased understanding of the educational system. |
| Cross- generational Program |
4 sessions: 4 practical advice clinics & training sessions |
•Activity continues from previous academic year with changes with attendees. |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| “Promoting Health and Wellbeing and practical advice Clinic”, active trainings, and workshops (Preservation of cultural heritage and old crafts) |
4 workshops(old crafts; preservation of cultural heritage) 100% of attendees will improve health and lifestyle equally. Measured by register & evaluation form. |
•Clinics provided on weekly basis. 2 clinics per month. • 4 clinicsprovided in this period. • 1 workshopprovided (Easter time) •Rest of workshops scheduled for September 2023- the New academic year. •100 % improved health & lifestyle equally |
| Folk dance group Traditional Folklore dancing. Performing in Events to break down cultural barriers. |
20 sessions by 1.5 hours for adults 20 sessions by 1 hour for children 100% of participants improving health and lifestyle equally. Measured by registration & evaluation forms. |
•Venue in Armagh Business Centre. •Programme planed. •8 adult’s sessions done. •5 children’s sessions done April-July 2023 (10 kids). •15 sessions scheduled to continue in September 2023. •100% of participants improving health and lifestyle equally |
| One to One Clinics- on request by community (Telephone and through electronical platform clinics- Moodle/Zoom/CViC) |
100% of BME/public citizens aware of how to access public services and education and understand their rights. |
•25 people benefited online and through telephone calls in this period. •100% attendees awarded of how to access public services and education and understand their rights. |
| Board games - generational Club-multilingual club (Bulgarian, Russian, Poland, |
On weekly base by 1 hour for up to 20 people (as 10 sets available) 90 % of participants will improve communication, mental maths skills and |
•Programme started with 12 members. •2 more booked in his period. Total of 12 started in September 2023 •18 club members by end of this period |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| Ukrainian, English) |
wellbeing and foreign language. Measured by post evaluation and attendance Certificates. |
|
| Russian Club 'Speak and Play' (divided in small groups: 1st group: 3-5 years (up to 5 kids preferable) 2nd group: 6-13 years (5-8 kids preferable) |
2x 20 weeks by 1 hour (in two groups for max of 10 kids in each group). 100% improve communication and learn new language. Measured by post evaluation. Certificates awarded at the end of the period. |
•Activity planned for September 2023. Not yet started. •12 bookings done in total by end of period (all 4-12 years old) |
| Homework Club | 8 weeks programme- Max 10 children. | •Venue discussed in Armagh Business Centre •12 children attended one- to one session and gained help with their English/ Maths homework in this period, before official start of this program. Request made through parents in Bulgarian School. Volunteer teachers helping those kids and families. •Pre-assignments done in April 2023 as requested by parents for next 8 weeks. •Programme scheduled start for Sep 2023. |
| Vocal Bulgarian Folk Singing and Traditional instruments playing (Tamboura and |
32 weeks by 2 hours weekly 100% of attendees will show increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language and music with the wider community. Register in each class. |
•Program started online •10 sessions by 2 hours done. •12 participants (2 oversubscribed) •100% of attendees showed increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language and music with the wider community. |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgarian Bagpipe) Classes |
||
| Mother tongue Language classes Inc. Bulgarian History & Geography of Bulgaria, Bulgarian Traditions, and customs (3yrs to 16yrs-because of Covid-19 by Distance online teaching through Electronical platform Moodle+ Black Board/online apps/Students divided in small groups. 1m. social distancing in small classes in two shifts) |
32 weeks by 4 hours for 207 students 100% of attendees showed increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language with the wider community. Register in each class. |
•Programmes continue. •For this period 207 registered students (7 overbooked). •10 weeks by 4 hours done. •100% of attendees showed increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language with the wider community. |
| 2 Multicultural School trips and one Recognition Event |
Two trips annually 30 people in total 100% of participants will mix from a variety of BME community & background. Measured by Recognition Certificates &evaluation |
•Two trips done in this period: One in April 2023 (Easter) and one provided for Formal event-May 2023 in Dublin. •Recognition event done in June 2023 |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| Learning support Club for BME, Roma and Newcomer pupils in the area in Schools & College (Armstrong PS, Mt St Catherine PS) |
20 weeks by 1 hour in each School / if restrictions- online or in separate buildings as after school activities for those kids Up to 10 students in each School 100% of target will increase knowledge and understanding of English/ Maths and integrate better in the local school life act. Measured by register. |
•Programs began online •10 sessions from April-June 2023 done. •55 pupils in Mount St Catherine PS •40 pupils in Armstrong PS •Additional 10 sessions planned from September 2023 •100% of target increased knowledge and understanding of English/ Maths and integrate better in the local school life act. |
| 6 Cultural Celebrations (Day of our Alphabet; Easter, Christmas, 'Martenitsa workshop', St Patrick, 'Bulgarian Independent day') |
One of annually for each celebration (Additional premises required to allow social distancing measures) Overall total: 200 people 100% of target audience will understand the importance of customs and traditions in united communities. Register & post- evaluations. |
•Easter- 192 pupils and 89 parents attended event in April. •Day of our Alphabet- done May 2023. •Cultural Concert done in June 2023 with more than 200 adults and children participated in Dublin. •Christmas Event planned for Dec 2023 (Period 2) •Bulgarian Independent day, Martenitsa and St Patricks workshop are planned for Feb-March 2024 (Period 3). •Venues planned (Armagh Business Centre, Armagh City Hotel) •100% of target audience understood the importance of customs and traditions in united communities. |
Period 1 (April-July 2023) X Period 2 (August-November 2023) Period 3 (December 2023-March 2024)
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| Trainings and Certified Courses (Paediatric First aid/ Child protection/ Designated person |
10 trainees/volunteers (depends on venue) 100% of participants report increased understanding of child protection and safeguarding/Paediatric First Aid Measured by post evaluation forms. 100% of participants report increased understanding of the educational system. Measured by post evaluation forms. Trainees- 21 Certificates gained. |
•11 BME Teachers started training courses. •Total of 21 attended for Refresher First Aid training/ Child protection. Trainees- 21 Certificates gained. •100% of participants reported increased understanding of the educational system. |
| Cross- generational Program 'Promoting Health and Wellbeing and practical advice, active trainings and workshops (Preservation of cultural heritage and old crafts) |
8 sessions: 4 practical advice & training sessions(8 by 2 hrs or 16 by 1 hr in smaller groups; depends on numbers) 4 workshops(old crafts; preservation of cultural heritage) 100% of attendees will improve health and lifestyle equally. Measured by register & evaluation form. |
•Activity continues from previous academic year with changes with attendees. •4 clinics and 4 trainings provided in this period. All done by end of this period. •The rest of workshops planned in this period (Christmas Workshop planned for first week in Dec 2023/ 1 in Jan and 1 in Feb and 2 in March 2024) •4 trainings and 4 practical advice done in this period •Rest of workshops scheduled for December 2023- March 2024 •100 % improved health & lifestyle equally |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| Folk dance group Traditional Folklore dancing. Performing in Events to break down cultural barriers. |
20 sessions by 1.5 hours for adults (10 adults) 20 weeks by 1 hour for children (20 sessions in 2-3 small groups- 10 children) 100% of participants improving health and lifestyle equally. Measured by registration & evaluation forms. |
•Venue is in Armagh Business Centre. •Programme began in September 2023. •10 adult’s sessions done. (2 left to be done in next period but decision made to continue as interest increased by members) •10 children’s sessions done (10 kids). •Decision made to extend the programme by end of academic year. •100% of participants improving health and lifestyle equally |
| Information session (CViC Virtual platform) One to One Clinics (Telephone and through electronical platform clinics- Moodle/Zoom/CViC) |
4 information sessions by 2 hours (Settle in Status in UK, Health and Education, Rights and Labour) for 25 people. 90% of BME attendees aware of how to access public services and education and understand their rights. |
•One Information session done on ‘Education done through Educational electronical platform based on MOODLE with Conference meeting of 35 attendees. •Two information sessions rescheduled for December in Moodle platform. •By end of this period 35 people used this program. •100% of participants were aware of how to access public services and education and understood their rights. |
| Board Games- generational Club |
10 weeks by 1 hour for10 people. 90 % of participants will improve communication, mental maths skills and wellbeing and foreign language. Measured by post evaluation and attendance Certificates. |
•Programme began •All 10 sessions done. •Total of18 peopleattended 18 Certs issued. •100% of participants improved communication skills and wellbeing and foreign language. • Programme started with 12 members. And • 18 club members by end of the program. |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Club 'Speak and Play' (divided in small groups: 1st group: 3-5 years (up to 5 kids preferable) 2nd group: 6-13 years (5-8 kids preferable) |
2x 20 weeks by 1 hour (in two groups) for max of 10 kids in each group. 100% improve communication and learn new language. Measured by post evaluation. Certificates awarded at the end of the period. |
•Program began in September 2023 •16 bookings done in total by end of period (all 4-12 years old) •2 by 10 weeks done by 1 hour each in this period. Majority of attendees are with mixed ethnic background: Bulgarians, Russians, Irish and Ukraininan children |
| Homework Club | 20 weeks by 2 hours- Max 10 children Measured by Pre-assignment and final test. |
•28 children attended one- to one session and gained help with their English/ Maths homework in this period, before official start of this program. Request made through parents in Bulgarian School. Volunteer teachers helping those kids and families. •Programme began in Sep 2023 and over subscribed. •8 weeks done in these period/ 28 childrenattended •100 % of students have increased knowledge of mother thong and celebrate different cultures. |
| Vocal Bulgarian Folk Singing and Traditional instruments playing (Kaval and Bulgarian Bagpipe) Classes |
32 weeks by 2 hours weekly (pupils to be divided by 2 small groups, 1 hour each group) 10-15 attendees (in small groups) 100% of attendees will increasing respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language and music with the wider community. Register in each class. |
•Program started online •12 sessions by 2 hours done. •12 participants (2 oversubscribed) •100% of attendees showed increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language and music with the wider community. •100% of attendees showed increased respect, celebrate, and preserved Bulgarian Language and music with the wider community. |
| Mother tongue Language classes |
32 weeks by 4 hours for 80 students | •Programmes continue. •Total of 204 children registered in this period. |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| Inc. Bulgarian History & Geography of Bulgaria, Bulgarian Traditions and customs (3yrs to 16yrs-because of Covid-19 by Distance online teaching through Electronical platform Moodle+ Black Board/online apps/Students divided in small groups. 1m. social distancing in small classes in two shifts) |
100% of attendees showed increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language with the wider community. Register in each class. |
•12 weeks by 4 hours were done in this period. •Final 10 weeks planned for next period. •100% of attendees showed increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language with the wider community. |
| 2 Multicultural School trips to Museums, Festivals in Northern Ireland as Volunteer Recognition Event |
Two trips annually 87 people in total |
•Trips done in first period. Completed |
| Learning support Club for BME, Roma and Newcomer pupils in the area in Schools |
20 weeks by 1 hour in each School and College/ if restrictions- online or in separate buildings as after school activities for those kids Up to 10 students in each School |
•Programs continue with total of 90 children in two schools. •8 sessions done in this period •Last 2 sessions planned for next period. |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| & College (Armstrong PS, Mt St Catherine PS) |
100% of target will increase knowledge and understanding of English/ Maths and integrate better in the local school life act. Measured by register. |
•100% of target increased knowledge and understanding of English/ Maths and integrate better in the local school life act. |
| 6 Cultural Celebrations (Day of our Alphabet; Easter, Christmas, 'Martenitsa workshop', St Patrick, 'Bulgarian Independent day') |
One of annually for each celebration (Additional premises required to allow social distancing measures) Overall total: 200 people 100% of target audience understand the importance of customs and traditions in united communities. Register & post- evaluations. |
•No celebrations done for this period due to Covid Restrictions. •Four celebrations planned for next period: Christmas Celebration- planned for Dec 2023; Bulgarian Independent day- planned to happen on 3rd March,MartenitsaCelebration/ Independence Day/ Mummers and Visit of First Bulgarian Lady – all planned to happen in Armagh Business Centre (Feb 2024) andSt Patricks paradeis planned for 17 March 2024 with WAC. •Venues planned for next period. |
Period 1 (April-July 2023) Period 2 (August-November 2023) X Period 3 (December’23-March 2024)
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| Trainings and Certified Courses (Paediatric First aid/ Child protection/ Designated person |
10 trainees/11 volunteers (depends on venue) 100% of participants report increased understanding of child protection and safeguarding/Paediatric First Aid-Refresher/ Working with SEN children Measured by post evaluation forms. 100% of participants report increased understanding of the educational system. Measured by post evaluation forms. Trainees-21Certificates gained. |
•11 BME Teachers finished all training & courses. •Total of 21 attended for First Aid training/ Child protection/ Working with SEN. •Trainees- 21 Certificates gained. •100% of participants reported increased understanding of educational system in NI and 100% trainees gained Certificates. |
| Cross- generational Program 'Promoting Health and Wellbeing including practical advice, active trainings and workshops (Preservation of cultural heritage and old crafts) |
8 sessions: 4 practical advice & training sessions(8 by 2 hrs or 16 by 1 hr in smaller groups; depends on numbers) 4 workshops(old crafts; preservation of cultural heritage) 100% of attendees will improve health and lifestyle equally. Measured by register & evaluation form. |
•All workshop sessions done (Dec 2023- Christmas workshop, Jan’24- Bulgarian Mummers workshop, Feb 2024- St. Valentine and Trifon Zarezan Workshop and March’ 24- Martenitsa workshop/ 17 March St Patricks Parade •All sessions done. •19 people for this period received practical advices and additional 10 received telephone advice on request. •100% of attendees improved health and lifestyle equally. |
| Folk dance group Traditional Folklore |
20 sessions by 1.5 hours for 10 adults | •5 sessions done for adults. |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| dancing. Performing in Events to break down cultural barriers |
20 weeks by 1 hour for 10 children (20 sessions in 2-3 small groups). 100% of participants (24 people) improved health and lifestyle equally. Measured by registration & evaluation forms. |
•5 sessions done for children. •Total of 16 children and 12 adults joined. •100% of participants (28 people) improved health and lifestyle equally. Decision was made to extend the programme by end of academic year (June 2024) as increased interest of members shown |
| Information session (CViC Virtual platform) One to One Clinics (Telephone and through electronical platform. Moodle/Zoom/CViC) |
4 information sessions by 2 hours: Settle in Status in UK, Health and Education, Rights and Labour, dealing with impact of 90% of BME attendees will be aware of how to access public services and education and understand their rights. Measured by Register and questionnaires. |
•Two sessions done in this period •23 participants in this period •90% of BME attendees aware of how to access public services and education and understood their rights. •10% are low educated and still need support, especially by using online services. N.B! - All 4 sessions done by end of project.Most done by phone and remotely by Electronical platform. |
| Board Games- generational Club |
•Completed. | |
| Russian Club 'Speak and Play' (divided in small groups: 1st group: 3-5 years (up to 5 kids preferable) 2nd group: 6-13 years (5-8 kids preferable) |
2x 20 weeks by 1 hour in two groups 100% of attendees will increase respect, celebrate, and preserve Russian Language with the wider community. Register in each class. Measured by post evaluation. Certificates will be awarded at the end of the period. |
• Program completed. • 2x10 weeks done in this periodto complete the project with 20 participants in total - 3-5 years old and Group 2- 6 to 13 years old. •Register in each class archived with 20 Certificates awarded. •100% of attendees increased respect, celebrate, and preserved Russian Language with the wider community. Majority of attendees are with mixed ethnic background: Bulgarians, Russians, Irish and Ukrainian children. |
| Homework Club | 20 weeks by 2 hours. (10 children) | • Program completedand oversubscribed. |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| •16 children attended one- to one session and gained help with their English/ Maths homework in this period, before official start of this program. Request made through parents in Bulgarian School. Volunteer teachers helping those kids and families. •Programme began in Sep 2023 finished by March 2024. •12 weeks done in these period/ 16 children attended (6 oversubscribed). •100 % of students have increased knowledge of mother thong and celebrate different cultures.100% of attendees showed increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language with the wider community. Register in each class archived. Measured by Pre assignment and final test that is due between 15thMay-15 June 2024. |
||
| Vocal Bulgarian Folk Singing and Traditional instruments playing (Kaval and Bulgarian Bagpipe) Classes |
32 weeks by 2 hours weekly (pupils are divided in small groups. Lessons provided online by electronical platform-Moodle used. Total of 15 attendees, aged 6-18. |
• Program completed(all 32 weeks done) •15 participants by end of the period •100% of attendees showed increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language and music with the wider community. Register in each class archived. Measured by evaluation online questionnaires |
| Mother tongue Language classes Inc. Bulgarian History & Geography of Bulgaria, Bulgarian Traditions, and customs and Distance online |
32 weeks by 4 hours. The program was created for 200 students. 100% of attendees will show increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language with the wider community. Register in each class. Measured by evaluation forms and online questionaries. |
•10 weeks done •Additional 5 students enrolled in this period. Total for the project:207(+5 back to Bulgaria before end of the programme). •100% of attendees showed increased respect, celebrate, and preserve Bulgarian Language with the wider community. Register in each class archived. Measured by evaluation forms and online questionaries. Also, Bulgarian National Tests to be done between grade 1 to |
| Activity | Output measure and Outcome Measure | Progress to end of period |
|---|---|---|
| teaching through Electronical platform Moodle+ Black Board/online apps and Face to Face |
grade 9 from 15thMay until 15 June 2024. And Certificates will be given at the end of academic year. Possibly by end of June 2024. |
|
| 2 Multicultural School trips to Museums, Festivals in Northern Ireland as Volunteer Recognition Event |
Two trips for 30 people 100% of participants should mix from a variety of BME community & background. Measured by Recognition Certificates & evaluation. |
• 2 Trips are done(in first period) |
| Learning support Club for BME, Roma and Newcomer pupils in the area in Schools & College (Armstrong PS, Mt St Catherine PS) |
20 weeks by 1 hour in each School and College/ if restrictions-online or in separate building as afterschool activities for those kids 100% of target will increase knowledge and understanding of English/ Maths and integrate better in the local school life act. Measure by register and post evaluation. |
• Program completed. •2 sessions done in Period 3 •Total of 90 kids were involved between two primary schools in Armagh. •100% of target increased knowledge and understanding of English/ Maths and integrated better in the local school life act. |
| 6 Cultural Celebrations (Day of our Alphabet; Easter, Christmas, 'Martenitsa workshop', St Patrick, 'Bulgarian Independent day'). One of annually for each celebration |
One of annually for each celebration (Additional premises required to allow social distancing measures) Overall total: 250 people 100% of target audience will understand the importance of customs and traditions in united communities. Measured by register & post evaluations. |
• All completed. • 6 planned and 12 done in total:Day of Bulgarian Day of People's Awakeners and Educators, Christmas (1), Mummers (1), St Valantine and St Trifon Zarezan (2), Martenitsa( in 5 separate groups), Independent Day(1), St. Patricks (1) •Over 400 attendees: Total of 207 students and more than 200 adults- parents and members of communities attended those Celebrations up to date. |
Activity Output measure and Outcome Measure Progress to end of period (Additional • 100% of target audience understood the importance of premises required customs and traditions in united communities. as numbers increased rapidly) Signature of Office Bearer: ____ Date: 31.03.2024 Signature of Chairperson: ________ Date: 31.03.2024