Annual Fund project makes a difference

Last year’s successful applicants included the very first Community Action European Project in the town of Berkovitsa, North-West Bulgaria.

The innovative two-week volunteering opportunity provided an extensive activity programme for under-privileged orphans in Bulgaria.

Working in partnership with Teach for Bulgaria, the project built upon their previous work with other international volunteers through the Step for Bulgaria Foundation Summer Programme.

The group of 12 student volunteers from the University of Exeter created and delivered the two-week activity programme in Berkovitsa last summer, which included teaching English, sports coaching and developing life skills.

The project team worked closely with a group of 30 children, aged 12 to 18, who live in two of the local orphanages to help them prepare for life outside after they turn 18. The activities they engaged in aimed to prepare them for independent living, improving their confidence and team work skills.

The European project offered a new, memorable and highly beneficial experience to the team of two project leaders, ten volunteers and the thirty children and young people who participated.

It also gave the volunteers an opportunity to improve their personal development through teaching and coaching experiences, significantly improving their future career prospects.

The project received over £2,000 from the Annual Fund in 2010/2011.

67 applications have been submitted for consideration by this year’s disbursement panel, which is also made up of staff and students, as well as the alumni volunteers.

Students are currently ringing alumni as part of the annual telethon, to help raise awareness about the University and funds for vital projects. If you would like to make a donation to support the work carried out by the Annual Fund please visit our website to make an online donation or to download a donation form.