Adult Accreditation

Project Reference:

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2021-1-BG01-KA121-ADU-000012662

Champions Factory plays an active role in building the capacity of consortium member organizations.

Summary

Champions Factors is an international NGO that creates and promotes social change through innovation in education and sport, based in Sofia, Bulgaria. As part of the Adult Education Accreditation programme, the organisation focuses directly on adult education, providing opportunities to participate in structured international training and courses, as well as working visits to 'observe the work process' in partner organisations active in education or training abroad.

A particular focus of the current consortium is working with people with disabilities. Despite efforts over the years, one of the main problems in Bulgaria remains the need for social inclusion and greater social protection for people with disabilities.

The factual background shows that:

Bulgaria has a systemic problem in ensuring an accessible environment for people with disabilities (Report of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination in Bulgaria, 2018);
The poverty-employment gap for people with disabilities is among the highest in the EU, indicating weaknesses in social protection (EU Commission Report on Bulgaria, 2018);
The vision of the National Disability Strategy 2021-2030 is defined as "Ensuring conditions and opportunities for social inclusion of people with disabilities in the Republic of Bulgaria in all spheres of public life through a targeted, coherent and integrated approach in order to improve the quality of life and overcome the risk of isolation";
After months of negotiations with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Bulgaria is still waiting for a relevant reform of social support for people with disabilities (ESPN Flash Report 2018/61).

The main objectives of our initiative are:

Acquiring knowledge, skills and competences for working with people with disabilities through participation in international educational activities - virtual, mixed and physical mobilities.
Building cooperation and partnership with European sports organisations that have innovative methods and techniques for working with people with disabilities.
Gain knowledge and skills to use EU policies on sport as a tool to remove social barriers for people with disabilities.
Enhancing the quality of formal and non-formal adult education in Bulgaria, in particular for disability sport through networking.

Through these objectives, Champions Factors seeks to make a significant contribution to the social inclusion and protection of people with disabilities in Bulgaria, using innovative approaches and international collaboration.

2021-2022

In 2021-2022, the organizations undertook a series of essential activities to achieve their educational goals, focusing on enhancing international cooperation, promoting intercultural exchange, and improving educational practices across various countries.

The process began with preparatory meetings and a study visit in Amsterdam, where participants defined objectives and shared insights, laying the groundwork for the project. This was followed by a group mobility program in Italy, offering adult learners immersive learning experiences and cultural exchanges. In Portugal, staff participated in teaching assignments, contributing their expertise while gaining new perspectives from diverse educational backgrounds.

In Turkey, the consortium implemented two key programs: a staff mobility program for observing colleagues' work and a peer observation exchange, both aimed at deepening joint learning and sharing best practices. The activities culminated in a short-term educational mobility program for adult learners in Thessaloniki, Greece.

These initiatives were integral to advancing the consortium's objectives, significantly contributing to a more connected and effective educational landscape across Europe. Through these carefully planned activities, the consortium made meaningful progress in improving educational practices, fostering international collaboration, and enhancing the learning experiences of educators and learners.