Bulgaria Conference assesses the impact of Mario in Bulgaria

Project : MARIO 10 Jan 2011 | child exploitation prevention sexual exploitation

Vratza, Bulgaria, December 21st 2010: Within the framework of the MARIO project more than 30 participants gathered for the “Multi-Stakeholder Conference” to discuss the implementation and progress of the preventive activities in Vratza and Montana regions, related to sexual exploitation of children and their protection. Participants included both municipal authorities, social workers and police representatives, as well as NGOs. Young people from the region attended the conference in order to express their views and present their “peer to peer” practice.

The representatives exchanged on the challenges and the problems faced by the professionals, especially – the school councillors – in their preventive work among the students of different ages, on the problems with multi stakeholder cooperation at regional and national levels – good practices and problems were one of the important topics in the agenda.

Experts from Neglected children Society presented the key results and comparative analysis of two sociological surveys conducted in Vratza and Montana assessing the level of awareness of children, students and experts on the problems of child prostitution and child trafficking for sexual purposes. The young representatives presented their vision for adequate preventive work among the students and their good practices for prevention and awareness among their classmates and children at the same age.

The participants also discussed about the continuation of the preventive and awareness raising activities against child trafficking and exploitation in both regions – Vratza and Montana – with the support of the Mario project. The development of regional cooperation, the dissemination of the survey and the subsequent increase of the level of prevention and awareness of state authorities and NGOs towards child protection issues will support the strengthening of prevention and fight against child sexual exploitation and protection of children at regional and national levels. [LZ]