During August 2011 – April 2012 Carpathian Foundation Ukraine has implemented a Program called – Buddy Program ‘it takes two’. It was designed to offer children and young people with disabilities an opportunity to social inclusion in Ivano-Frankivs’ka, Zakarpats’ka, Lvivs’ka and Chernivets’ka oblast’s of Ukraine. The Program operates in Serbia, Montenegro and Ukraine and is made possible due to the support of Skanfons and Cooperating Netherlands Foundation for Central and Eastern Europe.
Within the Buddy Programs Carpathian Foundation has provided funding for ten non-governmental organizations which have become very successful in introducing new and innovative approaches in the
work with children and youth with disabilities.
Considering impact to the target groups, buddy projects are incredibly effective and sufficient: relations with buddies assist clients to adapt and become less isolated. Despite of the all achievements and results obtained some specific challenges common for all projects may be observed. They include: mistrust to long-term efficiency and continuance of buddy couple, lack of understanding in local communities (this also refers to the families of both category of clients, parents underestimate functions of buddies and often create obstacles for their activities); volunteers still lack motivation and understanding of their roles, as well a low interest of mass-media and broader community is present.
Therefore the Carpathian Foundation aiming at sustaining buddy concept in Ukraine launches calls for proposals within a Buddy Program: It Takes Two. Sustaining Buddy Projects in Ukraine. The Program is a natural continuance of Buddy Program: It Takes Two which is designed to offer children and young people with disabilities an opportunity to social inclusion in Ivano-Frankivs’ka, Zakarpats’ka, Lvivs’ka and Chernivets’ka oblast’s of Ukraine.
Non-governmental organizations supported within the Buddy Program: It takes Two may apply with a project proposal. However, other NGOs using buddy concept in their activities are eligible to apply as well (detailed information about the buddy concept may be obtained at www.buddies.org.ua).
The financial support in amount of 15 000 euro may be provided for NGOs meeting criteria defined in Call for Proposal; as well the application form and the budget should be submitted by May 27, 2012 by e-mail. Contact person – Natalia Beley, nataliya.beley@cfoundation.org
The call for proposal is finished within Buddy Project: It Takes Two. Sustaining buddy projects in Ukraine. Totally 14 organizations have applied with the project proposals. The selection results will be announced on June 4, 2012, both applicants will be informed and information published on the CF’s web-site.