Projects and Activities:

Project "4 inc m(eth)oods – Inclusion, communication, connection, cooperation",

A project for social and economic integration of vulnerable adults has been launched



Date: 01.09.2024

The implementation of the project "4 inc m(eth)oods – Inclusion, communication, connection, cooperation", funded under the Erasmus+ Programme, Key Action 2: Partnerships for cooperation between organizations and institutions, activity "Small Partnership Projects", sector: Adult Education.

Project number: 2024-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000246661


The project is implemented in partnership between:

  • Bulgarian Education Center (BEC) – Bulgaria (lead organization)
  • Center for Advanced Research (CNR) – North Macedonia

The project has a duration of 12 months (01.09.2024 – 31.08.2025) and is aimed at improving the social and economic integration of adults (29+) belonging to vulnerable groups in both countries. The main approach is based on four interconnected elements: inclusion, communication, connection and cooperation.

Date: 01.12.2024

First workshop on the project "4 inc m(eth)oods" held in the Republic of North Macedonia

In the period 27-29 November 2024, the first workshop on the project "4 inc m(eth)oods – Inclusion, Communication, Connection, Cooperation" with number 2024-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000246661, funded under the Erasmus+ Programme, KD2 "Partnerships for cooperation between organizations and institutions", activity "Small partnership projects", sector: Adult education, was held in the Republic of North Macedonia.

The event was hosted by the partner organization Center for Advanced Researches - North Macedonia. Five experts participated from the lead organization Association "Bulgarian Educational Center 22" (BEC).

The workshop was part of Activity 1: "Exchange of experience and know-how on the implementation of methods for social and economic integration of vulnerable groups", and aimed to lay the foundations of cooperation between partners and clarify details on the implementation of the holistic approach "4 inc".

Survey

Date: 15.12.2024

A survey was conducted in the period October - November 2024 within the framework of Activity 2 of the project "4 inc m(eth)oods - Inclusion, Communication, Connection, Cooperation", No. 2024-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000246661, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, Key Activity 2: Partnerships for cooperation between organizations and institutions, activity "Small Partnership Projects", sector "Adult Education".

The survey was organized with the aim of identifying real needs, barriers and motivational factors among representatives of vulnerable adult groups over the age of 29.

The survey collected data from a total of 200 respondents - 100 in Bulgaria and 100 in North Macedonia. The survey instrument contained questions related to educational status, employment, digital skills, social isolation, discriminatory factors and readiness to participate in training initiatives.

The analysis of the results shows that a significant number of participants define themselves as vulnerable due to social, economic, health or territorial reasons. The most frequently mentioned difficulties include low education, limited access to employment, lack of self-confidence, weak digital competences and social isolation. More than three quarters of the respondents express interest and motivation to participate in training programs, especially in areas such as computer and internet use, career guidance and psychological support.

The collected data are summarized in an analytical report, which will serve as a basis for developing a training and advisory program adapted to the real needs of the target group.

Date: 15.12.2024



Focus groups in North Macedonia


Three focus groups were held under Activity 2 of the project "4 inc m(eth)oods – Inclusion, Communication, Connection, Cooperation", No. 2024-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000246661, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, Key Action 2: Partnerships for cooperation between organizations and institutions, Adult Education sector.

The focus groups took place in three different settlements – Chair, Delchevo and Rostushe. Each of them was attended by eight adults over 29 years old, belonging to vulnerable social groups. The activity was organized by the partner organization Center for Advanced Research (CNR).

The main topics of discussion included difficulties related to finding a job, lack of education, social isolation and limited digital skills. The participants also shared specific expectations regarding the need for accessible training and support, tailored to their capabilities and life experience.

Date: 15.12.2024

Four focus groups held in Bulgaria under the project "4 inc m(eth)oods"

Within the framework of the project "4 inc m(eth)oods – Inclusion, communication, connection, cooperation", №2024-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000246661, funded under the Erasmus+ program, four focus groups were held with representatives of the target group in Bulgaria. The activity is part of the research phase of the project (Activity 2) and aims to gain a deeper understanding of the needs, barriers and motivations of vulnerable adults regarding inclusion in educational and social initiatives.

The focus groups took place in the city of Pernik and included a total of 32 participants. The selection of participants was carried out based on preliminary criteria and included individuals with low education, limited access to the labor market and insufficient digital skills. During the discussions, the participants shared the difficulties they face in everyday life, their attitudes towards inclusion in educational initiatives, as well as specific areas in which they would need support and development.

The information collected was summarized and used to prepare a comparative analytical report, which will serve as the basis for creating the training content in the next stage of the project

Commparative report


Date: 03.01.2025

With the preparation of a summary comparative report, Activity 2 of the project "4 inc m(eth)oods – Inclusion, Communication, Connection, Cooperation", contract No. 2024-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000246661, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, sector "Adult Education", has been completed.

The report combines the results of the online survey and the seven focus groups conducted in Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The analysis provides an in-depth picture of the barriers to the social and economic integration of adults from vulnerable groups, as well as guidelines for adapting the upcoming project activities.

With the completion of this phase, the preparation for the development of a training and support program within Activity 3 begins.

Date: 01.03.2025

The second partnership meeting of the project "4 inc m(eth)oods" was held in North Macedonia

In the period 26–28 February 2025 in Skopje, North Macedonia, the second partnership meeting of the project "4 inc m(eth)oods – Inclusion, communication, connection, cooperation", funded under the Erasmus+ program, Key Action 2 – Small Partnerships, No. 2024-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000246661, was held.

The meeting was initiated by the partners – Bulgarian Educational Center (BEC) and Center for Advanced Researches (CARE) – with the aim of better synchronizing the actions and finalizing the content of the training program for adults in vulnerable situations. Emphasis was placed on the operational aspects of implementing the program, the methodology for individual and group work with participants, as well as on adapting the training modules to the identified needs.

The partners reviewed the progress of the project, discussed the results of the conducted surveys and focus groups, and agreed on mechanisms for selecting and engaging participants. Special attention was paid to the challenges faced by the target groups, as well as good practices that can be applied in both national contexts.

The meeting contributed to strengthening the partnership coordination and to better implementation of the key project activities.

 


Individual and joint Meetinings

(Bulgaria) 


Date: 02.08.2025

Individual and joint meetings were held in Bulgaria

During the period 01.03.2025-31.07.2025 Monthly informal training sessions were held under Activity 4 of the project “4 inc m(eth)oods – Inclusion, Communication, Connection, Cooperation”, No. 2024-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000246661, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, Key Action 2: Partnerships for cooperation between organizations and institutions, Adult Education sector.

The aim of the meetings was to promote and improve the social and economic integration, employability, digital competences and activity of participants in public life. At the end of the trainings, self-assessment sessions were held, and each participant received a certificate recognizing the acquired knowledge and developed skills.

 

The meetings helped to build trust, increase confidence, improve social and communication skills, as well as create a sense of belonging and a desire to work in a team. After the successful completion of the trainings and thanks to their new skills, the participants improved in each of the four areas of the project, namely inclusion, communication, connection and cooperation.

Individual and joint Meetinings

(North Macedonia)


I

Date: 02.08.2025

Individual and group sessions in North Macedonia

Within the framework of the project "4 inc m(eth)oods – Inclusion, communication, connection, cooperation", №2024-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000246661, funded under the Erasmus+ program, informal training, psychological support, individual and group sessions with the direct target group in North Macedonia have been conducted over the past 5 months.


The individual sessions took place in Delchevo and Rostuše. The implementation of the activities was related to raising awareness in the communities about the opportunities for inclusion, self-improvement and striving for better realization in the labor market. The holistic approach that the program applies binds all aspects of the innovative method in order to contribute to the maximum extent to improving the skills, knowledge, self-esteem and socialization of the target group. The combination of informal methods, psychological support and individual approach ultimately improved active participation in society, the exchange and sharing of knowledge and increased the adaptability and flexibility of the participants.

Due to the specificity of the project, the sessions were conducted in person. During the trainings, the trainers-mentors assessed the progress and work of the participants. At the end of the activity, the participants filled out a feedback questionnaire and shared their satisfaction with the innovative method for the integration of vulnerable adults.

Informative Forum on the Project "4 inc m(eth)oods"


Date: 31.08.2025


Information Forum on the Project "4 inc m(eth)oods - Inclusion, Communication, Connection, Cooperation" was held on August 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Krakra Conference Hall of the Elite Hotel, Pernik.

During the forum, the results and effects of the implementation of the innovative holistic model for social integration of vulnerable persons over 29 years of age were presented. The event serves as a platform for the exchange of experience and ideas between representatives of target groups, experts, institutions, non-governmental organizations, educational and social structures, business and local authorities.

The participants had the opportunity to learn about specific good practices, discuss challenges and possible solutions in the field of social inclusion and prevention of economic isolation, as well as to create new partnerships. Sharing the acquired experience, expertise and knowledge has unlocked new opportunities, ideas and initiatives for support, integration and inclusion of older people who feel isolated, discriminated against or face certain limitations.

The forum affirmed the importance of inter-institutional cooperation and sharing successful approaches to achieve more effective integration of people in disadvantaged situations.

 

"4- inc Project" concluded


Date: 01.09.2025

The project for social and economic integration of adults between Bulgaria and North Macedonia has ended

The activities under project No. 2024-1-BG01-KA210-ADU-000246661, funded under the Erasmus+ program, have ended after one year of joint efforts between the Bulgarian Education Center (BEC) and the Center for Advanced Research (CNR) in North Macedonia.

The "4 inc m(eth)oods" project was based on the conscious belief of the two partner organizations that the social integration of vulnerable groups is essential for the development of society in a positive direction. The marginalization of groups of people not only limits their opportunities, but also leads to socio-economic isolation contrary to sustainable development.

 

Through the implemented activities, the target groups improved their social and communication skills, their motivation for development and lifelong learning, for active inclusion in the labor market and strengthened their sense of belonging. The individual approach that was used provided them with the confidence to develop and live fully. The complex combination of cooperation, inclusion, communication and connectivity provided them with tools to improve their personal and professional skills, their digital literacy, as well as their social adaptability.

 

At the end of the project, an increase in the social integration and economic participation of vulnerable people over the age of 29 was achieved through the application of a holistic innovative method "4 inc m(eth)oods – inclusion, communication, connection, collaboration".

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