The first of two joint actions of all volunteer centers was held in Vraca, Bulgaria, in the period from August 29 to 30, 2021. Youth workers and volunteers from 10 volunteer centers from Bulgaria, as well as 10 from the border region of Serbia, had the right to participate in this action.
On the first day, an introduction to the volunteer action was made, the participants were introduced to the rules, expressed their expectations and got to know each other. After that, the results of the volunteer centers from the tasks “Risks in my local” were presented. After that, a simulation was realized, which included several disasters in several locations with victims.
The participants of the exchange on the second day of the joint action discussed the areas that are risky in their communities, a meeting was held with the rescuers, and they also worked on planning measures and activities for involving volunteers in service activities.
The focus of the action was the task “Risks in my local”, which volunteer centers worked on. Identifying the biggest risks, simulating activities and cooperation. Bad weather on the first day prevented the planned field work outside so that was postponed to the second day. The second day was mainly used for practical training, which included insight into potential hazards (floods, collapses, earthquakes, etc.) near the city and planning for volunteering – what could be useful to us, what skills and equipment will be needed, what is hierarchy. Some of these actions were supported and advised by local rescuers from the voluntary formation of the municipality of Vraca, who also shared their experiences.
The project “Moving Borders for Emergency Volunteering” (MBFEV) number CB007.2.22.065 was co-financed by the European Union through the cross-border cooperation program Interreg-IPA CBC Bulgaria – Serbia CCI No 2014TC16I5CB007.
