The project "Libraries and journalists keep vigil on the rule of law, civil rights and social inclusion" developed jointly by the Center for Independent Journalism and the Glob@l Libraries - Bulgaria Program, received funding of BGN 18,570 from the recent grant competition by the MATRA /CAP Program of the Dutch embassy in Bulgaria.
The project foresees a civil partnership between investigating journalists, authors of the book SEPARATION FAILED: form the History of a Social Decease, local journalists, writing on economic and social issues and the district libraries in Stara Zagora, Shumen and Vidin, which will be actively involved in the process.
The overall project goal is to create practical channels for local citizens and civic activists to use the media and information found in public libraries in order to solve problems stemming from violations of human and civil rights, and the rule of law.
In the course of 6 months three two-day public events will be organized: presentation and discussion of the book "Separation Failed" (in which ten of the best Bulgarian investigating journalists present 6 cases of corruption and conflict of interest) and a public forum on the topic of anti-corruption, social inclusion and human rights.
These events will be organized and hosted by the district libraries in Stara Zagora, Shumen and Vidin. Some of the authors of the book - top journalists from the central media, journalists from regional media and representatives of the local civil society will participate.
The goal is to create connections between potential and actual victims of corruption and/or social exclusion with socially engaged journalists, which will serve the rights and interests of the citizens in their writing.
In the course of the project signals for conflict of interest, corruption and violation of human and civil rights, received through the projects communication mechanism, will be investigated and will receive media coverage. The most striking cases will be included in the future second edition of the book "Separation Failed".
The participating district libraries will create and support an information bank consisting of contacts of all journalists that have confirmed their engagement/affiliation with the mission of the project, as well as, an index of publications on the topics included in the project at local, regional and national level.