We recruit teenagers for a new group at our Open School of Psychology!

by: Georgi Stankov

The Open School of Psychology at The Garden Association starts in October with a new training group!

The group is suitable for young people (16-19 years old) who want to: 

• achieve better self-understanding via self-exploration and self-discovery 
• improve their competencies for social adjustment and public performance 
• increase their abilities for effective communication and assertiveness 
• overcome hard times in their lives 
• experience a new and exciting approach for teamwork 

In a calm and homelike atmosphere the group leader Georgi Stankov will  facilitate participants' personal growth by training their communicative and creative skills, by using psychodrama techniques, art-therapy techniques, team-building activities, role playing, and case studies.

Our goal is to support the strengths of the youths, rather than to focus on their deficits!

The group will begin work in October. Exact date to be announced. The amount of participants is up to 12. Participation is free of charge!

For more detailed information and registration, please contact Georgi Stankov: 

e-mail: dunyata [at] gmail.com
Phone: +359 886 824918 

Open School of Psychology - the new division of The Garden Association

The Governing Board of The Garden Association decided to establish "Open School of Psychology". 

What is the Open School of Psychology? 

It is an initiative for non-formal education, existing as division of The Garden Association. The school is not registered or accredited and does not exist under any law or regulations about education (and we intend that it will always be like this!). 

Conceptual framework of Open School of Psychology 

1. Purpose 

Open School of Psychology works in the tradition of Life-long learning concept.

As an institution for non-formal education its purpose is to develop psychological knowledge and skills at local, regional, national and international level. The school aims to present to its trainees the psychological processes and phenomena in people's daily life and to help them build competences in the filed of psychology through which they could improve their lives at any level.

2. Basic Principles 

• Learning by doing - the experiential learning, combining theoretical and practical approach for developing of knowledge and skills, lies at the center of School's philosophy and methodology. 
• Tolerance - respect for and openness to different cultures, traditions, and opinions. No violence! 
• Ethnic, Religious, and Gender equality - no discrimination! 
• Democracy - participation of the trainees in the decision making process regarding their education (for instance: choose topics for training, topics for discussion, and so on). 
• Community - sensitivity to the presence and needs of others, encouraging the spirit of togetherness as an alternative of selfishness.

3. Organization 

The Open School of Psychology works thanks to professionals who volunteer for the fulfillment of the School's basic principles. The main lecturer and trainer is Georgi Stankov. Additionally, guest lecturers and trainers will participate in the project too. 

4. Certification 

In order to response to the European trend for validation of the non-formal and in-formal education, The Garden Association will provide certificates to all students who successfully complete our courses. They will receive certificates signed by the lecturer/trainer/instructor. 

Our great logo is here!

With pride and joy we present the logo of The Garden Association!

Its creator is Lydia Staikova - the chairman of the Association, who is also a very talented artist.

The graphic processing was done by our friend Dessislava Delcheva.

Team building for the Probation service in Haskovo

by: Georgi Stankov

On 31th August and 1st September 2012 we conducted a team building for the officers from the Probation service in Haskovo district. Totally 14 officers took part in this event near Ivaylovgrad in the beautiful Eastern Rhodopes. 

In the wild nature we created a soul-nurturing atmosphere, in which the probation officers worked with a great enthusiasm to improve the quality of their professional performance. 

Here are some photos from the outdoor exercises. 

One of the teams is building his strategy...

The game begins.

Yes, we can! 

Be quick or be dead...

Overcoming obstacles...

...is not an easy thing!

On the other front the battle continues with lacrosse-like game.

Fast and furious!

It is time for the next test!

I tie the wrists and ankles of the participants.

Before the wild run...

In a moment of a strong pressure, the guys held their hands...

...and then they went through the challenge together.

The gentle presence of the ladies.

Natural born winner.

Part of the team.

Time to think...

Thinking deeper...

We think too!

The winners? They all were winners!

And this is me, relaxing after the team building and waiting for my deserved dinner!