“Areté” (from the Greek): Being the best you can be; reaching your highest human potential.
Areté Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting high-potential youth who are limited by social and economic barriers in Bulgaria and the Balkans. We envision a Roma community of engaged citizens and positive role models who support each other to achieve educational, career, and personal success.
Our Mission is to build sustainable social networks that encourage educational pursuits, instill a culture of giving back and promote mentorship.
Support
Arete Youth Foundation is proudly supported by тhe Trust for Social Achievement (TSA), a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to break the poverty cycle by promoting opportunities that help Bulgaria’s most disadvantaged citizens achieve educational and economic success. TSA supports programs that, with integrity, scalability, and transparency, boost the long-term achievement of Bulgaria’s poorest, with a focus on the Roma.
Mentorship
At the heart of our social networks is the idea of mentoring and helping others, whether they be in your local community or beyond. Whether we are continuing to build on our network for 200 Roma youth who have participated in our leadership camps or developing private sector leaders, we recognize that mentorship plays a critical role to personal and professional success.
Education
We believe that achieving higher education is the key to increasing participation in the political life and government of Bulgaria for traditionally underrepresented groups such as women and minorities. To this end, the camp programs we support both include a component focusing on the importance of attaining higher education, as well as the steps necessary to meet this goal. We have also created an educational hub that will develop relationships with other organizations and educational institutions to connect Areté youth with scholarships, educational grants and institutions seeking to diversify their student base.
Professional Development
After graduating from college, many university students enter the private or public sector but are given very limited opportunities for professional development and continued growth. Currently, we focus on initiatives that provide Roma professionals opportunities to develop networks, gain new skills and find new work opportunities. Our goal is to work closely with the private sector to encourage diversity in the workplace.