To develop a vibrant private sector, Bulgaria's disadvantaged poor must be included. There are extremely high levels of unemployment and very low levels of education among the poor. The most critical segment of these poor are Roma, comprising an estimated 10% of the population. To level the playing field (equal opportunity, not equal outcomes) without special privileges, the foundation seeks to improve, in a measurable way, the levels of education and employment of Bulgaria's economically disadvantaged. Also important are related housing and health care issues. To achieve this objective, ABF has set two primary target goals: 

Educational achievement must be improved among at-risk pupils, particularly Roma pupils, who currently demonstrate the highest dropout and lowest graduation rates, through activities that:

• Decrease the drop-out rate and increase the number of at-risk children that continue their education, with emphasis on transitional moments in a child’s educational progress—including kindergarten and the transition to junior high, high school, and university;
• Improve the learning environment in substandard and marginalized schools, particularly segregated and village schools, by demonstrating improved mastery of educational standards and continuation of students to higher levels;
• Create mentors and role models to ensure wider impact, shifts in public opinion, and systemic change.

Economic self-sufficiency must be increased for economically disadvantaged and marginalized families through activities that:

• Increase access to jobs by both improving the competitiveness and skills of beneficiaries as well as actively mediating with businesses and employers;
• Cultivate mentors and establish professional networks so that successful professionals, particularly Roma professionals who comprise a miniscule percent of Bulgaria’s professional class, might act as an inspiration and a platform to others as well as an offset to stereotypes;
• Improve the stability of impoverished and marginalized families by helping them to achieve legal residency, property ownership, and access to legitimate sources of credit.

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