A Stability Pact for South East Europe was launched in June 1999 in order to respond the needs, to establish peace, stability and economic development in the region,

It constitutes a solid framework for international co-operation aimed at the development of the region as a whole rather than focusing solely on the centres of crises. The Stability Pact included "education" as a priority area. Within the Stability Pact the Task Force of the "Gratz Process" co-ordinated and established a Task Force on Education and Youth. Based on the Gratz recommendation / action plan and on the preparatory workshop (1999) the participants of the second international conference on "Educational Co-operation for Peace, Stability and Democracy" in Sofia, November 1999 have identified priority areas and developed recommendations and action plan for the next 2 years.

During this conference Priority Areas of Action were set and among them as well several in the area of community education.

"Changing Schools into Community Resource Centres"

• To maximise the use of resources by encouraging joint use of existing infrastructure and expertise
• Using schools for promoting social inclusion e.g. second chance for drop-outs, unemployed
• Using schools for promoting democratic values e.g. adult education for assuming active social roles such as participation in the organisation of interest groups.
• Enhancing co-operation between school and community, local and regional initiatives and national authorities with a view to link formal and non-formal education.

Following the principles and philosophy of the Youth Initiative 2000, the Open Society Institute and the Mott Foundation decided to cooperate, as initial supporters, and created the Community Centers Program South Eastern Europe. The Community Centers Program in South East Europe was started, managed and directed by Csaba Lőrinczi. Nowadays, he helps the program as special adviser. Moreover, by his being involved in several other projects in different regions and by his more than ten-year-long experience and knowledge he means a reliable backup and strong pillar for the program.