Earlier this year, after the showing on television a programme titled ‘The Forgotten Children of Bulgaria’ depicting some of the harrowing images of life in a Bulgarian orphanage/institution, it was considered that it may be time to think of Bulgaria as an alternative destination for a future convoy. With this in mind contact was made with the Bulgarian embassy in London seeking the identity of any British NGO’s working within Bulgaria. The embassy responded with 4 NGO’s, all of whom were contacted by the national organiser but only 2 replied expressing an interest in having further information about our charity. After several communications with both organisations it was decided that we would need to visit the orphanages/institutions identified by them to see first hand if there was an actual need. Below is a brief report on each of the 3 venues visited together with a recommendation from us on any future involvement?

Razdavitza
This was a village housing an orphanage caring for 73 children with an age range of 5-15 years. The majority of these children were from the nearby Roma (gypsy) area, all of the children attended the school in the village and return to the orphanage for lunch before returning to school for the afternoon session. Many of the girls, when they reach the age of 14-15, are forced into marriage within the Roma community, many becoming young mothers themselves within a short period, thus the cycle continues

The director outlined the need for clothing and basic foodstuff, (not flour), which would help keep the children fed and safe throughout the winter. We were introduced to an ex-pupil who upon reaching 18 had to leave the orphanage. He began collecting items for recycling and he managed to raise enough money to buy himself a horse so that he can collect much more recyclable material and support himself. He is now re-integrated back into the Roma community.

Pleven
An orphanage/hospital in a large town caring for 250 children with an age range of 0-12 years. 80 of who are severely disabled, being cared for by 174 staff working 3 shift x 24hrs x 7 days per week. The director explained the difficulties she was experiencing, after having the budget reduced by 30,000 euros together with continuing rising costs of basic items, making ends meet and ensuring that the children were given adequate care. We were shown around some of the wards and saw some of the disabled children and the conditions they were living in. Many were in cots with solid sides, making them look like boxes, unable to see or interact with any of the other children in the same room, they just laid there not moving around like one would expect children to do. Some of the children appeared to be around 2-3 years old but infact were 8-10 years old, they were so disabled that they had not developed physically or mentally. We found an urgent need for equipment to stimulate these children and give them an environment in which their little lives may have more purpose. Ironically, we were in a building with 250 children yet never heard a sound of children laughing or even crying. There was a need for medical items too as some of the equipment they were using was outdated and in need of upgrading.

Panagyurishte
This was an orphanage caring for 40 children and young people with an age range of 5-18 years. The children up to the age of 15 attended the local school and the older young people stayed at the orphanage assisting with tasks such as cleaning, sewing and gardening etc., thus learning skills which would benefit them once they left the safe confines of the orphanage. This orphanage had a large classroom area which was used for school homework and preparation, there was also a room with several old computers for them to use and learn IT skills. Again the director explained the budgetary difficulties and showed us the protocol, (a report), from the local authority, who had recently completed an inspection of the premises, detailing any shortfall in standards of care and safety. This protocol did not identify any areas that would cause us concern.

Samokov
Though we did not visit this institution our in-country partners One Life for Bulgaria have asked if we would deliver aid to this centre, which we can. This is an orphanage caring for over 50 children and young people with an age range of 5-18 years. Agaipn the levels of finance received from the state only covers basic standards of care and safety. Additional resources are needed to stimulate the children and improve their standard of living.