By Charline Evans, 15th Oct, 2009
Around the World in 80 Schools has been such a success that I have been contacted by schools, business and charitable organisations not featured in the initial project that would like to become part of this ever increasing network.
Around the World in 80 Schools +Plus is an additional feature that will showcase additional schools, orphanages, charities, communities and business around the world that want to come together to make a difference for children around the globe.
My first vist is to Bulgaria.
My first visit to Bulgaria led me to visit two orphanages and a Social and Educational Development Centre.
My visit to the Social and Educational Development Centre was organised by Eurolink Investment Group who also provided transport and a translator for me for the day so many thanks to Chris Violaris and all his staff for their invaluable help especialy Lili Gospodinova for being my translator for the day and for organising the transport and visits.
I was warmly welcomed by the Director and Staff of the centre and given a guided tour of the premises and met many of their students. The students come from impoverished backgrounds and many of them are orphans. They have a range of disabilities and social and emotional needs some having been victims of abuse.
The director of the centre was in fact an orphan of the centre himself and having gone through Univesity became a Teacher and now is the Centre’s Director. A passionate, gentle man, who understands the needs of these students more than most.
The centre caters for both the educational and social needs of the students who live onsite until they are 26.
The building is in a delapitated state with few resources but this is more than made up for by the enthusiasm and dedication of the staff and students I met.
When I asked the director what was the things that they needed most, the reply was simple, connections …… connections to people, organisations, schools, social and educational centres, people who want to share ideas and practices ….. So get in touch!!!!
Personally I was impressed with the staffs committment to the students, their holistic approach to combining their social and educational needs in one facility therefore easing communication between different agencies. The enthusiasm of the students shone through and as Nelly Aleksandrova at Eurolink told me they truly are the lovliest children in the world!
https://eurolink-bulgaria.com/loveliest-children-in-the-world/
Many thanks to all my new Bulgarian friends!
If you want to become involved in Around the World in 80 Schools + Plus
then contact Charline at :
Charlineevans@hotmail.com Tel: +44 (0)7794564051