Social Integration of Children and Teenagers Living in Institutions
Working with Government Institutions
Bulgaria has a large number of children living in institutions. These institutions are the home of children with mental and physical disabilities and of those abandoned by their parents.
Since its founding, Star of Hope has been working alongside different government run institutions, including a vocational training school in Sofia, an orphanage and a special needs school in Roman , a special needs boarding school in Dolno Draglishte and a special needs school in Gotse Delchev.
Star of Hope provides specialized training, organizes creative activities and leads outings for the residents of these institutions. We also provide medical care, food, clothing and vitamins for the children, and help with building renovations and equipment. Our involvement there allows us to impact and influence not only the children, but also those who work in and run these institutions.
Training and Educational Programmes
Star of Hope leads educational and training programmes for the youth of the institutions with which we work. Here are a few examples:
In one of our programmes, Star of Hope organizes discussions aimed at prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour, led by a prison social inspector. This programme includes meetings with an ex-prisoner and visit to a prison. This experience gives these youth the opportunity to see the life that could await them if they let anger rule their actions. The programme is one of the first of its kind in Bulgaria.
Another one of our training programmes prepares soon-to-be graduates of a vocational training school to enter the work force. This programme provides youth with skills on finding available jobs, interviewing, budgeting and transitioning to life on their own.
Star of Hope also leads a number of other educational programmes, which address relational ethics, personal and dental hygiene, sex education, the danger of smoking and alcohol, and cooking basics. Through our training programmes, we provide the knowledge and skills for at-risk children and youth to survive and make better choices for their future.
- Social Integration of Vulnerable Young People
Star of Hope continues to support the young people after they leave the social institutions and make their first steps in their independent lives. We provide counseling, material and moral support to assist and ease their integration in society. Through our work these vulnerable young people find recognition as individuals, grow in their self-esteem and are driven and determined to move forward in their lives.
More Photos
News
On October 12th, 2011, Star of Hope organized a visit to the Bulgarian Parliament of the pupils from the Knjaz Boris I Special Needs Vocational Training Boarding School in Sofia.
In September 2011, Vessy and Veronika started their studies in the Filaretova Medical College in Sofia. The girls are part of our Future & Hope Programme – Half-way Houses for vulnerable young people.
July 14th – 20th, 2011, we held a camp in Sapareva Banya for underprivileged teenagers from Sofia and Strumjani Municipality. The camp had a strong emphasis on Prevention of Antisocial Behaviour.