Hope and homes for children – Bulgaria organized an event called “Children Teach Children,” in which children and youngsters from the organization’s program for child and youth participation took on the role of trainers. They shared their experiences with peers and young people from the Aleko Konstantinov Family-type placement center for children and youngsters with disability, the Hristo Botev Family-type placement center for children and youngsters with disability, and the Ivan Vazov Family-type placement center in Sofia.
The event was dedicated to the children’s rights – all children have the right to a family environment, to develop their talents, and to actively participate in public life. Children with disabilities and children without parents are exactly among the most vulnerable groups, which is why initiatives like this one are particularly important.
The youth program of Hope and homes for children – Bulgaria works to build young advocates who support their peers and promote the acceptance and understanding towards children and youngsters with disabilities.
The atmosphere at the event was warm and exciting – the participants learned from each other, created, danced, and had fun. “I really love when we are together, and it’s nice when we meet other children and young people,” said one of the young people from the Center for children and youths with disabilities.
The presence of a representative from the Children’s Council to the State Agency for Child Protection added extra value to the initiative.
This event proved that when children and youngsters are given the opportunity to be active and equal, they build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting friendships.
About Hope and homes for children – Bulgaria
The organization is part of the international network Hope and homes for children, which operates in over 30 countries. In Bulgaria, our mission is to end the institutional care for children and ensure that every child grows up in a safe and loving family environment. We support families at risk, help children and young people develop their skills, and work to ensure that their voices are heard.
The activity is part of the “Participate Now!” project, which is implemented within the INSPIRE project: Improving national support for prevention, intervention, and response to violence against children, and empowering victims, and is co-funded by the European Union and the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation (WCIF).
