On July 24, 2025, a special session dedicated to what is important for every child and young person was held at the Hristo Botev Family-Type Accommodation Center for Children and Young People with Disabilities. The session aimed to pilot the already developed Mechanism for Child and Youth Participation. Children and young people from the Center participated, as well as those from the children’s program of Hope and Homes for Children.
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).
Through drawing, cutting, and pasting images, the artists expressed their values and dreams. Holidays, friends, animals, and music were among the most important themes for them. The children and young people participated actively and with great enthusiasm, and the warm words and support created a cozy and pleasant atmosphere.
Music also played an important role in the meeting. Some of the children even started singing together, which brought many smiles and joy. The songs became a natural continuation of the conversation about important things and created a sense of community and mutual connection.
This session reminded us how important it is for children and young people to have the opportunity to be heard, to express their thoughts in creative ways, and to communicate with their peers and adults. These moments not only have emotional value, but also strengthen their sense of inclusion and support.
We thank all participants for their wonderful energy and creativity!
