Description
The project addresses the psycho-emotional challenges faced by children placed in institutions, growing up in a very limited social environment, lacking any individual attention and unable to develop their social and communication skills. The project attempts to bridge the gap between the children and their social environment by means of a new model of communication, involving volunteers outside the institutions and training the staff to improve their skills. First, volunteers will be selected and trained to work with children in institutions. Second, 20 interactive sessions will be held with children aged 7-12 on topical subjects using applied arts followed by 20 sports sessions. Finally, group discussions with the staff will be organized on stress management, emotional control, physical and breathing exercises. The project will benefit not only the children and staff at Asen Zlatarev Children’s Home in Vratsa but also can serve as a model for other children’s homes.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the psycho-emotional challenges faced by children placed in institutions, growing up in a very limited social environment, lacking any individual attention and unable to develop their social and communication skills. A number of activities were carried out aimed to change the attitudes and develop physical and emotional skills among the children aged 7-12 from Asen Zlatarov Home for Children without Parental Care in the town of Vratsa. The project activities expanded the practical skills of the children, developed their capacity for self-assessment and teamwork. The educators, young people – assistants and volunteers were actively involved in the implementation of the activities. The educators learned about alternative teaching activities and developed their skills for conflict resolution and overcoming of negative attitudes. The involvement of the young people – assistants from the institution changed their self-assessment and negative attitudes. The volunteers gained experience for work with children with such deficiency. We will try to continue implementing the activities by means of fundraising campaign and a network of volunteers. The model developed under the project will be replicated in Olga Skobeleva Home for Children without Parental Care in the city of Plovdiv.
Summary of bilateral results