They are from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, have escaped war and persecution: For more and more children, mothers and unaccompanied minors, Bulgaria is one of the first stations in Europe. Meanwhile, the transit country has become their new home. Orienting themselves is a major challenge for the newcomers.
To accompany them on their difficult path, we have expanded the St. Anna Integration Centre. In the midst of an area where many refugees meet each other, the centre is a shelter where they can learn Bulgarian and English. The little ones are additionally tutored to prepare them for school. They had to disrupt their education on their journey – to continue it is paramount for an independent future. Qualified staff takes care of the kids, so their mothers can also attend courses and search for a job. Dedicated social workers and translators support them in bureaucratic affairs or finding an apartment. Street workers are on their feet around the clock in order to make children and mothers on the streets aware of the centre.
This project is very dear to Herbert Stepic’ heart: “I am grateful that so many friends and supporters of our Charity have donated for the project. I visited the centre in spring and met happy children and mothers. They are relieved their little ones are given a chance here. In the next room they did handicrafts and giggled a lot. From day to day they know Bulgarian better. I know that we are on the right track.”
