"Rodopski pansion" is one of the biggest social establishments of that kind in Bulgaria, providing home and care for more than 140 young people at the ages of 5 to 16. Most of them have grown up in other children's social homes, and, when becoming teenagers, they come to "Rodopski pansion" in Plovdiv. They attend different high schools in the town.
The socially disadvantaged background of most of the children is considered to be the reason for many problems, which they face in school, in their contacts with other people, in their everyday life. Those who have completed 19 years are not subject of social care any more. They have to leave the orphanage and start an independent living. Many of them turn to be unprepared to make this step after spending all their lives up to now in Social care institutions. That's why the interaction with other young people from different countries while working, playing, learning together in the frame of an international volunteer project is essential for their socialization and adaptation.
The volunteers will be engaged with organizing variety of activities like: sports events, gardening, group games, thematic workshops, walks in the city of Plovdiv, visits to different sights and events, etc. for the children and the youngsters in order to optimize their free time during the summer period. Some maintenance and domestic works will be done together with the residents.
Because of the lack of funds and the difficult economic situation of the social establishment, the volunteers are invited to contribute with their creativity, enthusiasm and ideas. They have to know that this is definitely not a touristic or leisure program in which they just have to join in with the orphans. The experience of more than five years proves that even without expensive events, this can be an unforgettable and really rewarding time for the both sides - the volunteers and the youngsters.
The Orphanage is planning a new playground for the kids. If they get support from the sponsors and the construction starts as anticipated, the volunteers will help with the final works, cleaning the site and decoration of the playing equipment.
Project dates:
August 17 - August 30, 2008
Accommodation and food will be provided for the participants at the orphanage boarding house.
More information about CADIP's Volunteer Program in Bulgaria and Enrolment procedure: www.cadip.org/volunteer-in-bulgaria.htm
Volunteer projects in other countries: www.cadip.org/workcamps.htm
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