ZOV has been providing Christmas parties and presents to Children in Care for over ten years. This year with the help of “Joy for All” and Zvetelina, Stefan and Friends, ZOV provided 188 children in 11 centres with Christmas presents and a party. 10 of the centres were homes for children deprived of parental care. We made sure each child got an individual present, a visit from Father Christmas and a party. They were wonderful events, with many of the student mentors and staff turning up to share in the celebrations. A big thank you to all for your fundraising efforts and for making this year our best yet!!!!
40 children participated in an Easter Bazaar and 110 in a Christmas Bazaar, raising money through selling gifts they had made in learning sessions organised by ZOV
80 children with a range of special needs, some of whom have parents who struggle to cope, received weekly music, art and speech therapy support.
123 children received one-to-one mentoring support as part of ZOV’s educational club. As a result of this, many children’s school results and general motivation have increased.
Overall, 86 children received educational and life-skills sessions over the passed year.
73 children participated in a range of weekly sessions, including music, dance, English, sports, computers, and cooking.
ZOV held training for 70 childcare professionals, including ZOV staff and mentors, on methods of working with children with behavioural issues and those with special needs.
20 staff members received specialist support and group therapy to learn how to better understand and support the children’s needs and behaviour..
In November 2019 ZOV presented “Best Practice Methods” for working in schools at The National Forum for Inclusive education in Sofia.
ZOV has won a national award from the Child Protection Agency for good partnership with a children’s home. All the results of our work were evaluated and the award was based on the support ZOV has provided over the last 12 years. The award was given by Deputy Minister of Labour and Social support Zornitsa Rusinova in a ceremony at Sofia on 20th of November.
Girls from a Crisis Centre ZOV works with have also planted potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in the garden which ZOV created for them in 2017. Gardening really helps the girls feel calm and is especially important in the summer months when the mentors are on holiday. It enables the girls to spend time outside and learn about the natural environment.
8 children participated in work experience, this summer. Work experience really helps the young people gain confidence and helps them prepare for independent living.
ZOV arranged for 96 children to go on a summer holiday this year. Thanks to Friends of Bulgaria the majority of children and young people (56) went to the lovely Baba Stana near Troyan. They participated in a range of activities such as walks in the natural countryside, cooking, and arts and crafts. They also visiting local historical places including Troyan and Oreshaka Monastery. Some of the children visited the seaside at Kraimore whe they got to go swimming in the sea and also visited the biggest zoo in Bulgaria. The books of games and activities ZOV has created were used to help children develop their team skills and confidence.
Each year we assess our work and make sure we are delivering the best possible projects to address the children’s needs. We are piloting a new project to provide individual plans for each child based on their needs which will enable those who work and care for them to react and provide care in a consistent and constructive way which best addresses the needs of each child.
The children and young people ZOV works with have participated in a total of seven sports tournaments in the last three months all over Bulgaria. A total of 63 medals were won by the children !!!!
Check out our new Bulgarian website at www.zovbg.org
Children have been making gifts to sell at the Easter Bazaar to celebrate Baba Marta including Martenitsi.
Participating in Ice Skating sessions in the winter months and badminton, table tennis, athletics, running, basketball in preparation for a sports competition in Sofia
Weekly individual educational support has resulted in 15 children with improved reading skills and 7 with improved writing skills.
26 children went on a trip to Ksilifor an outdoor centre to participate in outdoor activities in January.