Bulgarian Child, Inc.
Love and
Loaves to Those in Need
7522 Campbell Rd. - St. 113 - 172 - Dallas, TX
June 2003 Trip
Velingrad
Velingrad found us in the company of Becky Gardner, the local
Peace Corps Volunteer.
This home of 66 kids is in average
shape as compare to others in Bulgaria but there are some
crafts being done here such as weaving, needlepoint and some
wood products.
As is so often the case in these homes there
are showers - all in the same room downstairs. My notes
say "4" but I've only found this picture of 2 showerheads in
this one room.
The cafeteria is combined with a leisure area with a TV and is
light and airy and well-kept.
Outdoor play equipment is a grand total of
one swing (shown at right).
The classrooms are the same as we see in
many other homes including the broken chairs. Note the
blackboard that is a piece of wood, painted black and so worn
that it no longer really cleans up.
Bedrooms are in decent shape and not too crowded. Some of the
beds have broken slats and they are in need of new sheets.
This small room housed some exercise equipment for
this home of 46 boys and 20 girls.
I'm running out of words to say the same
thing.... this home is lacking in almost everything that would
make a significant difference in the lives of these kids.
Even though they have schooling in the local schools, there is
no followup or any kind of vocational training - OR for that
matter - any opportunities for employment.
The washing machine is an old and
inefficient machine in a building out back of the main
building. They are in need of something manageable and
could find ample space for a couple of small washer/dryer sets
in the kitchen area. They also need a good cook stove.
We're investigating the possibility of
engaging someone to help train their teachers on computer
skills so that they can train the kids in their computer room.
