House of opportunity in Gabrovo is now a fact

Center for you people who leave state orphanages called The House of Opportunity opened doors this week in Popovtsi (Gabrovo Municipality). The project is set up by the Foundation for Social change and Inclusion with the support of Trussell Trust UK,Gabrovo Municipality, local companies and volunteers.

5 are the institutions for abandond children around Gabrovo. Every year 10 young people are asked to leave them. The House of Opportunity gives them a chance to make a smooth transition towards independence. Over a period of 2 yeath the team of FSCI is helping them develop basic social skills and to secure emplyment. The project provides ongoing support after that. Every year 4 young people join the Programme.

„We’re happy to receive a lot of interest from the locals”, shared Teodora Koleva – head of the foundation. “A lot of people and companies from Gabrovo and the country supported the start of the project. The Municipality gave us the building. Technomarket donated all the white goods. They will all remain involved in the future, they will get to know the young people, some may become their employers and friends. That will contribute to thier inclusion in society”, added Teodora Koleva.

The House of Opportunity is developed according to the national priorities on deinstitutionalization and provision of equal opportunities to vulberable groups. FSCI has piloted the project in Skravena (Botevgrad Municipality). The foundation is planning to develop a network of houses across the whole of Bulgaria starting in Ruse, Sofia and Varna.