House of Opportunity Programme launched beyond Bulgaria

The FSCI Network Conference, organized in March this year, brought together over 50 representatives from 10 different Balkans and Eastern European countries who are interested in the programmes of the Foundation for Social Change and Inclusion (FSCI). The conference confirmed that the dangers that young people face when leaving state care are typical not only for Bulgaria but for the whole region.

This is why the Foundation for Social Change and Inclusion is offering its well-designed, effective “House of Opportunity” Programme to other like-minded organisations who are interested in partnering with FSCI by joining the Development Programme. So far five organisations have already agreed to partner with FSCI and set up Houses of Opportunity. FSCI provides each partner organization with a detailed operating manual on how to set up and manage a House of Opportunity and offers support and training.

The House of Opportunity Programme is a network of family-type houses for young people leaving institutions for children deprived of parental care. The programme has been developing since 2007 and is based on advanced practices from Western Europe adapted to the environment and needs of the young people in Bulgaria. The House of Opportunity aims at breaking the cycle of abandonment and poverty by helping young people brought up in institutional care to gain skills for independent living in order to become dignified and contributing members of our society.

First training weekends in Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina

In October FSCI’s Social Work Department Manager went to Belgrade in Serbia and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to train the staff and volunteers. Some of the topics that the newly formed teams worked on were: team building and team work, decision-making, how to prevent “burnout”, psycho-social characteristics of state care leavers etc. The two teams found the training very useful and practical.

House of Opportunity opens in Belgrade, Serbia

The House of Opportunity Programme sees a landmark event in November with the opening of a House in Belgrade – the first one outside of Bulgaria! Center Star now has an apartment ready, employed specialist staff and has opened its doors to the first beneficiaries. Tanya, the director of Center Star, believes that this project will include a large number of young people from vulnerable groups and help them on the path to social integration and independence.

Would your organisation like to hear more about this?

Click here or contact Annette Glaw, FSCI Balkans Coordinator, a.glaw@fscibulgaria.org; +44 7780 458825;