The Story of Tsvetelina Terziyska, For Our Children Foundation
This is a story about social work that is about much more than numbers, indicators and monthly capacity. Its impact can also be measured in a child’s smile, a first word or a first step; in the handle of a balloon drawn on a scrap of paper; in the shining eyes of a parent… In a “thank you” from a student who had never before shared how they felt in the group. In an idea shared by a professional. In a mother seeing her child for the first time and embracing them. In a kindergarten teacher changing a lesson for the sake of a child who has lost someone close. In a child with developmental difficulties being accepted. In a father who – slightly hesitant, but for the first time – comes to a celebration or joins an activity with his family…
The journey of Tsvetelina Terziyska, Senior Early Childhood Development Psychologist and Head of the Expert Support Team at the For Our Children Foundation, began during the hot summer of 2018. It marked the beginning of something much more than just another job. In Plovdiv, she found another cause to which she could devote her heart, inspiration and enthusiasm – along with a great deal of hard work and a healthy dose of critical thinking.
“I started by facilitating group activities with children, training sessions for families, initiatives involving children in foster care, as well as working with parents and providing consultations for educators as part of the ‘I Play and Dream’ project. For the first time in the city, the Foundation was implementing such a series of activities in a kindergarten. It was an opportunity that truly inspired me – to contribute to creating an environment where children feel heard and accepted, and free to dream! Where parents are encouraged and better informed about how to support their children’s development, while also having greater access to services and professionals. And where we, as professionals, communicate more, exchange experience and ideas, support one another instead of competing and working in isolation…” Tsvetelina Terziyska says.
By then, she was already familiar with the organisation’s work and causes, as well as many of her colleagues. She knew that she would not simply be carrying out tasks, but would have the freedom to create and seek solutions – as part of a team.
She remembers the first challenges – making careful use of scarce resources, working in just two rooms and with only one car. Today, thanks to the efforts of many colleagues and supporters, the team works in a building associated with the renowned teacher and public figure from Koprivshtitsa, Rada Kirkovich, who bequeathed her entire estate to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Today, the building is home to the organisation’s Early Childhood Development Complex in Plovdiv.
“We now have inspiring spaces, an Academy for Social Learning and Development and the ‘The Other Childhood’ exhibition – but our team remains our greatest asset. People with big hearts who believe, who care and who never give up,” Terziyska says.
Her motivation to remain part of a system filled with moral and ethical dilemmas, hardship and moments when meaning seems difficult to find comes from a journey that has taught her to believe there is an opportunity around every corner – an opportunity for change that gives someone a chance, leaves a lasting impact, provides support and defends the rights of the most vulnerable: children.
Sometimes recognition comes in the most unexpected ways. After one creative workshop, a young mother, speaking in broken Bulgarian, shared something with Tsvetelina in front of the entire group:
“…the fact that you ask us how we want the meeting to go and that you listen to us… You try to understand us, while offering guidance in a respectful way. This is how I will try to treat my children more often too – with attention and respect, through conversation and support…”
Tsvetelina simply remained silent, listened and smiled. And to herself she thought: “Bingo! 😉”
She believes we should not wait until a problem becomes obvious before taking action. This is also at the heart of the For Our Children Foundation’s mission – a focus on prevention. When a family is confused, exhausted or alone, the organisation is there at the right time – before the crisis becomes too difficult to manage.
The National Network for Children has held a special place in Tsvetelina Terziyska’s heart since 2014, when she attended the Network’s Annual Meeting and met people who inspired her – people she describes as true fighters.
She remembers thinking: “I want to be here, and I will be!”
That same year, she became Head of the Volunteer Centre at the Club of Non-Profit Organisations, and in 2015 she took part in a camp organised by the MEGAPHONE Youth Network.
For Tsvetelina, the Network helps the entire civil society sector keep alive its drive for change and development. It creates a sense of belonging, community and support, while giving organisations the momentum they need to turn shared ideas into action.
“People who work for children’s rights are magicians, changemakers and awakeners – people who truly change the world… And it is the small steps and small victories that hold the walls together and keep us moving forward,” Tsvetelina Terziyska says.
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The For Our Children Foundation is a member of the National Network for Children (NNC) – Bulgaria’s largest alliance of more than 140 civil society organisations and activists working for children’s rights. This year, the Network celebrates its 20th anniversary.
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