Construction has begun on the Children’s House – a new social space designed to support children in Bulgaria, help them develop and strengthen their voices.
The Children’s House will be a place for every child, providing space for learning, meeting others, sports and play. Children and young people will take part in programmes on financial literacy, health, environmental awareness and sustainable development, entrepreneurship and leadership skills. Parents will also be able to seek support in caring for and communicating with their children.
The Children’s House will operate as a social enterprise. Its cafeteria, kitchen and small hostel will provide young people with opportunities to gain practical work experience and take part in managing the activities. The ultimate goal is for every child who takes part in the centre’s activities to become more confident, active, knowledgeable, successful and happy.
The Children’s House will also become a home for the 140+ organisations and individual members of the National Network for Children (NNC). It will create a unique opportunity for children, young people, parents, businesses and social sector professionals to work together in support of children and families.
The project is implemented by the National Network for Children and funded by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works under the Regional Development Programme 2021–2027. Project partners are the Regional Centre for Support of the Process of Inclusive Education – Sofia and Concordia Bulgaria Foundation.
Construction of the new Children’s House building officially began today with a groundbreaking ceremony. The energy-efficient, three-storey building will enable the teams working there to support 200 children and young people every month. The Children’s House will be open to children from across Bulgaria, regardless of their background, social circumstances or health status. Qualified teachers, social workers, psychologists, mentors and other professionals will work with them.
“The Children’s House is a dream come true for our entire community – a dream we have been working towards almost since NNC was established 20 years ago. We will create a welcoming environment in a dedicated space where children can learn about their rights, better understand the power of their own voice and receive the support they need to become active and fulfilled citizens,” said Georgi Bogdanov, Executive Director of the National Network for Children and Project Manager of the Children’s House, during the official groundbreaking ceremony.
Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev noted:
“The truth is that far too many children and young people are left on their own at the most important moments in their lives – especially those leaving institutions or foster care. Without support, without direction, without a real chance. The Children’s House offers a different answer. And this is precisely where the significance of this project lies.
“The Children’s House is a place of support. What does that mean in practice? A place where children will be heard and understood; access to education, skills and support; employment opportunities for young people leaving institutions; assistance for families facing difficult circumstances; and a community that leaves no one behind.”
Nikolay Naydenov, Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, whose ministry provides a significant share of the funding for the initiative, emphasised that the Children’s House is situated in a wonderful location, in one of Sofia’s oldest neighbourhoods, an area with a rich and living history, and that it will benefit local communities. He also praised the design team for their work on the vision for the building and its façade.
Hasan Ademov, Minister of Labour and Social Policy, highlighted the importance of cooperation between civil society, local authorities, Bulgarian institutions and European institutions, noting that when their efforts are directed towards the same goal, meaningful results can be achieved.
“Be persistent! I am confident that this project will mark the beginning of a new and fundamentally different approach to child protection, and that everything you are doing will serve the best interests of children. Today, 2 April, is World Autism Awareness Day. This space will be their space too,” he added.
TV presenter Maria Silvester, host of Brigada Nov Dom and a long-standing supporter of the Network, also expressed her support for the Children’s House:
“I am here as someone deeply committed to causes related to children. I would like to thank the institutions, businesses and everyone involved in making this building a reality. The groundbreaking is today, and I am a symbol of the fact that wherever I show up, things really do change in five days.”
One of the project partners and an activist from the neighbourhood where the Children’s House is being built, Kaloyan Damyanov, highlighted the importance of the initiative for the local community and said that he would be delighted to visit the Children’s House with his own child.
Stanislav Iliev, Mayor of Sofia’s Vazrazhdane District, recalled that when he first learned about the project two years ago, he was deeply impressed and committed to doing everything possible to help make the initiative a reality for the benefit of children in the district.
“Children may make up only 30% of Sofia’s population, but they are 100% of our future.”
The event was hosted by Nia Atanasova and Kristian Mirchev, young people from NNC’s MEGAPHONE Youth Programme, demonstrating that young people’s voices will have a central role in the Children’s House.
Georgi Bogdanov emphasised that everyone who supports the Children’s House is investing in a happier, more confident and fulfilling future for children in Bulgaria. Discover all the ways you can support the Children’s House.
See What the Children’s House Will Look Like
