12/03/2022
Update 2 -apologies for not updating on Fridays as usual but things have moved forward over the last 24 hours.
Last week I made contact with a number of organisations involved in the local relief efforts and we discussed the 'school' idea. Currently there are 110 individual refugees in our municipality - mostly mothers with children ranging from 2 year to 17. (This may not seem a large number but it has doubled in the last week and is expected to double again next week) They are being housed locally, schooling is also being provided in local schools and the local municipality have a very active team working with them. We have decided to develop this initiative into two phases - Firstly to support the schools and the refugees with out of school activities. I have agreed to offer art workshops and practical based activities at the Museum of Humour in Gabrovo and they are using their existing schools outreach programme and other local artists to do this - we will also be providing a 'coffee shop' meeting place so the families can come along together and the children are 'entertained' - We are also encouraging the schools to involve local Bulgarian students to participate so the Ukrainians have a 'buddy ' system in place. I have a growing group of volunteers to help with this and the Museum staff and Director have been amazing. Among the volunteers is a psychology expert and school councillors. This morning I had an amazing meeting with the district governor of Gabrovo region who I was unexpectedly introduced to last night through the Rotary Club. She is very supportive and wants me to work directly with schools and we are having a meeting with them next week!
The second phase of this project is the 'school' itself - amazingly there is an existing school which is available and ready to use but it is not in exactly the right location but we are now discussing making it into an International Education / Study Centre where, not only do we cope with refugee children, but we also have a focus on the large Roma community here and also have residential visits from wherever! as cultural exchanges and promoting peace and understanding.
The money raised so far is still there on hold- and we will keep the GogetMoney site open until June, as originally planned. My 'team' are seeking sponsorship and donations of materials we can use from local business and I am hopeful that the funding for the existing school will come from the authorities.
the past two weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster and I am humbled by the support and positivity of the people I have met and who have donated money, offered their homes and put themselves forward to help.
Unlike pictures you have seen in other European countries the influx of refugees to our area of Bulgaria has, until now, been a trickle and this means that we have been able to support the families fairly easily. The coming weeks may change this and will be where longer term projects will fit in. I have had a lot of offers from my former teaching colleagues to come and volunteer at the 'school' - I may still need you but I think it will be focussed activities, workshops and skills that you may need to offer - A busman's holiday springs to mind - be ready for the call!
Next week will be another week of meetings and planning and finally getting to meet the children and their new Bulgarian friends.
Once again many thanks for your support and interest.
Gareth
