Join our campaign

Help us build a new centre in Fakulteta

[symple_column size=“one-third“ position=“first“ fade_in=“false“][symple_skillbar title=“Funds collected“ percentage=“71″ color=“#65C25C“ show_percent=“true“][/symple_column]

Remaining funds: 167,400 BGN (€ 83,700)

Why do we need a new Centre in the Fakulteta neighbourhood?

Twelve years ago we built the first of its kind Health and Social Centre in the Roma community and started developing the necessary services to help break the cycle of poverty and isolation and prepare young children and their parents to cope with the requirements of the educational system and labour market. We named this program Model for Integrated Development. At first it was difficult to convince the community of the program’s benefits, but just a few years later there were hundreds of children and parents willing to participate. There are currently thousands of children in the Fakulteta neighbourhood that have the need and desire to receive services, but unfortunately the original centre is at full capacity.

That is when we realised that we need to build a centre that is five times the size of the original one. Building a second, larger center would allow Hesed to meet the growing demand and achieve fast and tangible results thanks to our extensive experience and solid reputation among the neighbourhood families that benefit from our services.

The Danish VELUX  Foundation approved our idea and took on a large part of the construction costs of the new centre, as well as the financing of the first two years of its operation. Sofia Municipality has backed the initiative by providing the land. We are now fundraising to cover the whole amount necessary for the construction of the new centre.

Who are we?

Health and Social Development (Hesed) is the first NGO in Bulgaria that entered the Roma community with development programs over 15 years ago. In 2002 Hesed created the first Health and Social Centre for community development in the country in the Fakulteta neighbourhood in Sofia, which solidified the effectiveness of a new type of social infrastructure located within the community itself.

Today our foundation has 3 such centres, which apply the innovative Model for Integrated Development. 

• Fakulteta neighbourhood, City of Sofia (with the help of the Cooperating Netherlands Foundations)
• [symple_spacing size=“8″]Iztok neighbourhood, City of Kyustendil (with the help of the ‘Velux’ Foundation)
• [symple_spacing size=“8″]Filipovtsi neighbourhood, City of Sofia (with the help of the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce)

This model prepares young people for a successful entry into the labour market and at the same time provides early childhood development for the future generation. The goal is to break the vicious cycle of poverty and isolation and this significant human capital to be included in the creation of wealth.

Why are we involved?

The demographic crisis in Bulgaria is growing in severity. Our labour resources are diminishing, while the number of young people who remain “excluded” from the social and economic sphere is increasing. Currently one of four young people entering the labour market is of Roma ethnicity and half of the Roma community has not completed primary education. This means that the success of the Bulgarian economy and business increasingly relies on our ability to develop the large human potential embedded in the segregated Roma communities.

What is the needed investment?

Total funds required: 570,000 BGN (€ 285,000)
Funds provided by the “VELUX” Foundation: 400,000 BGN (€ 200,000)
Funds collected to date (since July 9th): 402,600 BGN (€ 201,300)

HESED Foundation Team: 2,000 BGN (€ 1,000)
Boyana Stamenova, Brussels: 600 BGN (€ 300)

Remaining funds: 167,400 BGN (€ 83,700)
Deadline: 31 December, 2015

How can you help?

You can make your donation via:

1. Bank trasfer

[symple_column size=“one-half“ position=“first“ fade_in=“false“]UniCredit Bulbank (in BGN)
IBAN: BG41 UNCR 7630 1051 4915 30
BIC (SWIFT): UNCRBGSF[/symple_column]

[symple_column size=“one-half“ position=“last“ fade_in=“false“]UniCredit Bulbank (in EUR)
IBAN: BG15 UNCR 7630 1451 4987 55
BIC (SWIFT) UNCRBGSF[/symple_column]

2. Paypal

In addition to monetary donations, we accept donations of building materials, including:

Concrete, rebar, bricks, an elevator, plasterboard, drywall, PVC exterior and interior joinery, sunscreen systems (shutters and grilles from inside), facade products, plaster, latex, metal lining, paint, tiles, granite tiles, sanitary ware, lighting, landscaping, exterior fence and others.

What is the long-term effect?

Bulgaria has 165 municipalities with large Roma populations, who would benefit greatly from a local Health and Social Centre. Our goal is realistic and achievable. However, we need resources and quick action if we are to scale up and reverse the alarming demographic trends.

What is the benefit for your own organization or company?

Your support for building this centre is an opportunity to invest not only in the future of young people from the “Fakulteta” neighbourhood, but also in the sustainable development of your business and in the human capital of Bulgaria as a whole; an investment in the social cohesion of our country.

• You can have a direct involvement in the most pressing and significant social transformation process in Bulgaria.
• [symple_spacing size=“15″]Your team can contribute to a visible positive change in the lives of hundreds of children and witness their success.
• [symple_spacing size=“15″]You can actively participate in the development of communities that are currently working or might work in your area of business.
• [symple_spacing size=“15″]You can make change happen together with like-minded organisations and individuals.
• [symple_spacing size=“15″]Your participation is made visible through the promotion and visualisation of your support and assistance.
• [symple_spacing size=“15″]Your employees can have an unforgettable experience in our centres by using their invidual skills to engage and co-create with children and young people.

Any further questions? Send us an email at [email protected].

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