First ever modern playground in what is one of the EU's largest Roma neighbourhoods is chance to learn and socialise in safe environment
Play and physical activity are essential for early childhood development. Yet around 4,000 children living in Fakulteta, one of the largest Roma neighbourhoods in Bulgaria and in the EU in general, lack proper, safe places to run, climb, skate, slide, explore the world and socialise with their peers.
An initiative by the MacDougal Foundation, the Trust for Social Achievement and the Hesed Foundation, supported by a number of other NGOs, local institutions and individuals, is changing the situation. What was once an illegal dumping ground is now Charlene's Garden - a pleasant, quiet place with everything children need to play and meet friends in a green, encouraging and creative environment.
Gail Buyske, Chair of the Board of Directors of the America for Bulgaria Foundation (second from left), Gary MacDougal and Sarah Perrine, Trust for Social Achievement (far right) cut the ribbon of Charlene's Garden © Rumen Naydenov, TSA
The garden is named after the late Charlene Gehm MacDougal, who visited Bulgaria numerous times with her husband, Gary MacDougal, the co-founder of the America for Bulgaria Foundation. During their frequent visits, the couple saw the potential of the local Roma community, traditionally the poorest and least educated segment of Bulgarian society. The MacDougals decided to make it their mission to help children and young people unlock their potential.
Journalists, members of NGOs, the local government and Fakulteta community attended the opening of the playground
As Gary MacDougal recalled at the opening, the inspiration for the garden came from a meeting with some local children a few years ago. One of the children's spontaneous hug and bright smile was the unspoken message that told him, without a single word, what needed to be done to make life better, brighter and more promising for the children of Fakulteta.
The first children to play at the new facility arrived from a local kindergarten
Charlene's Garden is the beautiful embodiment of the MacDougals' commitment to improving the lives of children and giving them hope for the future. Situated next to an education and health centre that provides vital services to the Fakulteta community, the playground is bright and welcoming. Both children and parents will benefit from the space and the opportunities for safe activity, recreation and socialisation it provides. It is a significant step towards improving the lives of disadvantaged children in Bulgaria and giving them a brighter future.
© Rumen Naydenov, TSA
Local children helped for the drawings that cover the walls of the playground © Rumen Naydenov, TSA
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