A year full of changes and successes

2023 was a memorable year for Viva80 Bulgarienhilfe. Find out what we have achieved together for Bulgarian children.

2023 was a year of change and reorientation for Viva80 Bulgarienhilfe. A year in which we brought socially disadvantaged Bulgarian children and young people one step closer to a self-determined future with the help of donations from our benefactors. We would like to take a look back and share with you what we have achieved together and what exciting new projects await us.

Our history

After 34 years of great pioneering work at the helm of Viva80 Bulgarienhilfe and countless donations to children's homes and orphanages, organizations for the disabled and hospitals, our founder Anita Hammer has taken her well-deserved retirement. Her work will not be forgotten: 6000 patients and residents have had their lives made easier. Anita's commitment was honored in 2009 with the Swiss Militia Award from Swiss Re and in 2015 with the Golden Laurel Branch (Order of the Bulgarian Government). We are delighted that Anita will remain with us as Honorary President and advisor.

New Board and focus on empowering Bulgarian children

Children and youth are the future of Bulgaria, especially in light of the drastic population decline (from nearly 9 million in 1989 to 6.5 million in 2023). Enabling Bulgarian children to lead independent and self-determined lives through education and training in Bulgaria is now the focus of our work. The new board focuses primarily on socially disadvantaged Bulgarian children with special needs and children from difficult backgrounds who have experienced violence and a life on the streets.

Groundwork

2023 was not only a year of transition from the old board to the new, but also a year of development and groundwork. From a new website with new branding, the activation of donations via Paypal, the introduction to new and existing patrons, the organization and implementation of a charity concert, to the establishment of trustful relationships with children's homes and aid organizations on the ground in Bulgaria - we have achieved a lot.

Our successes

The first successes are also visible on the ground in Bulgaria. Thanks to the great support and donations of our benefactors, we have realized a lot together:

• Learning boards for children with learning disabilities in Pazardjik: Children with learning disabilities at the Family Housing Center in Pazardjik were able to expand and intensify their tutoring with high-quality, long-term learning boards in subjects such as math and Bulgarian, covering topics such as fractions and multiplication tables, as well as spelling and sentence structure. A competition will soon be held for the children to show what they have learned.
  

• Contribution to the renovation of Villa Autistika in Sofia: With the donations collected so far, the renovation of Villa Autistika into a training center for autistic children in Sofia has gotten off to a successful start. A new construction fence and video surveillance of the house will prevent unauthorized entry and secure the progress of the renovation. Om November 23, windows were installed throughout the building. Electricity will be installed on the first two floors. Renovation of the sanitary facilities on the first two floors is also planned.

Sneak peek at upcoming projects

Of course, we will not be idle in the new year. We are currently preparing the following empowerment and training activities with our local partners:

• Educational games and materials for the Center for Disabled Children and Youth in Lovetch

• Art and pottery workshops and digital literacy courses for autistic children in collaboration with the "Help for People with Developmental Problems" Foundation in Sofia, which runs Villa Autistika

We will present our activities at the Swiss-Bulgarian Business Club on December 13 and hopefully raise more funds.

We look forward to sharing more with you in the New Year and wish you a happy holiday season.

P. S. Would you like to invest in the education of underprivileged Bulgarian children? Every contribution counts! Donating is very easy: Click on "Donate" to donate your desired amount via PayPal or transfer it to UBS AG, Account "Viva80", IBAN no. CH29 0025 4254 2189 7701 M, address: Etzelweg 8, 8708 Männedorf