Emergency Smile’s first mission in Bulgaria
In recent years, Bulgaria has become a focal point in addressing the challenges faced by displaced persons, primarily due to its position as a border country between the European Union and Türkiye. The journeys for those crossing from Greece or Türkiye are fraught with danger, and displaced individuals often face severe hardships, exacerbated by an increased Frontex presence and reports of harsh treatment at border crossings. Moreover, its proximity to Ukraine has led to a sharp rise in the number of people seeking asylum.
A particularly troubling trend is the rising number of unaccompanied minors, who now comprise around 20% of those seeking safety in Bulgaria. Many of these children, some as young as eight, must navigate their new realities without parental support, further intensifying their vulnerabilities.
At RED NOSES International, we aim to support displaced individuals through our Crisis Response Programme, Emergency Smile, particularly focusing on children, by providing psychosocial care through artistic activities. Our work is dedicated to fostering international solidarity and promoting a humane approach to displacement, one that prioritises the wellbeing and dignity of those affected.
Starting in Sofia
Our scouting Emergency Smile mission in Bulgaria began in Sofia, at the Voenna Rampa Registration and Reception Centre (RRC), which houses 20 unaccompanied minors. Our team, consisting of Salomé Morand as Head of Mission and Tina Janežič and Mario Perković as healthcare clowns, collaborated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which oversees a Safe Zone in the RRC for unaccompanied minors. The feedback we received was heart-warming—they shared that they had never seen the children smile like that before!
Harmanli: Bulgaria’s largest Registration and Reception Centre
Following the initial days in Sofia, the team travelled to Harmanli, near the Turkish border, which is home to Bulgaria’s largest Registration and Reception Centre for displaced persons. Partnering with Medical Volunteers International (MVI), the team organised activities in the park adjacent to the camp. Feedback from the organisers highlighted that they had never seen the children maintain their attention for such a long time!
The next day, the team brought the initiative directly into the RRC, where they visited the Safe Zone, which currently hosts 60 unaccompanied minors and is managed by the State Agency for Refugees and UNICEF. The team conducted two Circus Smile Workshops for the unaccompanied minors. The coordinator of the Safe Zone mentioned that, with so many children, they don’t all regularly interact with one another. It was, therefore, particularly impactful to see them collaborating and connecting during the workshop organised by our Emergency Smile team.
Some of the children who participated in the park activities returned for the second day’s shows for all the children living at the RRC with their families, and we could already see a change in their behaviour. They were more engaged, more open to the activities, and left with visible joy. In fact, it was almost difficult for them to leave the clowns!
In Plovdiv supporting Ukrainians
After Harmanli, the team travelled to Plovdiv, where they visited a Compass Centre established by UNHCR and operated by the Ukrainian Support and Renovation Foundation. This centre provides support to both Ukrainians and other displaced individuals living in the city. The team organised an activity for children, which was very well received and brought much joy to the participants.
The team also visited a shelter in Plovdiv known as Second Home, run by the same organisation. This shelter accommodates approximately 120 displaced Ukrainians, including some older residents. Tina and Mario brought great joy and surprise as they visited the residents in their rooms!
Returning to Sofia
Returning to Sofia, the team collaborated with Open Doors, a Ukrainian educational centre that provides education to children facing challenges integrating into the Bulgarian education system. They also partnered with the Council for Refugee Women in Bulgaria to host a session for 20 Arabic-speaking children. The children were overjoyed and enthusiastic about the activity. One mother shared that her three-year-old son, who is usually not very vocal, began speaking more openly right after the session, which deeply surprised her!
On the final day of the mission, the team visited Ovcha Kupel RRC, which accommodates 60 unaccompanied minors. They also stopped at another Compass Centre run by the Bulgarian Red Cross in Sofia, where they organised an activity for Ukrainian children. Later that day, they partnered with Arms Wide Open, an organisation focused on fostering integration among individuals of various nationalities.
Looking ahead
The mission underscored an urgent need for continued support in Bulgaria where access to artistic activities for displaced individuals remains limited. Collaborating with the amazing local organisations proved invaluable in amplifying the impact of the initiative.
Moving forward, there is a clear and pressing demand for sustained support, and returning to these communities will be crucial in ensuring lasting positive outcomes.
Keep an eye on our blog and follow our journey as we continue to bring smiles and hope to those who need it most!
