Update for Canadian viewers
24/02/2008
Kate Blewett's film' Bulgaria's Abandoned Children' was first broadcast in the UK in September last year and caused an outcry amongst its British audience. Since then the film has been shown in Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium and the demand for intervention has grown louder with every transmission. We hope that Canadian viewers will lend their voice to this cause and support the campaign to end the neglect of such vulnerable children.
Following the controvesy that the film created in the UK, UNICEF launched an emergency relief initiative with other non-government organizations working in Bulgaria. Together they have formed an NGO Alliance with UNICEF in the lead. Their plan is three fold: 1) to assess each child individually to ascertain their needs and potential, 2) to provide immediate medical rehabilitation and 3) to identify suitable alternative care places for each child based on their needs The management of this plan at the institute is being handled by two UNICEF representatives.
A paediatrician, brought in by UNICEF, assessed the children in early November and judged one third of them to be malnourished and dehydrated and as a result some of the children were hospitalized. Nutritional supplements were introduced and continue to be given to the children. The new local major has agreed to provide an additional 4,000 lev to the food budget. Some local companies have also made food donations. Menu plans have been developed and it is now felt the children are receiving enough food including fresh fruit and their general diet has improved.
The paediatrician visits Mogilino every month to monitor the diet and nutrition and even the children in the most severe condition have gained 3 to 5 kilograms. They are fed 5 times a day and receive additional vitamins and special milk.
There are now 3 social workers, 2 kinesitherapists, 1 physiotherapist, 2 supervisors and 1 child development specialist working in Mogilino permanently.
We support the work UNICEF and the other members of the NGO Alliance are undertaking and we will commit some of our funds to support this work where appropriate. For example we have agreed to pay for some of the specialist care team working at Mogilino including a full time doctor, a nurse, a special needs teacher and an art therapist as well as a speech therapist, psychologist, occupational therapist and social worker on a part time basis.
In early February this year the film was broadcast in Belgium, creating public uproar. A well known Belgian TV personality, Chris Dusauchoit, has championed efforts to help the children and has successfully lobbied Belgian politicians to become involved. A Belgian delegation, including Chris, went to see Mogilino and other social care homes in Bulgaria and declared the situation unacceptable. The Belgian government has committed E250,000 to support de-institutionalization and development of community based care schemes.
We are preparing to present the film 'Bulgaria's Abandoned Children' to the European Parliament on March 4th. We want to make sure that the politicians apply pressure on the Bulgarian government and then work alongside them to bring about the necessary de-institutionalization across the country.
We are committed to improving the lives of the children at Mogilino. We want to see children in the social care system in Bulgaria removed from large, remote institutions and placed in community-based small homes of 6-8 children per home providing therapy, medical attention and education in line with their individual needs. At present we are entirely reliant on donations to achieve this goal.
Please support us to achieve this.
What can you do to help?
Campaign
Bulgaria has agreed in principle to de-insitutionalisation of children in social care but there needs to be the political will to fully implement this policy. Political pressure from the rest of the world is essential to push social care reforms.
1. Contact your local representatives and request that they ask the foreign affairs minister Mr Maxime Bernier use his leverage with the Bulgarian government to commit to social care reform. See below.
2. Contact the Bulgarian Embassy in Canada to express your concern. The Bulgarian Embassy address is:
325 Stewart Street
Ottawa, Ontario,
K1N 6K5
Tel.: (+1 613) 789 3215
Tel./Fax: (+1 613) 789 3524
3. Register as a supporter of The Campaign for Bulgaria's Abandoned Children. Registration is free. You will receive regular news updates on our campaigning as well as news on the childrens progess at Mogilino Institute. We do not share your details with any third party.
Donate
At present we are entirely reliant on donations to achieve our goal of helping the children at Mogilino and campaigning for reform of the social care policy. Your donation will help us to end the neglect and suffering of abandoned and disabled children like Vasky and Stoyan and build a happier and more fulfilling future in a new home.
Fundraise
A fundraising information pack is on our website with helpful ideas and tips on running an event that raises awareness and funds at the same time.
Write to your MP
We have attached a template letter you can amend/personalize to suit.