My name is Svetla Mezhri.
For a long time, I stood at a crossroads between education and social work – both paths brought me close to children in need of support. In education, I learned how important it is to understand children’s feelings and to teach them not only knowledge, but also the most important life lessons. Even today, some of my former students remind me of this with gratitude.
After ten years in education, I began working in an institution for children and young people deprived of parental care. It was there that I realised something that changed my direction – that no matter how hard you try, you cannot give these children what they need most: a family, a sense of belonging, and love.
I also realised that even the small group care model is not enough. I knew I wanted to work towards a world where children do not end up in such places at all.
This led me to continue my path in the Complex for Social Services for Children and Families – now working “on the other side”: preventing separation and supporting families. I worked in the “Mother and Baby” and “Prevention” teams and had the opportunity to be part of the deinstitutionalisation process.
Together with Equilibrium and Hope and Homes for Children – Bulgaria, I took part in closing infant institutions in Sofia, Targovishte, and Ruse, as well as institutions for older children.
My work in foster care has also been an important part of this journey. The PRIDE training programme and my encounters with foster parents with big hearts showed me how much a child’s life can change when someone truly stands by them.
Today, I continue to believe in the same thing – that every child should have their childhood and their family.
Children need simple, human things – love, understanding, and care. And it is our responsibility to give them these.