EQ News
On 11th May, Equilibrium with the assistance of the Municipality of Ruse and Anne Todorov organized a training on “Parenting children with developmental trauma, physical disabilities, cognitive delays and confusing behavior” with lecturer Darren Gagnon from the USA.
The training was attended by 40 people – foster parents, adoptive parents for whom this topic is extremely important, as well as social workers and psychologists from social services and institutions from Ruse and Byala.
The topic is always… Continue reading
On February 28, 2023, Equilibrium received recognition for its efforts to support children even in the most testing situations – the award “Ambassador of Good” 2022 from the State Agency for Child Protection.
This is the fourth consecutive year the award has been presented and 12 Ambassadors of Good – individuals and organizations – were honoured.
Five hearts beat as one for the return of a little girl from Ukraine to her homeland. Ambassadors, government institutions… Continue reading
On December 1st and 2nd, a workshop was held in Sofia on the topic “Opportunities and barriers to parental activism in Bulgaria”. The meeting was initiated by Tanya’s Dreams Fund and organized by the Civic Initiatives Workshop Foundation(CIWF). The donor has shown interest in supporting a long-term national programme to increase the capacity and build a movement of organizations and individuals practicing parent activism. CIWF currently facilitates a process of consultation and joint planning of the programme … Continue reading
Training on the topic “Human Management” was conducted by the Equilibrium management for the team of social services that the organization manages. The training took place over the courseof two days and contained elements of team building.
The services that the organization manages present constant challenges and, despite the long experience of those who manager the various deparments, there is a need for reflection on personal and group performance. This skill development coincides with the… Continue reading
The sensory room was opened today (04.11.2022) in the Integrated Children’s Services run by Equilibrium.
“We have long dreamed of such a sensory room, and it turned into reality thanks to the four Lions Clubs in Ruse,” said Milena Nedelcheva, director of the centre.
The room is essential and important in working with over 50 children with disabilities in the day centre. It allows children who have sensory disorders and experience difficulties in accepting information… Continue reading
Yesterday – October 25 – an innovative playground was opened in the Kindergarten “Brothers Grimm” in Sofia under the project “Reform of Early Children’s Education in Eastern Europe – Bulgaria”. Equilibrium works in in partnership with VIA University College, Denmark and the project is funded by the Villum Foundation, Denmark. The project started in January 2019 and, yesterday, was its symbolic end. However, it represents a new bold start for the children, parents and educators and… Continue reading
SUMMARY
The final external evaluation of the Voice of Adversity Project was carried out in the period June-August 2022, with the participation of the Equilibrium Association team, heads of partner organizations in five pilot districts of the country (Vidin, Plovdiv, Ruse, Sofia and Shumen), mentors and people whose voices are heard – children, youth and parents involved in the project due to the need for support from the child protection system, social services and programs. A team of… Continue reading
THE PROJECT
Analytical perspective
Can the voice of those who are vulnerable be captured so as to improve the community awareness of childcare practitioners and, over time, draw attention to issues that have regional or national significance?
We have devised and tested a user-friendly tool and, having seen the emergence of themes and patterns. We believe it shows promise. Practitioners and government agencies have responded favourably.
Professional awareness
Can listening to the personal stories of their clients impact meaningfully… Continue reading
On the occasion of June 1, the children in the Social Services Complex were visited by a high school student who gave a gift to each child. Additionally, the special guest was Pippi Longstocking. The sounds of children’s songs and laughter were accompanied by boisterous games, dances, awards and gypsy wheels. 💃🤸🕺 Every child left with loads of positive emotions, a bag of treats and many memories! 🥳 For the finale, Pippi had prepared a modest cake with icing inscribed… Continue reading
According to Finnish professor Mirjam Kalland a child “demands continuity, stability and recurring routines”. Kelland provides a recipe for the professional support by claiming that “we can support the health of individual children and families with very ordinary things, with the ‘magic of the ordinary’”. (Source: ‘Family centre in the Nordic countries – a meeting point for children and families’, Nordic Council of Ministers, Copenhagen 2012).
As the volume of Equilibrium’s encounters with Ukrainian mothers with young children increases,… Continue reading