The first civic initiative under the “Social Contract for Early Childhood” project brought together around 40 parents and their children and young people
Gabrovo, 17 August 2026 – Around 35 parents of children with autism from Ruse and parents of young people with intellectual disabilities from Plovdiv met from 14 to 17 August in the Lyulyatsite area near Gabrovo. The meeting between the Association of Parents of Children and Adults with Autism – Ruse and “Parallel World” Association – Plovdiv was the first civic initiative to emerge from the civic forum held in Ruse under the “Social Contract for Early Childhood” project.
The initiative was carried out with the support of Equilibrium Association – Ruse, a project partner, together with the lead organisation For Our Children Foundation and project partner Free Youth Centre – Vidin.
The meeting became much more than an exchange of experience. Parents shared their stories, emotions and feelings – both those connected with the challenges they have faced and continue to face, and those associated with the pride they feel in their children’s and young people’s achievements.
The exchange between the two parent organisations was particularly valuable. Families from Plovdiv, who have longer experience supporting their now-grown children and young people, shared knowledge, practical solutions and personal experience with parents from Ruse.
For many of the families from Ruse, the meeting was an opportunity to see more clearly the journey that lies ahead – but also to realise that they are not alone and can rely on parents who have already travelled part of this road.
The meeting showed how valuable one parent’s experience can be to another. Sometimes a shared experience, a practical piece of advice, or simply the feeling that “we have been there too” can give confidence and hope to a family that is still finding its way.
Parents Create and Sign Their Charter
One of the important outcomes of the meeting was the creation and signing of the Charter of Parent Communities for the Support of Children and Young People with Developmental Disabilities.
The Charter brings together shared principles, concerns and aspirations of the two parent communities and lays the foundation for future joint action.
Among the issues identified by the parents as important are early and timely support, access to information and services, inclusive education, opportunities for sport and leisure, social inclusion, preparation for life after childhood, and better cooperation between institutions.
The Charter will also serve as a civic contribution to the development of the Social Contract for Early Childhood.
The Most Valuable Meeting Was Between the Children and Young People Themselves
Perhaps the most valuable outcome of the initiative was what happened beyond the parents’ discussions – the children and young people themselves met, spent time together and communicated with one another.
Because inclusion does not happen only through services, policies and institutions. It happens when children and young people have opportunities to be together, play, have fun, take part in sports, communicate and discover shared interests.
This is what made the meeting a genuine experience for the families – the children and young people were not simply “accompanying” their parents; they were participants in building new relationships and in creating a shared experience.
Many fathers from both organisations also actively took part in the meeting – something the participants found particularly impressive and important for building a community around the children and young people.
From One Meeting to a Network
The initiative will not remain a one-off event. The two organisations are planning further meetings and joint initiatives to continue the exchange and strengthen their partnership.
They are already discussing opportunities for joint activities for children and young people, including sports and leisure activities, as well as future initiatives for mutual support and civic advocacy.
In this way, the first civic initiative is laying the foundations for a process of connecting parents from different communities, mutual support and civic participation.
It is a natural continuation of the civic forum held in Ruse at the end of June 2026 with parents of children with autism. It was during that forum that the idea emerged for parents to connect with other families with longer experience, exchange knowledge and create opportunities for joint action.
Within the framework of the “Social Contract for Early Childhood” project, this idea was given the opportunity to become a real civic initiative.
Because civic participation does not end when a forum ends. Sometimes, that is exactly where it begins.
The “Social Contract for Early Childhood” project is implemented in partnership by For Our Children Foundation – lead organisation, Equilibrium Association – Ruse, and Free Youth Centre – Vidin, with the support of the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme, Civic Engagement and Transparency Mechanism (CETM) 2024–2029.