Volunteer in Bulgaria – one of the hidden gems of Europe.
Types of Programs
Some Bulgaria volunteering programs are organised by a dedicated local support team which organises placements for the volunteer team that are administered by the local council and municipality and can be varied from working with communities and children in different locations. Projects can range from helping paint city murals and taking vulnerable people stuck in institutions out for some fresh air to the beach. Local youth volunteering groups also often ask for help from our volunteers too and provide an optional opportunity to work alongside local people and youth groups from beach clean ups to local arts festival promotions which can be great fun too and an opportunity to meet and make friends with local volunteers. So do come with an open heart and mind to explore and experience different activities with different sections of local society.
What is it like working with children?
Activities are mostly play or supervision based so anyone who likes playing games or setting up art and craft activities will feel comfortable. In the summer there is always another volunteer next to you so you won’t feel you are leading anything on your own unless you want to. No experience is required. Children’s backgrounds at different projects vary from marginalised Romany children to children with varying learning difficulties.
Can I organise outdoor games and teach sport?
Absolutely, although space may be limited at some projects. But sometimes even the simplest activities indoors can be great fun such as musical chairs or heading softballs. Ask the local team on arrival which of the following week’s projects have space for activities so you can prepare in advance. In the summer months, most centres encourage the children and adults to be taken to the beach for fresh air and some fun.
When will I be volunteering?
Community volunteering with children takes place on a part-time basis between Monday and Friday on a part-time basis according to the local project and community needs and the group always travel together to the projects with their group leader. Volunteers can opt in and out of the schedule as preferred. There will also be occasions to travel further afield to reach projects or villages which receive few volunteers although these trips are always on a voluntary basis but may provide a unique experience to discover more of the country. Self-directed health placements are also available for students and qualified nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and art therapists at community projects and residential homes. Further information is provided below.
What can you tell me about a couple of projects?
One project, Gavroche, in the city centre works with children from the Roma community on the edge of town. The children arrive by mini bus for a half day of activities and games. The Roma still live in inadequate housing, some in shacks. Occasionally volunteers are offered to ride back in the minibus when the children return home. Some children arrive with signs of physical abuse and it is not uncommon to see children with cigarette burns on their arms by their parents or guardians. Gavroche provides a variety of different types of support not only for the Roma but for victims of child abuse and works closely with social services, also providing training and workshops.
The aim for the volunteer programme at Gavroche is to work with the Roma children to help build self confidence and help them integrate better socially. Gavroche are proud to have had Prince Charles make a visit in 2003. Original Volunteers hopes with volunteer support the programme can be extended to include the most isolated children and teenagers who do not currently attend projects in Varna.
Activity sessions consist of either, art and craft around the table using the materials your volunteer group provides or supervising the children at the local playpark. Both are equally important activities for the children’s development. Many do not have space at home to play freely, in addition, some of the staff may be untrained volunteers themselves so can appear disengaged. By helping the children to play nicely and share equipment under your volunteer group’s supervision you know you will be making a huge difference to their personal development which will help them to intergrate when they are ready for school.
Another popular project is the learning disability centre in Varna in the basement of the municipal hospital. Fun and play is the main focus. You are also likely to meet other local and foreign volunteers during holiday periods. During the summer the local council prepare a programme of activities for the children to take part in outdoors. As a volunteer it can be quite fun going around and exploring as a large group.
Two established summer activities include putting on a theatrical performance and an art exhibition. Some volunteers have also helped run a fundraising stall by the seafront in the Sea Gardens. Although basic resources from pens to felt tips and paper can be bought locally after arrival, you may want to take unusual art/craft or simple science equipment sets which can be used up in the session as storage is limited and all materials are taken to and from the projects each day. Play and fun sports equipment is always handy to take and there is also more chance of it being reused after your visit. For example, Twister, space hoppers, children’s darts set (the safe sticky version!). There may be occasions to teach English informally to older children between play activities, if you would like to know how to teach read our guide for novice TEFL teachers.
Volunteering in Bulgaria FAQ
What do I need to take for my stay?
Between June and August take a single duvet cover to sleep inside or a very light summer weight sleeping bag with a pillow for comfort. Although there is no malaria in the area as it is quite forested in the surrounding areas and humid it is a good idea to use insect repellent for days when there can be midges. Clothing-wise, check the weather before you arrive and take what is comfortable. As with all volunteering, best to leave your very short shorts and cropped tops for the beach and stick to comfortable appropriate clothing when volunteering. Knee length shorts or loose trousers and t-shirts in the summer is ideal. A daypack is essential at all times to carry equipment and a drink to projects and a money belt under a T-shirt is practical to keep money safe. You should wear your daypack on your front in crowded areas.
Are meals provided?
Most projects are self-catering. There are plenty of cafes and bars to eat out and supermarkets within easy reach to cook and prepare meals at the volunteer house if you prefer. If eating out, a generous slice of freshly baked pizza is about 70 British pence, similar for a kebab. There are plenty of vegetarian options available in Varna. If you want home comforts there is a Mcdonalds and a Costa Coffee on the main promenade in Varna town, although rarely have volunteers felt the need to visit. The biggest restaurant chain is ‘Happy’ and can be found all over Varna. Popular with volunteers for a special night out, they are clean and modern serving a mixture of fast food and healthy snacks.
What do I need to take for the children?
Unusual art and craft activities are a good safe investment but leave anything which requires careful instruction and there’s no need to spend a lot of money! The younger children will find a toilet roll, glue stick and coloured wool far more interesting to put something together following your example than a beautiful picture to colour in with glitter pens! At the Roma project, you can expect between 10 and 12 children on average. In the park at the Roma centre there is a sand pit so you may like to bring one sand play item (one should be enough or they’ll be too many brought over) for the children to play with.
How much free time will I have?
The volunteer schedule is part time and organised between Monday and Friday so there is plenty of time to explore and relax. There is occasionally a day or afternoon off in the week to relax or take a short tour. Because of the proximity of the beach you may find you can sometimes squeeze in the beach mid week between activities and use your weekends to explore local places of interest. Further afield, volunteers have taken short trips to Bucharest in Romania which you may like to do during a weekend or after your stay on the programme. Scroll down to the Free time section for more ideas.
What do parents need to know?
Although most programs accepts volunteers of all ages, being in Europe it is ideal for novice volunteers, or those looking for worthwhile volunteering closer to home without long flights and for those travelling around Europe who would like to include some volunteering. For worried parents, the English group leader escorts the group to the projects each day so they will not be on their own in an unfamiliar city.
Will I have free time?
Weekends are always free and with so many activities on offer and places to visit along the coast you will not be short of things to do. And of course, not forgetting the beach on your doorstep, the main attraction for all visitors to the coast. Scroll down to the Free time section for details on places to visit.
How will I get back to the airport?
Your co-ordinator will help organise a return transfer with the team’s regular driver to Varna airport/train station or Burgos airport. Simply ask a couple of days before your departure.