In a remote Roma neighborhood in Bulgaria, a mobile education center is bringing hope and knowledge to children who once lived in the shadow of exploitation. This innovative project is the result of a unique collaboration between OUR Rescue and Foundation for Hope, a local NGO that has been tirelessly working to support children facing exploitation by individuals taking advantage of their vulnerabilities.
What is the Bulgarian Mobile Center Project?
The journey started more than two years ago when the founder of Foundation for Hope, Livia Otal, raised the alarm about the exploitation happening in a small Romany district in eastern Bulgaria, and was met with indifference.
As an activist working with at risk youth in Bulgaria, mainly from Roma communities, this dismissal was a devastating blow. Yet, her determination never wavered. She continued to reach out to organizations for help, but few were ready to act—until she found OUR Rescue.
OUR Rescue was the first organization that really believed something needed to be done,” Livia recalls. “When no one else was listening, but they stepped up, believed me, and empowered us to move forward.
It was this trust and collaboration that set the foundation for the current mobile center project. This initiative focuses on non-formal education and on providing critical awareness about child sexual exploitation, grooming, and the dangers lurking within vulnerable communities. Over 560 children will participate in this program over the next year, gaining knowledge that will empower them to protect themselves and their peers.
The mobile center, which OUR Rescue funded and renovated, is more than just a classroom on wheels. It’s a beacon of hope, a safe space where children can learn, find comfort, and build trust with professionals who understand their needs. Livia and her team of locals are working tirelessly to bring these services to the farthest corners of the neighborhood, engaging with children who have been isolated and vulnerable to exploitation.
Working with Foundation of Hope is an incredible way of engaging with survivors and supporting people in need because we don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” says Tyra Nicole, OUR Rescue Survivor Care Coordinator in Europe. “We come alongside local organizations, respect the work they’re doing, and support them in their efforts to empower their own communities.
Racism and poverty are significant factors that make the Roma people particularly vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. Resources are often scarce in these segregated communities, and predators exploit their needs. The mobile center project aims to disrupt this cycle by offering not only education but empowerment, giving these children the tools they need to break free from the dangers that once threatened their futures.
The Bulgarian Mobile Center Project Inauguration
On October 10, OUR Rescue participated in the mobile center’s inauguration, which was a powerful event, filled with activities and workshops that gave the children a chance to break free from their routines, explore, and have fun. This is just the beginning. With two classes each week, this project will provide consistent support and education for the children over the next year, building trust and offering new opportunities for growth.
Reflecting on the impact of this collaboration, Tyra said, “I’m grateful for our donors, especially for creative projects like this one. We were concerned about a large number of children being exploited, and our solution was to get into the community and help them alongside Foundation for Hope. Thank you for being a part of that and impacting generations.”
This project represents the power of collaboration and innovation in the fight against exploitation. By working with Foundation for Hope and other local organizations, OUR Rescue is helping to address the immediate needs of these children and empower communities to protect themselves in the future. Together, we’re breaking the cycle of exploitation, one child at a time.