Queen Maria Louisa Orphanage – Plovdiv
Number of Children: 80
Ages: 5 – 20
Full sponsorship: $5,600
Special projects available
This orphanage is one of the oldest such institutions in Bulgaria. A German foundation funded and completed the construction of two major buildings. These new buildings provide nice separate apartments where 10-12 children live as a “families.” Each family unit has a caregiver. There are 8 “families” altogether: 4 for boys and 4 for girls. Boys are housed in one building and the girls in another building. This is a new method being implemented in Bulgaria right now to help the children adapt to “family” life and to provide a sense of responsibility and independence. A third building is planned that will contain administrative rooms, workshops, general halls, etc.
This orphanage would be a fun sponsorship for multiple families or an extended family group; each of whom could “sponsor” an individual “family” of children. However, all 8 “families” must be sponsored at the same time to avoid the feeling of discrimination. A sponsorship for each family per year would be $700. This arrangement for children to live with a caregiver in apartments is a little similar to our Opportunity Homes Program. Unfortunately, new government regulations will not allow One Heart Bulgaria to take pictures of the children or print information about them. Some updates will be obtained by our field director when he makes periodic visits to this orphanage and speaks with the director. Sponsorship funds will provide board games, storybooks, limited food items, school supplies, detergents and money for excursions and birthday parties. Cost: $700 per “family.” Total “families” are 8.
Queen Maria Louisa Projects
Two Tutors/social workers: Two individuals to assist children who have behavior problems and disabilities with their activities and homework. Salary: $2,500/year each
To sponsor this orphanage, or to help out with a special project, contact our Sponsorship Director, Donna Dushku (donna.dushku@oneheart-bg.org).