Houses of Opportunity are full of the busyness of life. The young residents learning how to live outside of the care system are either going to school, looking for work, working or making plans for when they graduate from the programme. Here’s a quick look at life in the Houses of Opportunity in Albania, Croatia and Bulgaria this last month or so.
Albania: Growth, celebration, new beginnings
The residents at the House of Opportunity in Elbasan run by our partners, A2B, are focussed on making academic and practical progress against their personal development plans. It is encouraging to see that the boys in the programme continue to achieve good results in their studies and school performance, showing commitment and responsibility for their future. Some of the young people also recently participated in training sessions organised for House staff and volunteers, gaining valuable life skills and encouragement for their future.
There are a number of girls eagerly waiting to join the programme. The current residents are close to graduation and are usually away from the House at weekends. The girls have been staying in the House for those two nights and as soon as the current group of residents graduate, this new group of girls will move in fully. In the meantime, A2B’s House of Opportunity team are providing external support for each of the girls before they start the full programme.
One recent special moment was the celebration of Celik’s 18th birthday. This milestone is very important because he can now officially become a full-time resident at the House, without needing parental authorisation through legal procedures. For Celik, this marks a new chapter of independence, stability, and hope for the future.
Another joyful moment was celebrating Donald’s first job, working at a mechanical workshop. This is an important step for his sense of personal responsibility and self-sufficiency, and the House team are very proud of his progress.
Croatia: Wedding bells
Varaždin House of Opportunity is operated by our partners at Hocu Zivot (I want life). Currently the staff and young people in the House are consumed with excitement as they plan for the wedding of one of the residents, Karthees, taking place on 21st March. We will be sure to share some photos…
Bulgaria: Say ahh…
The House of Opportunity in Lyulin, Sofia is at its maximum capacity of six after the recent arrival of one young man.
Many of the young people joining the programme have dental issues, some serious, and treatment is expensive. For a number of years our Bulgarian partners, FSCI, have had a good connection with a Dental Clinic that has agreed to provide check-ups treatment for our House residents, and this month have taken on three new young people.
In addition to the two Houses of Opportunity in Sofia the FSCI team have day to day involvement in, (the Houses in Burgas and Varna are operated by local organisations), they are also creating a hotline and drop-in space for young people with limited or no familial support. The FSCI office is centrally located and with tram and bus stops right outside, is easily accessible. Weekdays see a mix of current House residents, non-residents and potential residents constantly coming and going, seeking advice, support or simply company. House graduates will drop in too, to seek advice but also to offer the benefit of their experience to younger people and encourage them on their own journey to independence.
