What gives us hope during difficult times? What are our strengths, and how can we use them to move forward?
These questions were explored during an interactive workshop with unaccompanied refugee children, organised by the Council of Refugee Women in Bulgaria (CRWB) at the Safe Zone of the Registration and Reception Centre in Harmanli, as part of the SAVE – Speak Out Against Violence project.
The session began with an interactive game involving questions and challenges, encouraging communication, active participation, and a positive group atmosphere.
During the discussion “Present and Future Aspirations,” children shared their dreams, goals, and concerns. Topics included education, employment, family support, and the difficulties of planning for the future in uncertain circumstances.
Participants expressed their desire to study, work, and support their loved ones, while also sharing challenges related to family responsibilities, financial difficulties, and uncertainty about the future.
The main creative activity, “My Personal Shield,” encouraged children to represent their interests, values, and personal strengths through drawings, symbols, and words. Their shields featured sports-related symbols, family connections, and favourite activities.
One participant shared that she had previously trained in boxing and would like to continue but currently has limited opportunities to do so. This opened a discussion about the importance of sports, personal interests, and finding alternative ways to pursue one’s goals.
The workshop demonstrated that despite the challenges and uncertainty they face, children continue to have dreams, goals, and the determination to build a better future.
Through such activities, CRWB provides a supportive environment where unaccompanied refugee children can express their aspirations, recognise their strengths, and develop confidence and emotional resilience.
The activity was implemented as part of the SAVE – Speak Out Against Violence project.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s CERV programme under Grant Agreement No 101138279, the Daphne-CHILD programme with Eurochild and Terre des hommes.
Eurochild plays a leading role in the project. For more information, visit: https://eurochild.org/.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
