How do we imagine our future when the present is filled with uncertainty? How do we maintain hope and motivation despite challenges?

These questions were at the heart of two final group workshops with unaccompanied refugee children, organised by the Council of Refugee Women in Bulgaria (CRWB) in Sofia on 21 and 22 April 2026, as part of the SAVE – Speak Out Against Violence project.

Through the interactive activity “Me in One Year,” participants were encouraged to imagine their lives in six months, one year, two years, and five years. They shared their dreams, educational aspirations, and personal goals, alongside their concerns about achieving them.

Among the young people’s main concerns were uncertainty about the future, limited opportunities for personal development, and difficulties in planning the next steps in their lives. Some participants expressed the feeling that their plans had been put on hold and that circumstances beyond their control made it difficult to achieve their goals. Despite these challenges, they continue to have dreams and aspirations for a better future.

During the closing activity, “What I’ll Take with Me,” the children reflected on their experiences throughout the programme. They particularly valued the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings openly, to be heard, and to consider difficult situations from different perspectives.

Such activities are particularly important for unaccompanied refugee children, who often have to cope with uncertainty about the future while being separated from their families. Having opportunities to express their concerns, set personal goals, and receive support helps them build confidence, maintain hope, and develop emotional resilience.

The final workshops highlighted how important it is for every child to have a space where they feel heard, understood, and supported in their aspirations for a more secure future.

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme under Grant Agreement No. 101138279, within the framework of Daphne-CHILD 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.