About the project

Mission Possible has set up soup kitchens in winter months for Roma (gypsy) children in winter months in over seven Roma towns in Bulgaria, feeding around 250 children daily.  For many of the children this is their only hot meal of the day. 

In some areas Mission Possible has also set up literacy programmes, taking place at the same time as the soup lunches.  These classes are meant mainly for 9-15 -year-olds, but even adults have participated in the teaching. The teachers are volunteers who have been trained at special seminars.

From a recent Mission Possible Newsletter:

“Can I have my own shoes that will keep my feet warm and will protect me from the sticky mud and the rubbish that is all around?”
– it is not a question we ask ourselves, is it? However, it is not so with the children from the Roma neighbourhoods that we look after. For them having any shoes, clothes and food is part of their daily struggle for survival. They are left to be brought up by their weak grandmothers, by their older brothers and sisters or they are just left to their destiny…       

"This is the reason the Mission Possible, Bulgaria team tries to help them in any possible way. Starting soup kitchens for the
winter period, finding clothes and shoes for the children and helping them to continue their education are activities that bring 

joy and satisfaction to our team.

"Thank you for your support!"

The people involved

Mission Possible has existed for over 15 years, based in Sofia, Bulgaria.  Seven staff are involved, some part-time though their desire for new works is limitless.  Ruth Webster from Cherish volunteered with Mission Possible for two weeks in July 2006, working alongside the staff...

If you met them you would agree that they are some of the most dedicated, honest, hopeful and inspiring people you could meet!  It is part of a larger network of organisations known as Mission Possible. 

The work is led by Roumen Ivanov (bottom right in the photo).

How you can help

A small amount of money goes a long way towards providing food, education, hope and care for these Roma children.  The Mission Possible staff are always responsive to new opportunities and there are many willing volunteers to run soup kitchens in new areas should funds become available. 

Feeding a child at a soup kitchen for one month = £10

One pair of shoes = £10

Back to the top

Latest news from the project

Summertime is easier for the Roma communities since there are more opportunities for work and the weather is not so harsh.  It also provides an opportunity to do repairs and building work, perhaps on new soup kitchens.  In Samokov, better known as a skiing resort west of Sofia, building is underway to complete a hall for the Roma church which can be used as a soup kitchen and for literacy classes during winter months, amongst other uses. 

During the winter Mission Possible produces monthly newsletters. 

Mission Possible Bulgaria news Oct 09 (7.4MB pdf)

Mission Possible Bulgaria news March 09 (455KB pdf)

The March 2007 edition is available here (Word File, 1.9MB) - Project for Integration of Roma girls in Bulgaria

Back to the top

Context

Bulgaria joined the European Union in January 2007.  In many ways it is a rich country with a high quality of life - rich in heritage, hospitality, natural beauty and abounding in fruit during the summer months.  Many people have mobile phones, and many receive an exemplary level of education at school and beyond.

However, wages are low by European standards and there is considerable unemployment or underemployment.

The Roma community comprises 4.7% of the Bulgarian population and is severely marginalised in the country, as is the Turkish minority.   Since communism, gypsies have settled in Roma "towns" adjacent to Bulgarian towns and villages.  These towns can be more like slums, often with no clean running water, mud streets and sometimes families of 10 or more living in one or two rooms. 

In summer life in some of the Roma towns can seem carefree.  However, in winter with lack of food and incomes and freezing temperatures, many children and families suffer greatly.  In some rural areas some children have no shoes, even when there is snow on the ground.

Most of the Bulgarian Roma population is illiterate. Only 50% of Roma children begin school, and only a tenth of them finish the public school.

Back to the top

Quote

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."   1 John v 17-18