Review of 2025 and Outlook for Our Projects in 2026

Our highlights of 2025 and a look at the milestones ahead.

On 1 March, during our General Assembly, we looked back on an intense and moving year. 2025 was a year of deepened impact. Our support opened concrete perspectives – for young people in education, for adults in social rehabilitation, and for children who depend on stable structures.

Creating Futures: Sponsorships

At the heart of our work are the children and young people we support individually.

Sevdi, who has a mild autism spectrum condition and comes from a difficult family background, is now in his second year at the New Bulgarian University. He writes:

"I am now in my second year at New Bulgarian University. Besides the fact that the education itself is expensive, it is also very time-consuming. Thanks to the support of Viva80 Bulgarienhilfe, I feel more financially secure and can better focus on my film studies. I am very grateful for this."

Alongside his studies, Sevdi manages health challenges with remarkable resilience. His current average grade is 5.60, and his goal is to obtain a scholarship next year.

Misho, a young man with developmental challenges and no parents, also took an important step in 2025. After turning 18, he had to leave his previous residential centre. Today he lives in a transitional home run by the Bulgarian Red Cross. With our support, he was able to purchase art materials, books and participate in cultural activities. He writes:

"Since becoming part of Viva80, I feel freer to be myself and follow my path. After finishing school, I plan to continue my education at university, focusing on Social Work or Psychology. I hope that one day I will be able to help children and young people overcome life's difficulties, just as I was helped."

Sponsorships mean more than financial support. They create stability, confidence and real future opportunities.

Creativity and Inclusion: Summer Workshop in Kovatschevitsa

In 2025, the summer workshop in Kovatschevitsa once again took place – a project we have supported for several years. Children and young people, including participants with autism, spent creative days filled with art, crafts and shared experiences. The workshop is a place where participants can develop their strengths in a supportive and pressure-free environment.

Participation in Everyday Life: Activities in Vidin

In the Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration in Vidin, which we support, several special activities were organised in 2025.

One highlight was the culinary competition "Educational Café", where participants prepared small dishes in teams within 40 minutes. They demonstrated teamwork, creativity and pride in their achievements.

Visitors were invited to taste the prepared dishes. At the end, all participants were recognised for their efforts, and the winning team received special recognition.

Another highlight was a therapeutic excursion to the village of Maior Uzunovo. Participants engaged in practical activities, cared for animals and spent time in nature – experiences that strengthen confidence and a sense of belonging.

Continuity: Support in Pazardjik

The children's home in Pazardjik remained a central part of our work in 2025. Leisure activities, excursions and additional programmes enabled the children to experience activities beyond institutional daily life.

Solidarity in Switzerland: Charity Evening

On 13 December 2025, we organised a charity evening in Switzerland featuring Bulgarian folk dances – an event that combined culture, joy and solidarity.

Outlook 2026

In 2026 we will continue our work with clear priorities:

• Save the Date: Charity concert in Zurich – 25 June 2026, 7:00-8:30 pm, Christkatholische Augustinerkirche: Women’s and men’s choirs, soloists and an instrumental ensemble will present a 75-minute programme. Under the motto ‘The Beauty of the Earth’, the concert invites listeners to consciously perceive the beauty of nature – both in vast landscapes and in the small moments of everyday life. Admission is free. Donations will support children with autism and young people leaving residential care. We are looking forward to welcoming you!

• Continuation and expansion of sponsorships: Individual guidance and financial support for children and young people in Bulgaria

• Support for talented Bulgarian musicians in collaboration with the Allegra Festival & Academy: In 2026, we will continue to provide a scholarship contribution to the Allegra Foundation for the musical education of Bulgarian students.

• Summer Workshop and "PriRoda" Festival, 20–23 August 2026, Kovatschevitsa

  Creative workshops for children and young people, including participants with autism.

  Planned activities include: ceramics, painting, wool work and felting, working with natural materials such as candle making, rhythm or music therapy in group sessions. The aim is to develop the existing art camp into a small festival open to all interested participants. The programme will be led by experienced artists such as Iglika Hristova.

• Support for the Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration in Vidin, including projects such as ‘Educational Café’ and other activities

• Deepening existing partnerships in Bulgaria: cooperation with children's homes, social institutions, and creative projects.

• Expanding our network in Switzerland: raising awareness, charity campaigns, and events for sustainable support of our projects.

  
  

Our goal remains unchanged: to sustainably support disadvantaged children and young people in Bulgaria.

Thank you

None of this would be possible without your support. Every donation and every contribution helps turn support into real opportunities. On behalf of the entire board, we sincerely thank you for your trust.