Bulgaria
Although a multi-party democracy was instituted in 1990, Bulgaria suffers a legacy of over 40 years of communist rule. The old power elite is still in place. The economy is depleted, inflation is out of control, unemployment at record levels. Food shortages are common and food prices sometimes higher than in the West. Because families lack income, they are forced to live without electricity, without heat, and cannot afford health care.
As a result, the health of the population in Bulgaria is gradually becoming worse. Because of the demographic aging of the population and the negative growth, the overall death rate rose - 13.9 %, which means approximately 14 out of 100 people die each year. The death rate among the children has grown to 13.8 %. There are an incredibly high number of abortions, that is, there are more abortions than births.
The situation of the state-run institutions for the elderly and children is even more grave. Buildings suffer from decades of neglect, food is always short, and shoes and clothing are literally luxury items.
There are 50,000 children in specialized homes in Bulgaria — 35,000 of them are handicapped physically or mentally at different levels. The death rate in the homes is high. The state provides a budget for basic survival, and often homes have to choose between heating and food if there is nobody else to help them.
The budget money for the Home does not include clothes, shoes, toys, books and games. Because the food in the homes is similar every day, children do not get the necessary nutrition to maintain their health, nor are vitamins available as supplements. Sheets and blankets are worn out quickly (at some orphanages they have to change them three or four times a day) and with the limited budget it is extremely difficult to change them with new ones. There are not enough detergents to maintain good hygiene. In poor living conditions, these children rarely feel a sense of hope and encouragement for their future.
Our Work in Bulgaria
MWB has worked in Bulgaria since the collapse of communism and the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. Working through partnership with churches, MWB established various aid, emotional, health and Christian ministry programs aimed at meeting the needs of some of Bulgaria’s most vulnerable people, including the much persecuted Gypsy and Turkish ethnic minorities.
In 1997 in the capital city of Sofia, MWB were able to establish its own offices for the very first time, employing only Bulgarian nationals. By 2000 our work had progressed to assisting the physically and mentally disabled and the elderly.
Today
Bulgaria has now entered the EU with certain limitations. There are concerns over corruption within government and over organised crime. The fact that we work through our own Bulgarian staff and churches has meant that we can assure help reaches those for whom it is intended.
At our Summer Camps, deprived children are shown love and understanding. They play and learn in an atmosphere full of hope and security. Within community centres supported by MWB, the elderly are welcomed with a smile and treated with dignity as they receive hot nutritional food. We also run Computer courses to help people become self-sufficient once more.
Read about Hristomir and how his life has been changed.
Helping BulgariaClick here for some related links:
