Bulgaria Visit - Autumn 2004                                 Page 2 of 2

Day Centre in Sliven – this is an almost unique project in Bulgaria which caters for families who wish to keep their disabled children at home.  They produce fantastic jewellery and art work which is sold in the UK to raise funds.
   

 
   
                                                                

                                                                                 We were able to give each child a soft toy.
   
Vezenkovo School – this is located in a remote area high in the hills above Sliven.  The pupils are mainly of Turkish and Gypsy origin.  It is a relatively new project for Saltmine who hope to be able to improve the conditions and resources at the school.
 
     
 
 		       
            The Kindergarten Classroom – Yes it is a wood burner
                                   in the middle of the room!

 
Kerman Orphanage – all the children here have special needs, many have been abandoned by their families because of their disabilities.   This is much improved thanks to the work of many Saltmine teams who have decorated, refurbished and supplied essential equipment to make this a happier home for these children.  Some have been able to move into mainstream education recently.
      
 

       

                                         Making musical instruments
   
                                                                       
                                                                                                                            Face painting

 

Sliven Evangelical Church – the church is linked with Saltmine through the minister and his wife, Iuri and Plamena Valkovi, and also Genka (Plamena’s mum) before them.  They have a real heart for social projects in the Sliven area and have been instrumental in opening doors into various institutions which Saltmine has then been able to support.  Plamena does the majority of the translation and well as working on the Blue House Project, completing her degree and preparing for the birth of her first child in March!!!  PHEW!

 

 

  
                                        Inside Sliven Baptist
 
  
        Views over Sliven. The old communist tower blocks
      dominate the skyline, with hills surrounding the town.		    
        The outside of the church has been recently painted
                                  and a new sign put up.