Bulgaria remains one of the poorest countries in the EU, with many people living in extreme poverty, especially amongst the Roma communities.

Many children do not receive a proper education; healthcare is too expensive for most people; and there are many orphanages where the level of care is inadequate, and abuse is commonplace. Sadly, many children in Bulgaria still live in state run orphanages. Our overseas partner Marina, and her team of volunteers, visit them regularly, taking the children for picnics, and bringing cakes and small gifts. However, the sad facts are that most of the girls are vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation as soon as they leave the orphanage.

Human trafficking is a growing problem with thousands of Bulgarian girls being trafficked to other European countries each year as they are forced into prostitution to feed their families, or even believe that it is the best form of income.