The Marble Project has worked closely with orphanages in Berkovitsa since its founding in 2005. Some members have been visiting for over ten years. The charity organises fun days, arts and crafts sessions, games, and funds repair and modernisation work.
There is also a Baby Orphanage in the nearby town of Montana, which has also received support from our volunteers.
There are 120 children in a home in the mountainous north of the country. In wintertime, it can take up to five hours to drive from the capital Sofia through the mountains to the orphanage, and it is very cold there. The children are very friendly and love to see visitors — though they get very few. The director and staff do their best, but there is very little money to buy food — and none to buy clothes.
From our 2011 visit
Our Work by Year
2012
- Provided further toilet and washing accommodation
- Continued funding educational opportunities
2011
- Supplied a fridge to the Baby Orphanage in Montana
- Refurbished the toilets and washrooms
- Funded further educational projects
2010
- Funded a summer camp and educational programme
- Funded a transition programme for older children leaving the institution
2009
- Gave educational lessons on handicrafts
- Brought a special wheelchair, clothes and nappies for the Baby Orphanage
2008
- Funded winter food for the children
- Decorated the TV room and corridors
- Bought a karaoke machine
- Provided baby walkers for the Baby Orphanage
2007
- Varnished the benches in the courtyard
Greta’s Story
A girl named Greta in Berkovitsa suffered from a brain tumour. The Marble Project pledged money towards her treatments, and by March 2013 she was in remission — a testament to the impact that even a small charity can have on individual lives.