Ground Broken on New Children Support Centre

Veneta Litkova, Borislava Bibinovska

House of Children groundbreaking ceremony, Sofia, April 2, 2026 (BTA Photo/Vladimir Shokov)

Sofia,

02.04.2026 12:53

(BTA)

Construction of a new centre for support for children and parents began on Thursday morning with a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony in Sofia. White doves were also released during the event as a message of kindness and peace. The facility will be named House of Children. The project is implemented by the National Network for Children with financial support under the Regions in Growth Programme, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund and the Just Transition Fund.

Caretaker Minister of Labour and Social Policy Hasan Ademov, caretaker Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Nikolay Naydenov, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev, Vazrazhdane Borough Mayor Stanislav Iliev, National Network for Children Executive Director Georgi Bogdanov and others attended the ceremony.

"This will be a place for every child in the country. In addition to support, children will be able to learn about civic and health education and entrepreneurship," Georgi Bogdanov said. Various activities and meetings with specialists are planned for children, while parents will also be able to visit the social space, he added.

Minister Ademov said the project is an example of implementing activities related to upholding children’s rights. "It is a symbol of unity between ministries, non-governmental organizations and local authorities," he told journalists after the ceremony.

Minister Naydenov expressed satisfaction that the project demonstrates cooperation between the municipality, the non-governmental sector and ministries.

"We will assist in any way we can to ensure the successful implementation of the project," Terziev said.

Stanislav Iliev noted that children are the country’s future and that everyone should work towards developing an environment where they can grow, learn and play.

The centre is expected to be completed within two years. The multi-storey building will include specialized rooms, a sports ground, a winter garden, a cafeteria where young people will be able to develop work skills, and a hostel for children and young people.

It was also noted during the event that April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day. Representatives of the National Network for Children and the Social Ministry added that children with autism will also receive support at the future centre.

/MY/MR/