First Workshop under the Project “My Life in My Hands” – Three Days Dedicated to Emotions, Trust, and Communication

From October 10 to 12, 2025, the Surya Foundation held the first workshop of its new long-term project, “My Life in My Hands.”

The funds for the workshop were raised as part of the campaign “Summer with a Cause – Sunshine for Every Child.”
The project “My Life in My Hands” aims to support young people deprived of parental care and placed in social services who are about to leave the care system and start their independent lives. Through a series of trainings, the project helps participants build social and emotional skills, as well as practical competencies such as managing personal finances, time, and professional behavior — to prepare them for the challenges of adult life.

The first workshop, held at the Ledenika Hut, was fully dedicated to emotional regulation and effective, positive communication. Twelve young people aged 15 to 18 from the two Transitional Homes in Vratsa took part.

The training was based on an experiential approach, using game-based methods that help participants recognize and express their emotions, understand others better, and build healthy, respectful relationships. At first, some of the young people were cautious and observed from the sidelines, but by the end of the first session, everyone wanted to participate actively. From that point on, their enthusiasm grew with every activity, even exceeding the planned schedule.

The feedback from both the participants and the social workers was extremely positive. The young people shared that they had gained valuable knowledge and tools that would help them better manage their emotions and relationships with others

Among the participants were young people who are soon to turn 18 and leave social care, as well as one boy who will soon be adopted abroad together with his younger brother. All of them said they were leaving the camp with a sense of support, belonging, and hope.

The Surya Foundation is already preparing the next workshops and trainings within the program, which will build on what has been achieved and will include new topics and participants.

We extend our special thanks to Ms. Agnes Kovach for her help in developing the program, her active participation, and supervision of the workshop, as well as to all donors and the directors of the social services in Vratsa for their support, time, and trust.