First workshop of the "My Life in My Hands" project — three days devoted to emotions, trust and communication

From 10 to 12 October 2025, Surya Foundation ran 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 "A Summer with a Cause — Sunshine for Every Child" campaign.
The "My Life in My Hands" project is here to support young people without parental care living in social services who are about to leave the care of the system and set off on their own. Through a series of trainings, the project will help build social and emotional skills, as well as practical ones — managing personal finances, time and professional behaviour — so these young people are better prepared for what life will throw at them.
The first workshop, held at the Ledenika Hut, was entirely devoted to emotional regulation and effective, positive communication. Twelve young people aged between 15 and 18, from the two Transitional Homes in Vratsa, took part.
The training followed an experiential approach — using games and activities that help participants notice and express their emotions, understand others better, and build healthy, respectful relationships. At the start, some of the young people were cautious and watched from the sidelines, but by the end of the very first session, everyone wanted to take an active part. From there, their enthusiasm grew with every task — their wish to join in even went beyond what we'd planned for the programme.

The feedback from the young people and the social workers was incredibly positive. The young people shared that they came away with valuable knowledge and tools that will help them handle their emotions and their relationships with each other better.
Among them were young people who'll soon turn 18 and leave the social services, and one boy who'll 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.
Surya Foundation is already preparing the next workshops and trainings in the programme, which will build on what we've achieved and reach new topics and new participants.
A special thank-you goes to Ms Agnesh Kovach for her help in shaping the programme, for taking an active part in the workshop and for supervising it, as well as to all our donors and the directors of the social services in Vratsa for their support, time and trust.