May 2010: Work Visit of Karin Dom Team in Rotterdam

 In April 2010 six specialists from Karin Dom team had the opportunity to gain new knowledge in the field of Montessori therapy through training organized by the University of Applied Sciences in Rotterdam, Netherlands – a partner organization in the project “Montessori Therapy for Children with Special Needs”, financed by Human Resource Development Centre, Lifelong Learning Programme, Sector Mobility Programme Leonardo da Vinci.

The project aimed at improving the skills of the specialists in Montessori method so as to support the group and individual work with the children with special needs at Karin Dom. The programme included lectures, workshops and practical sessions in different Montessori schools.

During the work visit in Nienhuis Montessori, the producer of Montressori educational materials, our team took part in a seminar for Montessori education and the special needs and then we had the chance to examine the materials in the showroom.

We visited the organization De Passarel in Apeldoorn. There we were introduced to  models of social services for people with intellectual disabilities, as well as to the centre for children with multiple disabilities. We exchanged ideas on good practices helping children with special needs to live in their families and to develop their potential through the early intervention programme. We also learned how the network of social services supporting families and children in Apeldoorn is organized.

The children from Primary Montessori School in Dordrecht had a nice surprise for us – during our visit they performed Bulgarian national songs and dances. Watching Dutch children performing our music and dances was an unforgettable experience for us.

Everywhere we went, we were welcomed. Everybody was open for exchange of ideas and methods of working with Montessori materials for children with special needs. The exchange of experience and the new knowledge will help a lot in our future work with the children with special needs and their families. We thank all who made this two-week training possible

April 2010: Communicator for Sashko

Our generous sponsors OMV Bulgaria supported the six-year Sashko so that he kept smiling. The company provided funds for the purchase of communicator, which will allow Sashko to communicate with peers and adults despite his luck of speech. High-tech device is a computer containing over 15 000 symbols, through which messages can be transmitted. 

When using symbols or text input, speech is generated and so the child can "speak" through the communicator. An integrated eye tracker and eye control unit allows the use of the communicator without physical limitations.

The opportunity for Sashko to communicate with others, to express desires, thoughts and feelings will help him to have a more complete and independent living.  .

March 2010: Donation from a French Family

On Easter’s eve we were happy to receive the generous donation of a French family who donated their wedding gifts to the children from Karin Dom.

Transmission of the donation was accompanied by an exciting trip for the guests with the royal train to the picturesque town of Koprivshtitsa. 

We wish the young family much love and happiness!  

February 2010: Creative Collaboration  - Partnership in Arts

From 22 to 26 of February in Cluj, Romania, four young professionals from Karin Dom were trained in dance for people with disabilities. The seminar was organized under the project M.A.D. - Mixed Abilities Dance of the British Council Creative Collaboration Programme, in which Karin Dom is a partner. Leading role played the team of StopGAP Dance Company, consisting of dancers with and without physical and learning disabilities. Little People Association, Romania and Albanian Dance Theater Company also took part.
For a week the international group developed their skills in an integrated dance - a style that allows people with disabilities to dance with equal technique and creativity. Participants had the opportunity to test the therapeutic effect of the dance, which unlocks the artistic potential and provokes the imagination. Integrated dance contributes to carrying out physical and emotional contact, building trust in your partner, acquiring confidence and self esteem. The dance allows for the expression of people with disabilities and promotes their social inclusion.

Exciting week ended with a conference and professional performance of StopGAP. We look forward to welcome the British dancers at Karin Dom at the end of March, when the training of our team will continue.

December 2009: Karin Dom Chrismtas Party

On 12th of December Karin dom children and team had a double celebration of the forthcoming Christmas  and the first fluffy snow in Varna. At the party, organized at the Festival and Congress center in Varna, musical greetings to Karin dom children and their parents were performed by the children from the Education center “The Little prince” and “Anton Straschimirov” school pipe band. Karin dom children proudly presented what they learned trough the year with artistic performances and dances. With the support of Piccadilly, Avtotraid – Plovdiv and Interservice Uzunov Santa gladden the children with special goodies and Christmas presents.

Tasty treats for all participants - wonderful cakes and sweets were provided by Costa Coffee, Ambelino pastry and Tabiet restaurants.

We thank ALL for the joyful celebration!