Six foreign volunteers bring Colours of Solidarity to Sofia

Six young people from different countries and continents came to Sofia with a shared purpose – to contribute their time, energy and creativity to making the city cleaner, more attractive and a better place to live.

For 40 days, they took part in the third edition of Colours of Solidarity, a project organised by the Values, Virtues, Integrity Foundation.

“We select people from countries with different backgrounds and histories, which is why we gave the project this name,” said foundation representative Strashimir Dimitrov.

“At the zoo, we worked to make the grounds more inviting,” he told Bulgarian National Radio’s Hristo Botev programme. “In South Park, we helped paint benches and painted designs on rocks along the main paths. We dismantled a stage at the Summer Theatre in Borisova Gradina Park and painted the benches in front of the National Palace of Culture. At the Rivers of Sofia festival – a real gem in the city’s summer programme – we helped with the preparations and the clearing up afterwards. We also had a stand where we presented EU youth exchange programmes.”

Since a good example can inspire others, are more young Bulgarians becoming interested in volunteering?

“Young Bulgarians are still not used to volunteering, although some are beginning to show an interest,” Dimitrov replied. “Our foundation’s main mission is to reach schoolchildren and young people, those who see the world through different eyes, and encourage them to get involved. Volunteering is not very widespread in Bulgaria, yet there is a real need for it.”

The six participants explain why they chose to give their time and effort, without payment, to help communities in another country:

Daria from Estonia: “I came here because I’m an art student. This isn’t my first volunteering project, but it’s the first one that has something to do with my field of study. So it was an opportunity to develop my skills and do some painting.”

Alisha from Germany: “I came here because I wanted to learn something different – to volunteer and help out, even though I’m not a professional. I’m doing it for myself, but I really enjoy it. I’ll continue working with art, although I still don’t know exactly where things will lead.”

Joaldo from Angola: “My parents are from Angola and we speak Portuguese, but I’ve lived in Rome since I was 19, studying publishing. This project is an opportunity to embark on a new adventure, step outside my comfort zone and do something interesting in another country. You’re helping the community without being paid, and you feel proud of what you’ve achieved because people appreciate it.”

Sandra from Ghana: “I’m currently doing a master’s degree in circular economy in Italy. I wanted to try something new – to travel and see more of Europe – and this is my first time volunteering. It was a chance to meet new people and get to know Bulgarian culture. I’d read about Sofia as a European capital, and St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was what impressed me most. The city has lived up to my expectations. There’s a lot to see here, the surroundings are interesting, and the mountain makes a beautiful backdrop.”

Barbora: “I’m from the Czech Republic, but I now live in Rome, where I’m finishing a master’s degree in art history. Since moving to Italy, I’ve been actively involved in volunteering – I cook meals for homeless people. I enjoy painting in my spare time, so I’m glad this project has a creative element. I’m very happy to be part of it.”

Lorenzo from Italy: “It’s a pleasure to be here. I’ve visited Sofia many times before. When I was looking for volunteering opportunities for the summer, hoping to gain some experience during my holidays, I came across this project and thought it could be a great experience. The city faces the same problems as other capitals – pollution, litter and graffiti. I wanted to help make Sofia cleaner, remove some graffiti and take part in artistic projects.”

Having left their mark on Sofia and gained new experiences and dreams along the way, the young volunteers will carry with them lasting memories of an unforgettable summer – one that, in some ways, has changed them too.

Text: Diana Tsankova (based on an interview by Kalina Staneva for Bulgarian National Radio’s Hristo Botev programme)
Editor: D. Semkovska