“I recycled 70 kilograms of paper and thanks to me, one tree will not be cut down this year.” While this might seem like a small feat for an average person, for special children labeled as having SEN (Special Educational Needs)—this is a massive achievement and a reason for a genuine smile.
This is why the certificate for participating in the “Sheet by Sheet” campaign is more than just an administrative document to them. For children with SEN, the world is often full of rules that are difficult to follow. However, through “Sheet by Sheet,” they see the direct impact of their actions. And that brings them pure joy.
Almost as much as is required to come of age—for 17 years now, the “Joy for Our Children” Foundation has been teaching youngsters not only how to fully integrate into society but also how to collect waste separately, ensuring they live in a cleaner city.
“In 2009, we joined the ‘Sheet by Sheet’ campaign because, at the time, we were using a lot of paper for our office needs. However, we also did it to teach children with SEN and their families how to collect waste separately,” explain Ivelina Angelova and Daniela Stoyanova, social workers at the foundation.
At the organization’s office, located opposite the bus station, there are three designated bins for the separate collection of paper, plastic, and glass. The staff is adamant that these are not just for training purposes, but represent an effort to create lasting habits on the topic of the environment.
Together, they all take care of the small garden near the office, located in the space between the residential buildings. They are also trying to involve the local neighborhood community. They have planted a tree, shrubs, and flowers to improve and beautify the area that welcomes children and parents on their way to the center.
Since March, they have been preparing for Earth Day on April 22nd. “We weeded, dug, and collected a lot of waste, grass, and trash.to plant the flowers and shrubs we’ve prepared,” members of “Joy for Our Children” share, adding: “The ongoing care from here on out will also be provided by us and the children.”
The “Joy for Our Children” Foundation provides a comprehensive range of social services (Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration of Children with Special Educational Needs). It also works with children and adults with disabilities, individuals from vulnerable communities or groups, and their families and relatives.
Exactly five years ago, it so happened that we stopped by to collect the collected waste paper, gathered by the “Joy for Our Children” Foundation on Global Recycling Day. We took some photos and included them in a short video dedicated to the cause. Take a look why we do all of this.
