In celebration of the World Refugee Day on 20 June 2023 an IOM Bulgaria team took part in a celebration organised by Humans in the Loop. A spirit of elation and joy filled the meadows at Borisova Gradina in Sofia.

The event gathered hundreds of families with children fleeing the war in Ukraine and included a variety of activities that included musical performances, various workshops for children, food tasting and a charity market.

One of the highlights of the day was the stage performances by various ensembles of young children from Ukraine. IOM Bulgaria provided the sound equipment for the event as well as transportation for the participants.

Furthermore, IOM organised a psychosocial activity for children - therapeutic doll making. With the help of the IOM staff the young kids had the chance to design and manufacture their own unique dolls, give them names and special features. It was no surprise that our stand was soon overflowing with enthusiastic kids. Therapeutic doll-making is a art activity that has proved to be of great benefit for children that have experienced stress and traumatic events.

Towards the end of the event parents and children were equally engrossed in the doll-making and the children’s smiles proved it was all worth the effort.

These activities were implemented with the financial support of The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.