Nasko is a clever nine-year-old, full of energy and eager to learn.  But when the schools in Bulgaria were closed by the COVID pandemic he was severely disadvantaged.  Classes went online but Nasko had no internet at home, and no phone, laptop or tablet. 

A year ago, Blythswood sponsored a project by Bulgarian partner organisation Mission Possible Bulgaria to run a six month intensive literacy programme, so that children like Nasko, many from the Roma community, could catch up on the schooling which they had missed. 

“As soon as we started the course, I could see that Nasko was keen,” says teacher Bogomila Samuilova.  “He was struggling with reading and counting but that was not strange given his situation at home. 

“We gave him lots of time and attention and set assignments and exercises for him and today he can read really well.  His dream is to become a policeman, to ride a motorcycle and to help people.”

By the time it concluded in June, the literacy programme had benefited 230 children in 12 groups at eight locations.