ESC: Communicate for Change: Supporting Ukrainian Communities

FSCOD helps people displaced by the war in Ukraine by providing education, employment, and psychosocial support, and by promoting integration and adaptation.
FSCOD is an independent, non-profit organization that collaborates with both Bulgarian and international organizations and institutions that share similar goals and values. With a non-governmental, non-political, and non-religious character, FSCOD aims to support individuals displaced by the war in Ukraine who seek refuge in Bulgaria.
FSCOD was established as a foundation in April 2022 following the start of the war in Ukraine and the resulting influx of people seeking protection in Bulgaria. Since the first days of the war, the mission of the Foundation is to help people displaced by the war in Ukraine find security, and stability and lead a dignified life in Bulgaria, becoming self-sufficient and integrated into Bulgarian society. This is achieved through working with authorities, institutions, and businesses to create systems and procedures to support people displaced by the war in Ukraine. Currently, FSCOD concentrates its activities in four main directions: ensuring access to education for displaced children, providing psychosocial support, offering support for reskilling and successful inclusion in the Bulgarian labor market for displaced Ukrainian people, and organizing cultural events.
The foundation's objectives focus on promoting equality and dignity for displaced persons by developing a comprehensive ecosystem of support, including communication, adaptation, social activities, education, vocational training, mental health care and psychosocial support, and other necessary provisions. Additionally, FSCOD aims to facilitate the integration of displaced persons into the Bulgarian economy and recognize and promote their contributions to society. It offers expertise to institutions for the improvement of capacity and implementation of social policies regarding the displaced population and conducts independent research on migration issues. The foundation aims to foster cross-cultural understanding, raise awareness in Bulgarian society, provide comprehensive care and opportunities, and ensure access to accurate information and relevant services for displaced individuals while advocating for their rights and addressing emerging needs in support networks.