From a frightened young man, to a leader on and off the sports field, Todor has come a long way.
Todor, or Toshko to his friends, joined the House of Opportunity Programme in summer 2017. Toshko was big and strong physically, with a keenness for judo and boxing. But when he and the two lads who joined the programme from the same orphanage were asked how they felt about their futures, they all agreed with one word, “fear”. They had no idea what life would throw at them next and could not envisage how they might take some sort of control. They were simply afraid.
Toshko thought he might like to become a bouncer. This kind of job in Bulgaria can lead young men into all kinds of trouble. The last thing this young man needed was to be drawn into a life where he would be exposed to all kinds of risk and temptation. The House of Opportunity team helped him to reset his sights, and Toshko never looked back.
Toshko graduated from the House of Opportunity Programme with a part-time job and place on a course at the National Sports Academy. He has now successfully graduated from the Academy and hopes to secure a job coaching or teaching sport.
This summer Toshko re-joined the House of Opportunity, but this time as a team member helping to lead the current crop of House residents on various activities at our summer camp. This included a visit to the Juvenile Prison in Vratsa to lead sessions with the young people incarcerated there.
With a story so similar to the young people currently in the programme, Toshko’s progress, willingness to share and desire to help are an inspiration and tremendous encouragement to House residents and team members alike. We are sure that he will be helping to lead the way for many others in the years to come.
Toshko was able to share his perspective and insight during training sessions for the House of Opportunity residents during the July camp.