The city can be a scary place. But fears can be faced.
Sofia’s urban sprawl holds many fears for Valentin. He is not used to so many people, and feels lost amongst the concrete and chaos. For the boy from a small town on the Danube, Bulgaria’s capital is taking some getting used to.
Valentin, or Valio, was placed into care along with his brother Alex when he was six years old. Although his extremely poor family could not afford to care for all the children, there was no lack of love; his father and another older brother made sure to stay in contact with him and Alex.
Alex joined the House of Opportunity when he turned 18, and when he began work he started to send money to Valio and their father. Valio found life without his brother close by very difficult. He developed quite a serious illness and had to travel to Sofia from time to time for treatment. When he turned 18, he naturally followed his older brother, and joined the House of Opportunity programme.
Valio struggles with big city life. It intimidates him. He is quiet by nature and does not talk much. He is scared of change and is sad for the friends who he grew up in care with, and they share his fear. The team found him a job, but Valentin found it very difficult. He hasn’t worked before, and others have always looked after him. He does not know how to cook, or shop, and is not yet used to looking after a home. These things he will learn. He has dreams; he’d like to be a fireman, and own a house with a yard, but worries how he might achieve them. But Valio has support. He now lives in Lyulin House of Opportunity with Alex. He feels safe with his brother.
Valio and Vanessa joined House of Opportunity in June 2025.
The House of Opportunity team will help Valio to learn how to live more in hope than fear, and to feel safe with city life. They will not rush him, but they are confident that the small town boy can manage the big city. Just you watch.