Bulgarian culture and traditions will be the focus of a special event in Strasbourg. A large photo exhibition mottoed “Children (not) like the others” will be presented at the Lieu d'Europe Strasbourg on June 3. Organizers Anna Yoncheva and Vanya Todorova will again show that all children smile in the same language.

“Physical differences do not prevent us from communicating and smiling – photographer Anna Yoncheva contends. – We simply have to accept that children with special needs have dreams, can smile and communicate with others- they are wonderful and we must see them more often. For me, as an artist and an author of the photo project, it is important to show children’s smiles everywhere – in Bulgaria and abroad. That is why the exhibition in Strasbourg is yet another opportunity to see how wonderful our children are when they smile. The place where the portraits will be exhibited is extremely beautiful and busy- it is located right next to the Council of Europe building. We hope that many people will visit the exhibition.”

In just three years, the joint initiative “Let’s Meet” has published a free-of-charge photo book and a calendar with the participation of a Bulgarian motorcycle club, organized events, charity bazaars and workshops, raised money and installed 17 wheelchair swings.

• Swings for the “different” children of Bulgaria – scales of goodness and children’s smiles

The Bulgarian community in Strasbourg organizes the forthcoming exhibition which aims to show the beauty of Bulgaria’s culture and traditions.

“We are calling on the artists to send us their works of art until April 15. Thus, we will be able to show our lifestyle, art and everything that brings fame to Bulgaria. We have already received many wonderful items that will be displayed at the forthcoming bazaar. We hope that the charity event will be great and accompanied with many smiles and that we will have the opportunity to make new friends”, Anna Yoncheva says.

All families of children with special needs, who want to tell their story and take photos for the project, are welcome. The money raised during the charity exhibition in Strasbourg will be used to fulfill the dreams of Bulgarian children with special needs to smile and have fun together with their peers:

“The money, as requested by the organizers, will be used for the purchase of a swing, suitable for children in wheelchairs – Anna Yoncheva explains. It will be installed on a playground in the town of Blagoevgrad.”

Written by: Desislava Semkovska

English version: Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: Anna Yoncheva, Laura Dimitrova