InnovAid Founders Maggi Inglesby, Mariana Verissimo, Bob Faber, and Anna Town at a new student orientation event
By: Maria Williams
In the heart of Bulgaria, a transformative force is quietly shaping the futures of countless young lives. The Pink Foundation, founded by visionary Bob Faber, emerged from a heartfelt mission to uplift the most vulnerable, beginning with orphans and gradually expanding to encompass a broader community-focused initiative. The foundation, founded back in 2012 in Bulgaria and now also established in Nigeria, stands as a beacon of hope, fostering the necessary skills among the youth in some of the most underprivileged communities.
The charity organization was born from a simple yet profound realization by the founder: “To effect meaningful change, we must start with those who need it the most.” Initially focused on orphans, the foundation quickly recognized the widespread need within the broader community, prompting a more inclusive approach. With the blessing of the local municipal government, the Pink Foundation expanded its mission, creating a comprehensive after-school program designed to equip children with the skills and confidence needed to pursue better life outcomes.
Today, the Pink Foundation operates on five core principles: education, health & hygiene, socialization, life/job skills, and community service. Each of these principles is embedded into the curriculum, offering a holistic approach to child development. The Foundation’s impact is undeniable, but to continue its work and expand its reach, it calls on volunteers, donors, and groups to join its mission – both in Bulgaria and beyond.
Education is the cornerstone of the organization’s approach. The foundation believes in integrating lessons into every activity, aiming that children not only learn but internalize key concepts. An example of this is the ‘Rockin’ English’ program, where popular songs are used as a tool to improve English language skills. The curriculum is interactive, engaging children through singing, vocabulary drills, and games. This method builds confidence in communication and makes learning a fun and empowering experience.
Addressing health and hygiene, especially with children, can be challenging. Recognizing this, the Pink Foundation created programs like Mama’s Little Helper, which tactfully introduces young girls to personal hygiene and body respect as they approach puberty.
This program was initially met with resistance due to the sensitive nature of the topic. However, it was reframed to focus on personal responsibility and preparation for adulthood. “We wanted to make this program more accessible and less intimidating for these young minds,” Bob expresses, further stating, “The program teaches vital life lessons or skills in a way that encourages personal care, all while maintaining a supportive and non-threatening environment.”
Another program that the Pink Foundation provides is socialization; something that is quite crucial for early childhood development. The organization places a strong emphasis on making children feel comfortable with themselves and others from a young age. By integrating children from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds into the same activities, they instill the terms equality and mutual respect within youngsters. “We hope to encourage these kids, even if and when they go abroad, to have exposure and become better humans, working in sectors like health and education, which is quite necessary and in demand in every country,” states the founder.
The Pink Foundation’s life skills and vocational training programs are designed to equip teenagers with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce. The Pink Cooking Academy, for example, is a two-year program that condenses a national high school curriculum into practical, hands-on learning experiences. Students learn everything from food preparation to customer service with a focus on the hospitality industry. The success stories are even more inspiring. Bob shares one of the many, proudly stating, “We had a young man who initially resisted the program. His parents, who did not even have the opportunity to graduate from high school – his father, a manual laborer – fortunately convinced him. And today, he has successfully become the head chef at a prominent hotel after discovering his passion and talent for cooking.”
Another innovative program is InnovAid, a hospital volunteer initiative that introduces high school students to various healthcare roles. This program not only provides valuable experience but also highlights the global demand for healthcare workers, offering students portable skills that can open doors to opportunities worldwide.
Community service is often seen as a luxury for those with time and resources. However, the Pink Foundation is changing the narrative by involving children in projects that benefit their communities and beyond. From building structures at local mountain huts to creating playgrounds in underserved areas, these projects teach children the value of giving back. The sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from completing a project fosters a deep sense of community responsibility and personal growth.
The work of the Pink Foundation is far from finished. As they look to expand their impact, particularly with plans to introduce their programs in Uganda, they need help. The foundation is calling for volunteers, donors, and partners to support its mission. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering time, or participating in group service projects, there are many ways to get involved.
One of the rewarding opportunities is to experience the principles of the Pink Foundation firsthand. Volunteers participate in projects that directly benefit the communities supported by the foundation, both in Bulgaria and internationally. This immersive experience allows individuals to live the values of education, socialization, and community service, all while making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
The Pink Foundation is focused on sustaining and expanding its programs to provide vital resources and opportunities to children in need. “Our mission is to empower the next generation, one child at a time,” says Bob. The foundation remains committed to continuing its important work, aiming that these children have access to the support they need to thrive.
Published by: Martin De Juan
