Ivanka Shalapatova, Bulgarian Minister of Labor and Social Policy, informed that the trip of the Bulgarian delegation to Portugal on the issues of the Child has ended with a massive success and understanding.
The main topic of their conversation was the implementation of measures to reduce child poverty and ensure all children have access to education, healthcare and quality social services in compliance with the main goals of the European Guarantee for the Child.
The bilateral meeting was held within the framework of a working visit of a delegation from Bulgaria with experts in children’s policies in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, between October 25-27.
Ana Mendes Godinho, Portuguese Minister of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security, remarked that Portugal will benefit from Bulgaria’s experience in implementing the reform for deinstitutionalizing children care.
She appreciated Minister Ivanka Shalapatova and the Bulgarian diligence in attending the meeting to resolve the issues of children in Lisbon.
Minister Shalapatova presented part of the awards to the Casa Pia Institute, supported by the Portuguese Social Ministry for children at risk of social exclusion, which helps them to connect with employers and secure jobs.
Minister Shalapatova commented that Bulgaria looks forward to the visit of Minister Gudinho and her team to Sofia in February 2024, when Bulgaria will share their experience with the deinstitutionalization of children – a path that Portugal is still taking.
Bulgaria and Portugal are very similar in the challenges faced by the communities in two countries. She thanked the units throughout the country dealing with the problems of children and families, gaining experience and good practices that can be successfully applied in Bulgaria.