CONCORDIA Social Projects

Larisa is 12 years old and has lost her mother. It was a difficult time for her and her family. At the CONCORDIA Day Center, she found a place that gives her a sense of stability—a place where she is listened to and where she can believe in herself again.

Today, she is discovering her musical talents, improving her grades, and gradually finding her way back to joy and confidence. ✨

💚 That is exactly what CONCORDIA’s day centers are for: to help people get through even the toughest times.

Larisa's letter can be read in our report: https://www.concordia.or.at/en/report/day-centre-model/

💬 Listening changes everything 💬

At the CONCORDIA day centers, children not only receive support with learning – they also find people who listen to them and take them seriously.
Many of them grow up in difficult life situations, marked by insecurity, poverty, or family burdens. It's even more important to have a place where they feel safe and taken seriously.

Through conversations with educators and psychologists, the children learn to:
🧠 understand their feelings
🤝 resolve conflicts
✨ develop self-confidence

This support strengthens their emotional well-being, helps them better handle challenges, and lays the foundation for positive development – both in school and in life.

Every child deserves a safe space where they are seen, heard, and empowered. 🌱

"It was an incredible experience and I made many new friendships." This is how Ronja from Klosterneuburg describes her Voluntary Social Year with CONCORDIA in Romania.

For six months, she supported at Casa Iuda – at events, in the house and garden, in youth group care, and in daily interactions with people whose life stories deeply moved her. Between laughter, new experiences, and intense encounters, Ronja realized the essence of voluntary engagement: being there, listening, helping – and growing herself.

Start as a volunteer: https://www.concordia.or.at/en/support/volunteers/:

Kamen loves soccer, but for a long time, he was on the bench. At CONCORDIA, everything changed: For the first time, he's getting the chance to play, learn, and show what he's capable of. ⚽

With each training session, not only does his skill grow, but so does his confidence. He knows that school is part of his dream, too. Since joining the CONCORDIA team, he's been more attentive in class. He has a clear goal—becoming a professional footballer. And to achieve this, alongside hard work and talent, good grades are essential. ✨

💚 That's exactly what our day centers are for: to help children believe in themselves and find their own path.

Kamen's letter can also be read in our report: https://www.concordia.or.at/en/report/day-centre-model/

🎨 Play, Creativity, Growth 🎨

At our CONCORDIA day centers, it's about more than just learning. Here, children also have the chance to simply be kids. 💚

Whether they're painting, making music, acting in theater, or playing sports, they discover their strengths, try new things, and gain confidence.

These moments are especially valuable for children growing up in challenging situations. They learn to express themselves, connect with others, and believe in themselves. ✨

In a safe environment, they can experiment, laugh, learn, and grow – step by step.

Because every child deserves a place where they can discover their strengths and develop their personality. 🌱

Some moments carry an extra dose of hope. The opening of our new early childhood development center 'Detski Mechti' – which means Children's Dreams – in the village of Malki Iskar, Bulgaria, was one of those moments. 💛

In this region, many families have limited access to kindergartens, schools, or medical care. Young mothers, in particular, often face significant challenges when they want to give their children a good start in life.

With the new center, we can now support over 50 children and their parents, right where support is most crucial and effective: during pregnancy and the first four years of life. Here, children find a safe, loving place. Parents receive advice and assistance. Young mothers also get the opportunity to look for work while their children are well taken care of.

For the children and families in Malki Iskar, this center is more than just a building. It is the beginning of a better future.

Dina is 12 years old and has been attending a CONCORDIA day center - her 'little school' - for a year. Here, she learns something new every day and has discovered her great passion: the clarinet. 🎶

When she plays, she feels free and happy - and dreams of one day performing on big stages. ✨

💚 This is exactly why we are here: to help children learn new things and discover their talents.

Dina's letter can be read in our report: https://www.concordia.or.at/en/report/day-centre-model/

📚 Education Changes Lives 📚

Many children who attend our CONCORDIA Day Centers don't have a quiet place to study at home – and often lack someone to help them with their homework.

This is where we come in.
At our Day Centers, children receive daily:
✏️ Homework support
📖 Targeted learning assistance
👩‍🏫 Guidance from educators in small groups

This helps them close learning gaps, understand their lessons better, and build new self-confidence.

And it's making a difference: Kids are attending school more regularly – and improving their performance step by step. ✨

Because education is more than just learning.
It is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and opening up new paths in life.

CONCORDIA in : Advocating for Children's Rights 🇪🇺💛
Last week, our CEO Bernhard Drumel, along with colleagues from CONCORDIA, visited Brussels to discuss children's rights, social inclusion, and the fight against intergenerational child poverty with key European partners.

Our delegation, including Bernhard Drumel, Martina Raytchinova, Diana Yovcheva-Koparanova, and Anemari Nitu, met with representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Economic and Social Committee. They also connected with strong civil society networks such as Eurochild, Caritas Europe, Save the Children, and the EU Alliance for Investing in Children. 🤝

The discussions centered on crucial future questions:
🇪🇺 How can EU funds be effectively used for children and families in poverty?
🌱 How can the European Child Guarantee be effectively implemented and extended to candidate countries?
📣 What political steps are needed to ensure no child is left behind?

CONCORDIA brings invaluable experiences from daily work in five countries – directly from our day centers, educational programs, family support services, and child protection facilities.

We know that child poverty is never an isolated issue. It has structural causes and can only be overcome when practice and policy work together.

Today is International Children's Day! 🎈

When Sara first came to CONCORDIA's day center in Vienna - the LenZ Learning and Family Center - she spoke little German and often stayed in the background.

But step by step, she gained confidence. She found her voice, moved into a regular class, and found her place with us. 💛

During the summer program, Sara showed what she was capable of: with her text, she won 3rd place in a writing competition. ✍️✨

On International Children's Day, Sara's story reminds us of what really matters:
Children need opportunities. A safe place. People who listen. And adults who trust them to surpass themselves.

Because every child has something to say – sometimes they just need someone to listen.