site.btaNational Network For Children Expert: Social Policy Ministry Shows Vision on Development of Social Policies for Children

Perhaps for the first time, the Social Ministry shows a vision of how social policies for children should be developed, National Network For Children's Children Policies Director Plamena Nikolova told BTA here on Wednesday. She described as a success the fact that the Social Policy Ministry has managed to involve the Education Ministry and Health Ministry in its efforts on the issue.

Commenting on International Day of Human Solidarity, observed on December 20, she pointed out that children are not to blame for the fact that they may be part of a poor family and this should not be a reason for their isolation. People should strive to live in a society without divisions, Nikolova urged. "Our aspiration as a society, at least as far as children are concerned, should be focused on trying to erase inequalities and help every child develop their potential," she added. 

Solidarity should be based on the understanding that children are a common concern, that every person has a stake in ensuring that the child does not live in poverty and marginalization, the expert stated. When a child is of a lower social status or from a different ethnic background, institutions should work to ensure that there is no segregation - that this child attends school, has access to health and social care, Nikolova underlined.

Poverty, marginalization and violence are directly linked, she said and added that the focus of policy to improve child well-being should be on prevention from an early age.