site.btaKing Charles III Decorates Two British Leaders of Refugee Camp School in Bulgaria

King Charles III awarded two British citizens with national honours in recognition of their significant contribution to humanitarian support for refugee children in Bulgaria, the British Embassy in Sofia reported on Saturday.

Jill Clasby and Sadie Clasby-Jarus, founders and leaders of the Harmanley Refugee Camp School of Play, were honoured. They are awarded the title of Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their contribution to humanitarian aid for refugee children in Bulgaria.

In Harmanley (Harmanli), in the largest refugee camp in Bulgaria, volunteers Jill Clasby and Sadie Clasby-Jarus founded a play school without foreign financial aid. Jill and Sadie have degrees in pre-school and primary school pedagogy respectively and have extensive experience working with children through play. They use their skills to help the refugee children in the camp, the British Embassy said.

The Harmanley Refugee Camp School of Play offers children aged between 4 and 14 a variety of activities and lessons to develop their skills and knowledge in maths, science, art and English, as well as opportunities for personal, social and emotional development.

All students at the school have experienced trauma and adversity and therapeutic play is an important element of the curriculum. After the opening of the school in 2014 conditions in the camp are not good. But the project is developing extremely successfully, with up to 300 children visiting the school on some days. Since its establishment, the school has relied on the generosity of donors from all over Europe, including Bulgaria, for its existence.

The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is awarded for outstanding achievements or services to the community of long-term and significant impact and which can serve as an example. His Majesty the King awards these honours on the proposal of the Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Development, the Embassy also said.

British Ambassador to Bulgaria Dr Rob Dixon commented: "I am very pleased that His Majesty has decided to honour Jill Clasby and Sadie Clasby-Jarus with this recognition for their contribution to humanitarian support for refugee children in Bulgaria. Jill and Sadie set up the Harmanli Refugee Camp Play School in 2014, working there as teachers and directors for 9 years on a voluntary basis. Their case can serve as an example for all of us about the power of volunteering and about the ability inherent in each of us to do good."