Photo Workshop 66 is an original project by internationally acclaimed photographer Michaela Vatcheva, who has been running a training and mentoring programme for unaccompanied minor refugee children from the Middle East in Sofia since 2023. As a result of social, cultural, and family circumstances, migrant children often face illiteracy, isolation, and limited prospects for future development in Europe.

The project empowers the young refugees through photography, providing tools for self-expression and self-reflection, helping them overcome isolation and marginalization, promoting diversity, and advocating for human rights. It also works towards greater social justice by addressing systemic exclusion and ensuring the meaningful inclusion of vulnerable groups. By raising awareness of the existence, challenges, and successes of unaccompanied refugee children, the project offers a glimpse into their world - fostering empathy, solidarity, and acceptance within society.

Over several weeks, the children undergo an intensive photography training course, after which they create their own original photo projects. The program culminates in a group photography exhibition in Sofia city center, engaging local authorities, international organizations, institutions, NGOs, media, and the public. At the end of the program, each child receives a professional digital camera as a gift, enabling them to continue their creative and professional development. Ultimately, Photo Workshop 66 gives refugee children hope for a better future.

In 2024, the project was recognized by the European Commission as a best practice.

Project news:

• Reuters made a generous donation of 7 professional cameras for unaccompanied minor refugee children (April 2025)

Timeframe: February - October 2025
Funding: You and Lidl for Our Tomorrow + an in-kind donation of 7 professional cameras by Reuters

This publication was created as part of the Photo Workshop 66 project. The project is implemented with the support of Lidl Bulgaria's largest social responsibility initiative, You & Lidl for Our Tomorrow, in partnership with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation and the Bulgarian Donors’ Forum. The content is the sole responsibility of the Multi Kulti Collective and does not reflect the official views of the funding organizations.