The Varna social enterprise "Our House" produces souvenirs that are replicas of archaeological finds. This was announced by the Regional Center for the Development of the Social Economy in Northeast Bulgaria.
The enterprise is based in Aksakovo and is for young people with intellectual disabilities, explained Rositsa Penkova from the center. Initially, it functioned as occupational therapy for children, offering pottery, but then it developed and evolved into a business. They work together with the Archaeological Museum in Varna, where the souvenirs made are sold. Among them are copies of ceramic exhibits, as well as the famous golden figurine of a bull from the treasure discovered in the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis. According to Penkova, work is currently underway to reproduce the gold paint with which the ceramic artifacts from the necropolis are decorated.
There is also interest in the products of "Our House" from the owners of TSUM in Sofia, who are creating an archaeological collection and also want to sell souvenirs from their production, because it is Bulgarian, also pointed out the Regional Center, adding that they are very proud of this enterprise. Products from "Our House" have also been purchased by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy to be awarded as prizes and souvenirs.
One of the ceramic statuettes was presented to the regional governor of Varna, Prof. Andriana Andreeva, for the fruitful cooperation she has with the Regional Center for the Development of the Social Economy. As BTA reported, the largest number of social enterprises in the country operate in the Varna region. This was noted at a press conference on the activities of the organization in the Regional Administration.