Rakiye is one of our longest serving employees in the city. Kazanlak.
“On April 27, 2023 it was exactly 7 years since I started working” – she says during our phone interview, shortly after she helped with the afternoon snack of the young people in one of our small-group homes. She talks enthusiastically about her work, has a very cheerful and kind voice, and is an extremely smiley woman in person.
- How did you decide to go into social work?
It didn’t happen by chance. I was unemployed in 2015 and the Labor office told me about a vacancy in the foundation’s services. I went, rang the doorbell, had an interview and we got on well. They called me to start work right away. But I wasn’t expecting it to be that quick. I couldn’t start right away because I was taking care of my mother who was sick at the time. After 2 months I came back and called them. I didn’t expect the job to be available, but they said I could start right away. So on April 27, 2016, I started working.
I have a degree in economics but I always wanted to be involved with children, to do something related to children.
- What do you like most about your job?
One often feels tired, exhausted from work. And I feel like that sometimes. But these children give me a lot of strength and energize me. Yes, there is a strength in the children I take care of, and they pass it on to me.
- What do you like to do outside of work?
I have a lot of hobbies. Most of all I like to sow flowers, be in the garden. I teach my four grandchildren and the kids here too. I love to be outside, get exercise, hike in the mountains. I pick roses. It’s something I love to do. When the season comes and I take 10 days off and go pick roses. I love spending time with my four grandchildren.


