Following the village and the fields, the city. The Missioni Don Bosco crew made its way to Stara Zagòra, in the suburban district that, almost ironically, has the same name as the city. “It is an area inhabited exclusively by Roma people, whose nomadic ways were outlawed by the Communist regime.” There are 27,000 people living here, 15% of the entire population of Stara Zagora. The Salesians have been in contact with the residents for a few months. "They have provided their assistance after school hours, and this has already borne its first fruits” remarks Demichelis. “The school is in the heart of the district and is only attended by children from the area. Usually these children don’t have the space or the conditions at home to be able to study and do their homework. At the Salesian centre they have the space they need and, more importantly, people who can help them".

The approach taken is a delicate one: “Don Giorgio, the head Salesian, explained to us how important it is to teach patience, because many children have emotional difficulties. Manual work helps improve concentration, and the subsequent one-to-one and group conversations foster discussion.” There are many hurdles to overcome. “For the boys it is the habit of being alone in the streets, playing and doing little jobs; for the girls it is helping at home and being married off, which happens when they are 13 or 14” explains Demichelis.

In Bulgaria 82% of the population are Orthodox Christian and 12% Muslim. But religious differences do not prevent the organisation of events that are open to all. “After the mass celebrated by the Salesians, we watched the dances and listened to the songs prepared by the children. All those present, including those that weren't of Roma origin, stayed on: the first time that the local Bulgarians watched a Roma performance." This is another positive sign as we seek to improve integration between different cultures.