“A Teacher at Heart. That’s Why I Never Gave Up.” – The Story of Rositsa Sredkova

Rositsa Sredkova – a teacher at heart, an activist by vocation, and a member of the Board of the National Network for Children. For more than two decades, she has not only inspired children and young people in Kardzhali, but has also supported public institutions in the region in developing better policies for children.

When someone asks me about my most unforgettable story with a child, my heart fills with images – smiles, anxious looks, tightly clasped hands, tears, drawings… I cannot choose just one. Because these are not simply stories – they are real people. And they stay with me.

But if I had to name one thing that keeps me going, it would be the Megaphone Youth Programme of the National Network for Children. We have been part of it since its very beginning in 2010. Over these 15 years, more than 20 young people from Kardzhali have found in it not only knowledge, but also a voice, friendship and a place where they are heard and where they matter.

I remember those first meetings. Shy glances, children who did not believe that anyone would listen to them. Gradually – with time, trust and care – they began to grow. To stand tall. To speak up. To dream.

One child told me: “I’m no longer afraid to say when something is wrong.” Another said: “Now I know I can help others.”

To me, these are victories. Victories that light up my world.

Many people say that children today are lost. That they are irresponsible. I do not believe that. Children are a reflection of what they see around them. And if we, as adults, teach them that kindness matters, that courage can be built, that love is not a weakness but a strength, then they will move forward towards what is good.

I am a teacher. And I am still a teacher. Despite the difficulties, despite a system that often fails to hear teachers, I stayed. I stayed because I believe in what we create – not through programmes alone, but through our hearts.

I remember one project with children from the Roma community. We worked with enthusiasm, determined to make everything perfect. It wasn’t. And then Jane, a Peace Corps volunteer, told us something that changed the way I have looked at our work ever since:

“If you help even one child, you have succeeded.”

Those words stayed with me. Because that is exactly the truth. Sometimes you cannot save the whole world. But you can be the world to one child.

We founded our association, Initiative for Development – Kardzhali Decides, in 2002. We work with children, young people, teachers and parents. Sometimes it is difficult. Sometimes there are not enough resources, not enough time, not enough support. But the work always has meaning.

We organise workshops, training sessions, forums, and spaces for conversation and play. We work with vulnerable communities, helping children learn Bulgarian, overcome their fears, participate and feel that they belong. And to believe that they are not alone.

For 16 years now, we have been part of the National Network for Children. To me, this is more than a partnership. It is a heartfelt network of good people who believe that there is no such thing as a “difficult child” – only a child who has not received enough understanding and support.

The Network teaches us that change does not come from above – it comes from within. From every hug, every act of support, every “I believe in you.”

If you are starting to work with children today, know that there will be days when you are tired. There will be disappointments. There will be tears. But there will also be drawings and children’s voices. There will be a small hand reaching for yours, even without saying a word.

That is everything.

Remember the words of Seneca:

“He who does good to another does good also to himself.”

And the people who work for children’s rights are people who do good.

I am one of them.

One teacher stayed. There are many of us here – become part of our community at www.nmd.bg/dari