For the twelfth year in a row, National Network for Children is organizing the Golden Apple Awards. The prizes were solemnly presented on the eve of Children’s Day at the Sofia Puppet Theater.
The awards are a recognition of the efforts made by various people, organizations and institutions to improve the lives and well-being of children in Bulgaria.
The awards are in eight categories – “Children’s Hero”, “Children’s Organization”, “School”, “Municipality”, “Journalist”, “Charity”, “Award for overall contribution to the National Network for Children” and “Special Award”.
For the first year, all nominations were open to the public and everyone could offer a participant on the website of the Golden Apple initiative www.1june.nmd.bg.
The selection of the winner in the category “Children’s Hero” and “Children’s Organization” was by online voting.
The winners in the other categories were determined by a jury consisting of:
Elitsa Barakova from Because Foundation, Velizara Georgieva from Education 2030 Coalition, Yuliana Koleva from National Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria, Elena Atanasova – UNICEF Bulgaria, Alexei Pamporov – sociologist from the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at BAS, journalist Irina Nedeva, chairman of the Association of European Journalists, Dilyana Stoyanova from Unicredit Bulbank – holder of the Child Friendly Company certificate, Martina Atanasova, representative of the young people from Megaphone.
The event was attended by young musicians from the project “Music instead of the street” from Nadezhda district in Sliven. The awards were made by the social enterprise Atelier for Candles and Ceramics “Concordia”.
“Children’s heroes are with us every day – parents, teachers, social workers, doctors or just ordinary people who can be important adults in a child’s life. We are happy that this year’s special award is for people who have been and continue to be at the forefront to support children and parents fleeing bombs and horror of the war in Ukraine, “said Georgi Bogdanov, executive director of the National Network for Children.
The winners:
Children’s Hero
Dr. Stoyan Peev
He does not just operate on children with severe diagnoses – Dr. Peev is an active citizen who, as an expert, helps a number of initiatives of parent and patient organizations.
Children’s organization
For the Good Foundation
It brings together thousands of volunteers and donors from the country and abroad. The focus of their work is the protection of children’s rights, access to health care and education, raising public awareness, promoting civic activism.
School
“Petko Rachov Slaveykov”, Kardzhali
Here children acquire valuable knowledge and skills for life, there is a student parliament, partnerships with parents and the local community are developed, the emphasis is on real integration and violence prevention.
Municipality
Kazanlak
It has a comprehensive, systematic and focused policy in support of children and families. Many social services have been created for the most vulnerable. Children’s institutions, playgrounds and hospitals are being repaired, the voice of the children is heard.
Journalist
The correspondent team of the NGO portal
These are six civic activists who work with dedication and heart and focus on civil society organizations, adhering to the highest ethical standards.
Benefactor
The team of the Association “1 percent change”
They are a group of young people who help with funds and volunteer work various causes related to children. The funds raised are being used to renew kindergartens, libraries and playgrounds, to equip social services and to support the treatment of children.
Award for overall contribution
Vesela Banova
Methodical director of the Child and Space Association, clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, a recognizable name by professionals and institutions. She has been working in the child protection system in Bulgaria since its establishment in 2001 until today. Participates in building the system of social services for children and families. Author of books on child development.
Special prize
Volunteers who support Ukrainian children and families.
