Traditionally, the National Network for Children (NNC) awarded the Heroes of Children for 2025 on the eve of June 1st. At an official ceremony at the City Mark Art Center in Sofia, Golden Apple awards in nine categories awards were given to individuals, organizations, institutions, and companies for their contribution to the well-being of children and families in Bulgaria.
The fifteenth edition of the awards was hosted by the actress Margarita Stoykova, together with Vladislav Peev from the Youth Network “Megaphone” of NMD. Two other Megaphone people were on stage – Kristina Gagova and Zorka Grozdanova, who helped with the award ceremony.
Among the special guests of the Golden Apple were Dobromira Kareva, Deputy Minister of Health, Ramiz Behbudov, Deputy Minister of Health, Ramyan B. -Ivayla Kasarova, Deputy Chairperson of the SACP, Galya Georgieva, Chief Expert at Sofia Municipality, Social Activities and Integration of People with Disabilities Department and Stanislava Tsvetkova, Expert from Samokov Municipality.
“For the 15th consecutive year on the eve of June 1, we are honoring the heroes of the children, who with their actions have made the children of Bulgaria happier. We thank SIEMENS and Kaufland for making this possible once again. This year, 59 children’s heroes were nominated and over 6,000 citizens voted directly for their choice. The Golden Apple Awards encourage adults to be heroes for our children because every child in our country deserves to live happily and be loved. We, the National Network for Children are glad to have the opportunity to present to the public what people, organizations, schools, and hospitals are doing for children’s well-being in Bulgaria.
Unlike most of the politicians who rather use children’s problems for populism, showing no real results from their work in this area. Our society is sick and our children are suffering. The increasing cases of violence against and between children, such as the ‘locale’ phenomenon, are further proof that our children are speaking but our institutions and politicians are not listening. It is time to start listening to children!”, with these words welcomed the guest Georgi Bogdanov, Executive Director of the National Network for Children.
Here are the winners in the nine categories, which are determined by the jury and the audience’s online vote:
School/Kindergarten
23 SU “FREDERIC JOLIOT CURIE”, GR. SOFIA
Builds an inclusive school environment where difference is accepted as a privilege and support for every child is systematic and comprehensive. The award was presented by Mr. Ramiz Behbudov – UNICEF Deputy Representative for Bulgaria.
Hospital
BOTEVGRAD HOSPITAL, PEDIATRIC DEPARTMENT – For the professional and cordial partnership in the transformation of the children’s ward through the joint implementation of the “Svetulka” project. The award was presented by Mrs. Dobromira Kareva, Deputy Minister of Health.
Municipality
MUNICIPALITY OF SAMOKOV
The municipality invests in children’s infrastructure and active involvement in public life by building sustainable policies and social and educational services. It was awarded by Traycho Traykov, Mayor of Sredets district and Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on Budget and Finance of the National Council on Regional Development.
Journalist
VIDKA ATANASOVA – For her professional and in-depth coverage of important topics related to children, families, and children’s policies in the independent media Free Europe. The award was given by Ms. Genka Shikerova journalist and contributor to the National Network for Children on topics such as children’s health and child justice.
Charity
FOR THE GOOD Foundation – Completely transforms children’s hospital wards in partnership with the local community. The award was given by Ms. Kremena Georgieva. She is the Corporate Communications Manager of Kauflаnd Bulgaria.
Children’s organization
YOU ARE THE GOOD – A non-profit organization focused on supporting children from families with temporary financial difficulties. The award was given by the Vice President of the State Agency for Child Protection – Ms. Ivayla Kasarova.
Corporate partnership for children – financial contribution
YETTEL BULGARIA – Implements a digital literacy and online safety program for children and youth in partnership with expert organizations and with engaged parents and teachers. The award was presented by Gabriela Marinova, deputy executive director of the Bulgarian Forum of Business Leaders.
Corporate Partnership for Children – Public Contribution
BUSINESS FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION AND LIDL BULGARIA – Support young people and their families in the career guidance process. Awarded to Rumyana Parusheva, Head of Communications and Sustainability Manager at Siemens Bulgaria.
Hero of children
CHRISTIAN AND MIKAELA LAMBOVI, Changing public attitudes towards people with Down syndrome in Bulgaria. The award was presented by Georgi Bogdanov, Executive Director of the NMA.
As every year, apart from the online voting by the general public and the jury’s votes, the NNC presents two other awards.
Dr. Sabina Sabeva and Metodka Petrova, part of the International Social Service Foundation – Bulgaria, received an award for their overall contribution to the work of the National Network for Children.
The special award of the NNC “Golden Apple 2025” was presented by Yana Alexieva, member of the Supervisory Board of the NNC, Executive Director of the Parents Association, part of the National Center for an Open Internet, to Commissioner Vladislav Todorov, Head of the Department “Crime, Chief Inspector Velislava Dimitrova, Head of the Sector “Crimes against Children on the Internet”, Cybercrime Directorate of the General Directorate for Combating Cybercrime of the General Directorate for Combating Cybercrime of the Ministry of Interior, and the entire team of the Sector “Crimes against Children on the Internet”.
The Concordia Bulgaria Foundation’s art studio created the Golden Apple Statutes 2025. Siemens Bulgaria and Kaufland Bulgaria supported the awards.
This year’s Heroes for Kids campaign was dedicated to the NMA’s Heroes Don’t Hit, Heroes Love cause, which aims to raise awareness of the issue and encourage parents to be real heroes for their children. The initiative not only highlights the importance of non-violent parenting but also calls for a change in societal attitudes about discipline and parenting methods. We thank Stoyan Koprivlensky, the best Bulgarian kickboxer, for standing by us in this mission. His support as the face and ambassador of the campaign shows that true strength is in love, not violence.
