Christina de Bruin, thank you for the dream!

At the end of the five-year mandate of the head of UNICEF in Bulgaria, Christina de Bruin, we want to say a big “Thank you” to a person who not only inspires children to dream, but consistently works to ensure that they have the opportunity to make their dreams come true.

During these five years, we have gone through many challenges and important battles together. Together, we have managed to protect the place of educational mediators in the education system, so that their work does not depend on temporary projects, but becomes a sustainable state policy.

With the support of UNICEF and personally of Ms. Christina de Bruin, sustainable funding for schools and kindergartens working with vulnerable groups was also protected. This has also become part of state policy. As a member of the Ambassadorial Group on Roma Issues, she was one of our strongest allies in the efforts to overcome educational segregation. Thanks to the support of the Ambassadorial Group, this topic received serious international attention and took its deserved place on the public and institutional agenda.

Throughout her mandate, Christina de Bruin was a consistent defender of the right of every child to quality education and equal opportunities. Her support contributed to real changes in educational policies and to more sustainable solutions in support of schools that work with the most vulnerable communities.

Therefore, at the end of her mandate, with great respect and gratitude, we presented Christina de Bruin with the “Ambassador of Roma Integration” plaque. We wish her health and many more open children’s eyes!

* The “Ambassador of Roma Integration” plaque is presented by the Amalipe Center at the end of the mandate to representatives of diplomatic missions who, with their consistent work and personal contribution, have contributed to the development of Roma integration policies in Bulgaria.

Cover photo: UNICEF Bulgaria/2026/Angel Spasov