Amalipe’s Young Ambassadors of Tolerance issued a call for youth civic engagement to leading institutions and embassies

On the occasion of the International Roma Day on April 8th, President Rumen Radev, the Ambassadors of the USA, Great Britain, France, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, India, Unicef for Bulgaria, the Minister of Education Prof. Galin Tsokov, Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Ginka Mashova, met with students – winners of the youth contest “My Opinion Matters for United Europe”. They talked about the importance of youth civic participation, the challenges that young people (especially from the Roma community) face, whether girls and women in the Roma community need to overcome more barriers and where they can find support for this, the importance of education for better life and civic realization. The ambassadors also shared what motivated them and what attracted them to accept a high diplomatic post in Bulgaria, they were interested in how they can help Bulgarian youth and Roma integration initiatives. They expressed their gratitude to Center Amalipe for the many initiatives through which they become empathetic to the problems and ideas of young people and Roma.

The competition “My opinion matters for a united Europe” was organized by Center Amalipe with the support of the European Parliament. The aim of the competition is to encourage students to express their opinions on European values and how they correspond to their daily challenges and dreams. This year’s theme, “My opinion matters for a united Europe”, inspired over 100 participants to submit their written, video and visual material. Winners from all age groups in the three categories – essay, video and visual – were given the opportunity to become Ambassadors for a day. They took on the role of real diplomats and delivered the message of tolerance, equality and understanding in key institutions in the capital.

On 12 April, students “stepped into the shoes” of ambassadors, ministers and heads of representations. This was a special opportunity for the runners-up in the second and third age groups of the competition “My opinion matters for a united Europe”, which is implemented within the framework of the project “Promoting the participation of young people and vulnerable groups in the European Parliament elections”, implemented with the financial support of the EU.

Source: Administration of the President of Bulgaria

Quality education has a key role to play in developing young people’s potential and opening up their prospects for fulfilling their potential. This is what President Rumen Radev said when he met with Ayshe Bilyal and Zeyneb Akif, students from Tsanko B. Tserkovski” in the village of. Nikola Kozlevo. The video, which the girls created as part of the “My opinion matters for a united Europe” contest, won first place in the competition and the opportunity to be President for a day.

The President welcomed the civic engagement of young people and in this context highlighted the importance of education. It is important that Bulgarians, and especially our young people, have the self-confidence that they are equal Europeans and

their voice is as important as that of other citizens in Europe, Rumen Radev said. He congratulated the Roma community on the International Roma Day on 8th of April and Teodora Krumova stressed that young people can be truly free and feel full citizens only when they can freely express their identity. In order for this to be possible, it is necessary that the messages of tolerance come from the institutions themselves and that they strongly oppose hate speech, xenophobia and intolerance. This will give young people, who have enormous potential, an incentive to stay in Bulgaria and develop here. And that is why it is important for these messages to be heard precisely from the presidential institution.

The Head of State noted the traditional support of the presidential institution for the efforts to promote the development of young people and their participation in public life. President Radev appreciated the active work of Amalipe and the results achieved in preventing young people from dropping out of school education, especially Roma youth, youth from vulnerable communities and rural areas.

At the meeting, the students Ayşe Bilyal and Zeyneb Akif presented the idea of the video with which they won a prize in the competition. It addresses two issues: the theme of equality and overcoming prejudice in education and society in general, as well as the theme of women’s equality, their right to vote and to participate in public life. The topic is even more important in the Roma community, where women still have to overcome many barriers. Both girls shared their experiences as volunteers who have initiated a number of similar activities – to prevent early marriages, to encourage minority women to get higher education, etc. They also shared their future plans for their education and career.

Maria Balcheva, a teacher at “Tsanko B. Tserkovski” school, who presented Nikola Kozlevo village and the successes it has achieved. Teodora Krumova noted that the support of institutions is extremely important in the efforts of every child to believe in himself and his abilities, regardless of where he lives and what his environment is. President Radev supported this statement by stressing that Amalipe has managed to push many successful models, but from now on it is the role of the institutions to reach these models to every school.

The meeting ended with an invitation to the President to return the visit and visit the school in Nikola Kozlevo.

Minister of Education and Science prof. Tsokov, received in his office some of the winners of the competition “My opinion matters in united Europe” – Mariana Andonova from a vocational high school in Yambol, Leilya Simeonova from the primary school “Tsanko Tserkovski” in Sredishte and Nazla Nikolaeva from the United School “Hristo Botev” in the village of Tsonevo, region of Varna. With them were also the teachers Sibel Emilova and Turkian Yumer, as well as the chairman of the Center for Interethnic Tolerance and Dialogue “Amalipe” Deyan Kolev.

“Everyone’s voice matters, especially those currently in the education system. Because they should not only be enriched with knowledge, but also develop as individuals,” said prof. Tsokov. In his words, students’ opinions, ideas and dreams are a reflection of society. He pointed out that this is why the main priority is the changes in pre-school and school education, which will make students not only knowledgeable, but also have developed skills for life, including decision-making. Deyan Kolev noted that over 100 students participated in the competition with works on topical issues. He noted that young people experience everything in our daily lives. “They have a desire to change the world, we have a new generation that can only energize us,” said Deyan Kolev. He brought up the topic of changing the functioning of most student parliaments, with students being free to choose their own leaders in them, voting as they see fit.

 

Source: Ministry of Education and Science

 

Source: Ministry of Education and Science

The student Ivan Ivanov from the “Nikola Obreshkov” secondary school in the town Kazanlak amazed the US Embassy in Bulgaria with his unparalleled talent and commitment. In the framework of the initiative “Ambassador for one day”, organized by Center Amalipe, Ivan had the unique opportunity to meet part of the team of the US Embassy in Bulgaria and see from the inside how it works. On 12 April Ivan was warmly welcomed by the Embassy team. Diplomats introduced him to a wide range of professionals and diplomats from different sectors who did not hide their admiration for his achievements and skills. Not only was Ivan’s talent universally impressive, but also his command of the English language, which was at a level worthy of high praise. The Embassy representatives shared their experience and the way they reached their high positions. Ivan received valuable guidance on the diplomatic career and the duties associated with it, and was promised that if he continues to learn and develop in this way, he can also find a place among the professionals of the institution.

Denitsa Ivanova from Center “Amalipe” expressed gratitude to the Embassy for their continuous support and financial support of the project “Intercultural Academy for Citizenship and Tolerance”, in which Ivan actively participates as a peer educator. Thanks to this project, many young people across the country have learned more about their rights, developed as more active citizens and rediscovered their leadership skills.

British Ambassador Rob Dixon and Embassy officials welcomed Nadia Dimitrova and Kamelia Ilinkova, students at the “Otets Paisii” Secondary School in Medkovets village. With them were also their teacher Tashko Kirilov, as well as the chairman of Center Amalipe, Deyan Kolev. Ambassador Dixon stressed that the UK Embassy has always supported Amalipe’s initiatives and efforts for Roma integration. In a frank and casual conversation, he shared stories from his life – what he studied, how he became an ambassador, what he likes about this position and what are the difficulties. It turned out that H.E. Dixon never actually dreamed of being an ambassador. He was educated at a school where the majority of pupils were British and of Pakistani origin and many of them left school as soon as they turned 16. Education was very important to him and he received support from his family even though he was the first graduate in it.

Deyan Kolev thanked Ambassador Dixon for his active participation in the Ambassadorial Group on Roma Issues. He expressed his hope that the new British Ambassador will continue the permanent support for the equality of the Roma community, as well as the partnership with the Amalipe Centre.

 

 

The Ambassador of France in Bulgaria Joël Mayer congratulated Pavlina Dimitrova, a student at “Dobri Zhelyazkov” Secondary School in Sliven, who is one of the winners of the competition “My opinion matters for a united Europe” with an essay on the fight against early marriages among young girls. Equality and women’s rights are among the priorities of the French Embassy and French diplomacy. Pavlina Dimitrova also visited the French Institute in Bulgaria, the Embassy and the Consulate of France in the framework of the Ambassador for a Day programme. The Ambassador thanked Amalipe for organizing this competition and for organizing these visits.

 

Source: Embassy of France in Bulgaria

 

Source: Embassy of France in Bulgaria

On April 12, H.E. Frederic Möris, Ambassador of Belgium in Bulgaria, hosted one of the winners of the “My opinion matters for a united Europe!” contest, organized by the Center Amalipe. The Embassy team had the pleasure to hold a discussion with Assen Asenov, a 15-year-old student from the “Nikola Obreshkov” Profiled Natural and Mathematical High School, within the framework of the “Ambassador of Tolerance” initiative. The entire Embassy team congratulated him on his award and various topics ranging from his aspirations, Bulgarian society and the work of the Embassy were discussed. The Embassy of Belgium thanked for once again being a participant as an institution in the Amalipe Center’s initiative organized to promote inclusion and tolerance in Bulgarian society.

Source: Embassy of Belgium in Bulgaria

Source: Embassy of Belgium in Bulgaria

Source: Embassy of Belgium in Bulgaria

Source: Embassy of Denmark in Bulgaria

16-year-old Assen from Yambol visited the Embassy of Denmark in Bulgaria and was personally welcomed by H.Е. Jes Brogaard Nielsen. The reason for his visit was his participation in the competition “My opinion matters for a united Europe”, organized by the Center Amalipe. In this initiative, students from the Roma community all over Bulgaria visit embassies, ministries and other institutions, and the main topic of conversation during the visit was democratic participation especially in the upcoming European elections. During his visit, Assen also met with Embassy staff. The day was interesting and full of new information. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Sofia expressed its gratitude to Amalipe Center for the creation of this initiative and to Assen for his participation.

The winners of the Amalipe competition – Lyutkan Sedefov and Kyamil Emin from the primary school in Maglizh and Kremena Prodanova and Stanimira Georgieva, students in the village were visiting the Embassy of Spain in Bulgaria. The pupils and their chaperones, as well as the pedagogical coordinator Silvia Stancheva from Amalipe Center were very warmly welcomed.
H.E. Miguel Alonso Berrio congratulated the young winners, talked to them about their dreams and told them in a frank conversation about his path from student to ambassador. The group also visited the Embassy’s Education Department where they were further inspired to realize their dreams. One of the boys already knows what he wants to become – a translator. And the Embassy praised the organizers, Center Amalipe, for all they do for young people and promised to open their doors in the future.

 

 

Source: Embassy of Spain in Bulgaria

 

Source: Embassy of Spain in Bulgaria

Galina Vassileva and Gloria Georgieva, students from the Proffesional School of Agriculture and Foor Technologies – winners in the video category visited the Embassy of India. They were accompanied by educational mediator Angel Angelov and regional coordinator at the Center Amalipe Zhanna Vassileva. The Ambassadors of Tolerance were welcomed very warmly by H.E. Sanjay Rana and the Embassy staff. The meeting was held in the conference hall where the staff of the Embassy of India presented a presentation in which they talked about India, its landmarks, holidays and festivals. After the presentation on India, Galina and Gloria were given the floor to share about the video they made, the message they expressed through it and that was “Education!”- how important it is for all children to learn and make their dreams come true. Educational mediator Angel Angelov performed the Roma anthem “Djelem – Djelem”. Н. Envoy Mr. Sanjay Rana and the Indian Embassy officials promised to attend the Nineteenth edition of the Roma Children’s Festival “Open Heart” in Veliko Tarnovo.

 

 

Source: Embassy of India in Bulgaria

 

Source: Embassy of India in Bulgaria

Source: MLSP Press

Source: MLSP Press

The students Velichka Stefanova, Zlatka Ali and Tsvetan Tinkov from the Proffesional School of Chemical and Food Technologies, Sofia. The winners of the student competition “My opinion matters for a united Europe” were excited to set foot in the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria. Velichka Stefanova, Zlatka Ali and Tsvetan Tinkov were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Yordanka Chobanova – Head of the Representation, who invited them to her office. They looked around with admiration, enjoying the atmosphere of the place where the policies of the European Union are born and shaped. Mrs. Chobanova took an active interest in the activities of the guests’ school.She got acquainted with the long-standing cooperation of the Centre Amalipe with the Professional School of Chemical and Food Technologies of Pazardzhik. The students proudly told about their participation in various initiatives and campaigns organized by the school, which not only develop their professional orientation, but also prepare them for active citizenship in the European context. The shared motivation of Velichka, Zlatka and Tsvetan did not go unnoticed. They talked about their eagerness to be part of the larger educational community, to get involved in educational programs and to continue their development as young educators.

 

Source: EC Representation in Bulgaria

 

Source: EC Representation in Bulgaria

 

Source: EC Representation in Bulgaria

 

Source: EC Representation in Bulgaria