On January 14, 2025 at the Ministry of Education and Science was held an official award ceremony for the winners of the competition “Educational mediator of the year”, organized by the Center “Amalipe”. The event gave well-deserved recognition to the efforts and achievements of educational mediators who play a key role in supporting students and their families.
The ceremony started with a welcome by the Deputy Minister of Education and Science Dr. Emilia Lazarova, who stressed the importance of the work of educational mediators. “It is my pleasure to award these outstanding professionals who work tirelessly for the integration of all children in the education system. Thanks to their dedication, students’ results are improving and the reach of children in the system is growing. The work of the mediators is fundamental to the overall progress of the education system in Bulgaria,” she said. Dr Lazarova also highlighted the changes made to the Funding Ordinance, which ensure the sustainability of the mediators’ work.
After the speech took the chairman of the Center “Amalipe” Mr. Deyan Kolev, who expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for the support. “Thanks to your help, the profession of “educational mediator” is now included in the official list of professions, and the provision of sustainable funding allows these professionals to continue their important work”, said Mr Kolev. He also stressed the key role of mediators in keeping children in education and raising their performance.
The Deputy Minister Dr. Lazarova awarded the grand prize to Krasimir Hristov from the Vocational School of Light Industry in Montana, as well as to Minka Arnaudova from the Hristo Botev Primary School in Muglizh, who are both winners this year. Five other mediators were also awarded for outstanding achievements in different fields. All 11 contestants received certificates in recognition of their contribution.
“These professionals have an indispensable role, working tirelessly for the integration and support of all children, regardless of their background or social status,” added Dr Lazarova. She recalled that the number of appointed mediators in the system of pre-school and school education has increased significantly, reaching 1308 in the school year 2024/2025.
The event ended with an ethno-cultural program presented by students from the Vocational School of Chemical and Food Technologies in Pazardzhik. They performed traditional dances and songs in honour of Vasilitsa – the Roma New Year.
The competition “Educational mediator of the year” is held by Center “Amalipe” for the fourth consecutive year. Its aim is to promote the role of mediators in the education system and to give deserved recognition to their work. Each year the initiative attracts more and more attention and involvement among both professionals and the general public.
