“I Want to Study” Fund: Because Every Child Deserves a Chance
Every child who wants to study should have the opportunity to do so. This is the cause behind the “I Want to Study” Fund, established by Center Amalipe – a fund that changes lives. Created to support young people from vulnerable communities and low-income families, it provides funding for tuition fees and other educational needs of students who have the ambition and ability to continue their education but lack the financial means.
The fund exists because reality is difficult: Many young people abandon their dreams due to financial barriers or lack of support. Often, their parents cannot support them – either because they lack the resources, or because higher education was never part of their life path. Roma girls, in particular, are especially vulnerable, often facing double discrimination, yet they carry a tremendous potential for change.
For 2 years now, thanks to the donations of many people, we have been supporting students who apply and meet the conditions of the Program, have responsible behavior and dreams! Students who then set a good example among their communities. Since the last academic year, Prosveta Publishing House has been next to us providing scholarships for five of them. You have our deep thank for this!
What do the students say?
Their words are the true testament to the impact of this fund. Here are a few excerpts from the letters we received following the most recent progress report (yes, a report — because the “I Want to Study” Fund is not simply about transferring money. We expect students to stay motivated, maintain good academic performance, and we invite them to take part in volunteer activities):
“Over the past few months, I participated in many volunteer activities and events that helped me rediscover myself and motivated me even more to follow my dreams… This year was colorful and deeply important for my personal growth, and thanks to Amalipe, all my achievements became a reality.” — Sabina Mateva, Bulgarian Philology, St. Cyril and St. Methodius, University of Veliko Tarnovo
“During the past semester, I had the opportunity to put my knowledge into practice at a kindergarten. The hands-on training allowed me to work with children in a real-world setting and to apply what I had learned in theory. The time spent with the children passed by unnoticed — the shared moments with them gave me a deep sense of fulfillment in my work. In the upcoming semester, I will continue to give my maximum effort to achieve excellent results throughout my studies. Working with children requires dedication and taking on a great deal of responsibility. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to study at Sofia University and to learn from the faculty members there, who are truly competent and committed to their work.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you — the representatives of the organization — and to all the funders. Thank you for the support that is turning dreams into a beautiful reality.” — Lyudmila Kysheva, student at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
“I am extremely grateful to the organization, because thanks to it I have the opportunity to continue my education through the support of the ‘I Want to Study’ Fund. With the scholarship I received, I was able to pay my tuition fees, and I also managed to buy study materials and supplies. During the past semester, I encountered many new things, people, and knowledge. It was difficult and quite stressful for me to meet the others in my course at first, because I had prejudices about how they would perceive me and how they would behave once they found out I am of Roma origin. But it turned out that my fears were unnecessary — I fit in very well with the group and proved both to myself and to others that, even though I am of Roma origin, I am just as prepared as everyone else, showing motivation, knowledge, and good behavior. I’ve learned so much — not only about the subjects I’m studying at the university but also about life itself.
I took part in numerous events and trainings as a volunteer. I feel inspired and motivated to succeed and, in the future, to be a Roma woman — who graduated University. — Miglena Evlogieva, first-year student in Preschool Pedagogy, Konstantin Preslavsky, University of Shumen.
“I’m now in my second year at university, and for me, studying has been a dream come true. My third semester was filled with challenges, love, hate, tears, joyful moments, fears, and even disappointments. But all of it taught me to be more patient, sociable, and hungry for knowledge, for growth, and for building my confident self. The third semester wasn’t easy. I faced difficult moments when I questioned whether I should continue and whether I would make it — but I didn’t give up easily. I thought about how much effort I had put in to get this far and I didn’t want to give up so easily. I gritted my teeth and pushed through. Despite the tough times, I told myself I had to be an example — to show that we, Roma women, are capable. Life threw many challenges in my path, and I overcame them. I proved that a Roma woman can also be a role model.
I’m the only Roma woman in a group of 50 women in my program, and I shattered all the typical stereotypes about Roma people. Most of my fellow students support me and celebrate my every success. They admire me for choosing this path and I, in turn, show the girls from my community that dreams really do come true — if you truly want them to. Now, after successfully completing my third semester, I’m proud of the willpower and patience I showed in pursuing my studies. I’m grateful to know women with such big hearts and to have found myself among good people — people in whose eyes I see support and encouragement.
I am deeply thankful for the support of Prosveta Publishing House and Center Amalipe, for giving me the opportunity to receive a scholarship that makes my education easier and more achievable. Travel costs, tuition fees, and supplies would have been unbearable for my family, and university would have remained just a dream. Thank you!” — Aksenia Rankova, majoring in Preschool Pedagogy, Konstantin Preslavsky, University of Shumen
Why do we do it?
Because we believe that education is the shortest and definite path to independence, personal growth, and a dignified place in society.
Because we know that every motivated child deserves a chance.
Because Bulgaria needs educated, brave, and thoughtful young people — no matter where they come from.
What we have achieved so far:
- 21703 leva donations collected
- 14 scholarships in 2 years provided
How can you help, too?
If you believe in the power of knowledge and in every child’s right to education — you can make a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.
Bank details
- Bank: United Bulgarian Bank
- Address: 29A Vasil Levski Street, Veliko Tarnovo 5000, Bulgaria
- Bank code/SWIFT: UBBSBGSF IBAN: BG71 UBBS 8002 1043 2970 30
- Account holder: Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe”
- Purpose of payment: “I Want to Study” Fund
The future belongs to the educated children.
Educated people think critically.
Educated people inspire change.
Educated people are the hope for a better tomorrow.
Let’s give these young people a chance — together. Help now.
Prosveta Publishing House is the official partner of the “I Want to Study” Fund and Center Amalipe.